Solicitation for contribution for circulation of publications and organization, August 30, 1875 from Union Republican Congressional Executive Committee to Attorney General Edwards Pierrepont

The URCEC, after being active in the 1866 elections, opened an office in Washington, D.C. in 1867 to build its membership in the South among freed slaves, immigrants and former rebels in the face of the growing power of President Andrew Johnson (whom the same Republicans would later impeach). To raise money to print and mail propaganda and send both black and white speakers around the Southern states under the direction of the Union Leagues of America, it issued "assessments" on Republican officeholders, employees of Congress and state Republican organizations. (It also distributed anti-Catholic literature such as "Vaticanism in Germany and the United States.") The letter was sent in August 1875 by URCEC secretary J.M. Edmunds to Edwards Pierrepont, then four months into what would become a 13-month term as attorney general of the U.S. under President Ulysses Grant. It reads: "In view of the approaching and pending elections, this committee has been directed to provide for thorough reorganization of the Republican party, and the circulation of pertinent publications. To aid in the necessary expenses attendant upon this work, the committee solicits from you a contribution in money." 8 x 9 1/2". Original folds, very good.…