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                                                                    Exhibit 15.1


November 14, 2002


The Board of Directors
United Stationers Inc.

We are aware of the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
on Form S-8 of United Stationers Inc. for the registration 3,700,000 shares
of its Common Stock in connection with United Stationers Inc. 2000 Management
Equity Plan (as amended and restated as of July 31, 2002), 270,000 shares of
its Common Stock in connection with United Stationers Inc. Retention Grant
Plan, and 160,000 shares of its Common Stock in connection with United
Stationers Inc. Directors Grant Plan of our report dated October 23, 2002
relating to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements
of United Stationers Inc. that are included in its Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 2002.

Pursuant to Rule 436(c) of the Securities Act of 1933 our report is not part of
the registration statement prepared or certified by accountants within the
meaning of Section 7 or 11 of the Securities Act of 1933.


                                                 /s/ Ernst & Young LLP