SCHEDULE 14A
                                 (Rule 14a-101)
                    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
                                (Amendment No. )

Filed by the registrant  /X/
Filed by a party other than the registrant  /  /

Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary proxy statement    / / Confidential,  for Use of the Commission 
/ / Definitive  proxy  statement       Only  (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
/X/ Definitive  additional  materials  
/ / Soliciting  material  pursuant  to  Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12

                                  Ashland Inc.
                (Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

                       Board of Directors of Ashland Inc.
                   (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)

Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):
/X/    No fee required.
/ /    Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

(1)    Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

(2)    Aggregate number of securities to which transactions applies:

(3)    Per unit  price  or other  underlying  value  of  transaction  computed
       pursuant to  Exchange  Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
       filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

(4)    Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

(5)    Total fee paid:

/  /   Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:
/  /   Check box if any part of the fee is offset as  provided  by  Exchange
       Act Rule  0-11(a)(2)  and identify the filing for which the  offsetting
       fee was paid  previously.  Identify the previous filing by registration
       statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.

(1)    Amount previously paid:

(2)    Form, schedule or registration statement no.:   Definitive Proxy

(3)    Filing party:   Board of Directors of Ashland Inc.

(4)    Date filed:   December 13, 1996






                                        January 7, 1997



IF YOU HAVE ALREADY SENT IN YOUR
PROXY, PLEASE DISREGARD THIS LETTER


A REMINDER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF ASHLAND INC.


         We have  previously  sent to you a Proxy  Statement dated December
16, 1996 and proxy card relating to the Annual Meeting of  Shareholders  to
be held on Thursday, January 30, 1997.

         According to our records,  we have not to date received your proxy
card. Since the time before the meeting is short, we urge you to review the
Proxy  Statement and send in your proxy card promptly.  A new proxy card is
enclosed for your convenience.

         As  noted  in  the  Proxy  Statement,   Ashland   recommends  that
shareholders  vote FOR  Proposals  1, 2, and 3 and AGAINST  Proposal 4. The
reasons  for  these   proposals,   and  their   possible   advantages   and
disadvantages,  are  discussed  in detail in the  Proxy  Statement,  and we
encourage you to review  carefully that  discussion.  If you have misplaced
your copy of the Proxy  Statement and would like another copy,  please call
the following  toll free number  (1-800-662-5200)  and we will mail another
copy to you.

         Please complete, date, sign and promptly return the enclosed proxy
card in the stamped,  self-addressed envelope provided. If you have already
sent in your proxy card and Ashland  receives  another  proxy card from you
for the same shares, the latest dated proxy card will be voted.

         Thank you for your cooperation.


                                        Sincerely,


                                        /s/  Thomas L. Feazell
                                        Thomas L. Feazell
Enclosures