(Washington, D.C.), no date. Six sheets, removed from paid (still connected at top), 8 x 5 in. (203 x 127 mm). Draft autograph letter (on rectos only) by United States Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins (the first woman appointed to a cabinet position), addressed to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. With original Department of Labor mailing envelope addressed to the President, docketed on flap "Keep for private file", presumably in Perkins's hand. Several emendations by Perkins; creasing from old folds.

In part: "My dear Mr. President, Thank you for what you have done for the people...your life has been one of growth, that is why you have been able to never up & up the degree of responsibility...I have a firm belief that when you 'step down' you will but move into a new career growing naturally out of your present one...God will guide you to another kind of service to his people. I cherish my friendship with you..."

Frances Perkins (1880-1965) was a labor rights activist instrumental in Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal administration. She served as his Secretary of the Labor Department from 1933-45--the first woman appointed to a Presidential cabinet position. In this capacity she was heavily involved in the creation of Social Security, unemployment insurance, and the federal minimum wage.