Eleanor Roosevelt to Sidney Hillman, July 27, 1945

Dear Mr. Hillman:

​     I have given long and serious consideration to the very kind offer which you and the Board made to me.

​     Needless to say I am deeply interested in the possibilities on NCPAC, and in the program of work which I feel would not achieve its maximum influence if I became its chairman. I would bring additional difficulties and no great strength. As you went out the other night, I told you the things which I felt needed to be considered.

​     I think that if I speak for you and I am available for consultation unofficially at any time, when any of your workers feel I can be of use, I will be doing you more service than if I actually undertake to give you part of my time as your chairman. I have decided that if I became chairman instead of being helpful with the Democratic Party, it would alienate the Democratic Party and I think it is important to keep the Democratic Party close to both the CIO-PAC and the NC-PAC.

​     I shall not take the chairmanship or the presidency of any organization at present. I shall do what writing and radio work I can to forward the general ideas which seem to me to be emerging as the important ideas of this period when we hope to begin building peace.

​     I think I may do a considerable amount of travelling [sic] which is a further reason for not feeling it right at the present time to affiliate in any responsible administrative capacity with any organization.

​     With the deepest appreciation of the confidence which you and your board have shown me, and the hope that I may be of real value to you in the future, even though I am foregoing the honor of being your chairman, I am,