issued an address stating that he would not oppose the sitting member. As a result, both Richard and David Davies Llandinam offered themselves as candidates. On his arrival in Cardiganshire, Richard immediately visited Gogerddan to seek the views of the Pryse family and, as a result announced his candidature. The influence of Gogerddan was very strong in Aberystwyth and throughout the north of the county, and also particularly hostile to David Davies. Their support for Richard was influenced by their hostility towards Davies. A selection meeting was arranged to be held at Aberaeron, but shortly before this took place, Powell again announced his retirement. Richard's agents visited Bronwydd to ascertain Lloyd's intentions and, on understanding that Lloyd would now fight the seat after all, Richard withdrew in his favour. David Davies, however, did not withdraw and in his speech accepting nomination was particularly critical of Richard's decision to withdraw. Davies came within 361 votes of victory. 1868 general election In 1868 Henry Richard was elected Liberal member of parliament for the Merthyr boroughs in South Wales, Member of Parliament Following his election, Richard become known as one of the foremost nonconformists in the House of Commons. Here he was a leading member of the party which advocated the removal of Nonconformist grievances and the disestablishment of the church in Wales. Chairman of the Congregational Union In 1877, Richard was appointed chairman of the Congregational Union of England and Wales. Author and journalist Among Richard's writings may be mentioned: Defensive War (1846 and 1890) The Recent Progress of International Arbitration (1884) on the subject of peace and conflict Memoirs of Joseph Sturge (1864) in memory of the abolitionist and founder of the mid-nineteenth century Anti-Slavery Society, the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade; Letters on the Social and Political Condition of the Principality of Wales (1866 and 1884) reflecting his love of Wales; He also prepared some of the material for the life of his friend and associate, Richard Cobden, which was written by John Morley, later Lord Morley. In the field of journalism he contributed to the Morning Star and the Evening Star. Abolitionist Less well known for his anti-slavery work and unable to support the American Civil War as an appropriate means to end slavery, Henry Richard was nevertheless respected in this field. Indeed, a few weeks after his death, the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society