Bill Smith Letters

In October 1943, L.E. Faulkner, the vice-president of Mississippi Central Railroad, started writing the Bill Smith Letters. With the motto "Put first things first. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty," the letters were written with the intention of representing the feelings of the average American. His letters promoted capitalism, the fight against communism, and citizens' rights. Faulkner was vigilant in his mission of identifying communist activity in the states, whether it was relating to local education or statewide civil rights efforts.

Faulkner published 18 letters penned by the fictional Bill Smith. These letters were distributed to businesses around the United States for circulation among the white, male employees. After two years of production, over 250,000 Bill Smith Letters had been circulated across the country.

Invoice on Mississippi Central railroad company letterhead. Form 64 5 AM four Dash 43 catching Natchez Mississippi central railroad company Natchez route Hattiesburg Mississippi April 20, 1940 for our W Fox purchasing agent order number 51574 requisition number RWF Ladimir printing company Hattiesburg Mississippi please ship the following to Mississippi central railroad company RW Fox, purchasing agent Hattiesburg Mississippi<br />
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Mail invoices in triplicate and original bill of lading or express receipt direct to purchase agent quoting above order number address all communications concerning this order to the purchasing agent.<br />
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Mark on your bill and each package the order number and number of person to whom shipped right is reserve to cancel this order if not shipped promptly no charge for package or drayage will be allowed express charges will not be paid by this company unless shipment is ordered by express all timbers and lumber brought subject to our inspection either at point of delivery to this line or at destination as may be arranged rejected material is subject to immediate disposition of shipper at regular freight rates if disposition is not properly furnished no further care will be given such material<br />
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Quantity 20,000 description Bill Smith letters in titled Bill Smith and free enterprise to be printed in folder form 17“ x 11“ and folder two 8 1/2“ x 11“ letter number four for records<br />
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Kylie acknowledge receipt and advise when shipment will be made yours truly copy signed r W Fox purchasing agent

Invoice for printing 20,000 copies of Bill Smith Letter 4 on Mississippi Central letterhead, April 20, 1944