Augusta, Maine, Jany 19th, 1920.

Gov T. W. Bickett
Raleigh, NC

Supreme court has granted Rhodeisland as sovereign state permission to sue Unitedstates to test validity of eighteenth amendment to federal constitution which was ratified by forty five states including NC and main. The right of these states to assist in amendment of Federal constitutional and protect themselves against encroachment of liquor traffic if reestablished in other states is directly involved in this suit. I have reason to believe that counsel of prominent character ably and reputation can be secured by our states to government in defense. you Will you join me in request to department of justice to allow our states to unite with federal government in defense of the amendment. No expense to your state will be involved. If you approve suggestion we will correspond by wire as to particulars of proposed plan. Please wire answer charges collect.

Carl E Milliken
Governor of Maine
11p