TOBACCO ASSOCIATION
OF THE
UNITED STATES
Richmond, Va. August 21st, 1918
Governor Thomas W. Bickett,
Raleigh, N.C.
Dear Sir:
The Tobacco Association is trying to put into operation a plan by which farmers, when they bring their tobacco to market, will be solicited to contribute to the Red Cross either a small portion of their tobacco or a per centage of the money which they get therefrom, this fund to go to the local Chapter.
Tobacco is bringing a very high price, and this high price is absolutely due to the activity of tobacco on account of the war, and it seems to this organization that it is very appropriate that the farmers should make a donation to this great cause at the time they sell their tobacco. I have written to the chairmen of the Red Cross at places where there are tobacco markets in North Carolina, a list of which is herewith enclosed. I believe it will be a great assistance to this movement if you would write a strong endorsement of same and get your Secretary to send it around to the newspapers published in the districts in which these tobacco markets are situated. I would also very much appreciate it if you would ask the Chairmen of the Red Cross for North Carolina to write to the chairmen at the places where the tobacco markets are situated, urging them to give due heed to a letter which I have just addressed to the “Chairmen of the Red Cross,” asking their co-operation with the tobacco people in this movement. The effect of this will be that they will get the letter more promptly possibly and it will stir up greater interest if the State Chairman will take some notice of it.
Thanking you in advance for your co-operation in this matter, as the Tobacco Association is bending every effort to secure a large fund for the great cause of the Red Cross in the manner described above, I am
Very truly yours
Enc-