TLS: Monday, January 13, 1919

West Point Pleasant, N.J.
January 13, 1919

My dear Mr. Madden:

In the same mail with your letter one also came from Williams. With the understanding that this information is to be strictly confidential between us, I quote you the following from his letter: "As I wrote you in my last letter, I am held up for the production of "Beyond The Horizon" until I can cast the play with John and Lionel Barrymore. Each is bound to a play at present. But they mean so much to your piece that they are well worth waiting for."

For the rest, he totally ignores the reference in my letter to him of the payment due. The remainder of this letter is of no importance - an inquiry in regard to my new play, completed some months ago, but as yet untyped and unsubmitted.

This plan for casting my play, which is a drama of two brothers, has been his idea from the first. A gorgeous project, undeniably, with success stamped on the face of it! The doubt in my mind is whether he can put it through or not. And if he can, then when? He is very vague about such details. But I know the two brothers have read the play, and are enthusiastic about it from all accounts.

So there you are. Perhaps you have heard something of all this. There have been vague rumors enough floating about which have come back to my ears. I write you all this in strictest confidence because, now that you are concerned in the matter, you ought to have all the cards on the table. And I would be very grateful for any further light you can throw on this subject.

I have answered Williams' letter and told him that you had charge of "Beyond The Horizon". I mentioned that I had been intending this step for some time. I didn't want him to think it was done out of any sudden suspicion about his sincerity - which it truly was not.

With very best regards,

Very sincerely yours,

Eugene G. O'Neill