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“Frances says that there's nothing in it and that she can't do it anyhow.”

On February 1, 1933 I wrote to Roosevelt saving,

Dear F.D.R.

You are quoted as saying that the newspaper predictions on Cabinet posts are 80% wrong. I write to say that what they've been printing about me is among the 80% of incorrect items.

I've had my “kick” out of the gratifying letters etc. but for your own sake and that of the U.S.A. I think that someone straight from the ranks of some group of organized workers should be appointed--to establish firmly the principle that labor is in the President's councils. John Frey of the Moulders Union or Ed. McGrady--Legislative Agent of the A.F. of L. are really first class people and would be a help to you and keep you realistically closely aware of the fundamental needs and aspirations of the workers. Administration is relatively unimportant in the Labor Department.

I do beg you to think of the future importance of maintaining that principle. Whatever I might furnish in the way of ideas, etc. are yours at any time & ad. lib. without the necessity of appointing me to anything. I think you know that.

I have read the newspaper reports and comments about me with growing consternation. Perhaps this consternation was unnecessary but I decided to forget manners and write you honestly--that my opinion is against the idea.

I am not even thinking of the many grave personal difficulties for me--although they might seriously impair my usefulness to you--but am offering this advice for the real advantage of your administration and for the permanent improvement of the status of labor in this country.

Faithfully your friend, Frances Perkins