Letter from Harry S. Truman to Eleanor Roosevelt

Jruman,71. fay THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON flow October 12, 1949 Dear Mrs. Roosevelt: I read your thoughtful letter of the sixth with a great deal of interest. You have, I believe, stated with great clarity the factors which enter into a political situation which must be handled with the utmost tact and discretion. I want to do everything within ny power to help, particularly in supporting the candidacy of Governor Lehman. I have been in conference with both Paul Fitzpatrick and Ed Flynn on the subject. I coming to New York on October twenty- fourth to lay the cornerstone of the United Nations Building and I understand that I an to have luncheon with Mayor O*Dayer at Gracie Mansion and that both you and Governor Lehman will be present. It may be possible for us to have a little conversation which will be helpful. Paul Fitzpatrick indicated, wisely I thought, that he did not want ne to cone into the State of New York in a manner that indicated Governor Lehman was in distress and needed help. of course, if the Democratic organization finally decides that my presence will be helpful, I shall be standing by to aid in any manner that can be of real help. What I must avoid under all circunstances is any act or gesture which could be construed as unwarranted interference by an outsider. I certainly want to see Governor Lehman win and an ready and anxious to make whatever contribution I can to achieve that happy result. I was in Charlottesville over the last week end and paid a call on Mrs. Watson. I greatly admired a picture of you and the President -- an informal one taken at the table and autographed by both of you. Very generously she gave it to ne. I shall always treasure it. I think it is far and away the best picture I have ever seen of you and the President together. With every good wish, Very sincerely yours Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, 29 Washington Square, West, New York 11, N. Y. throughout