TLS: Tuesday, September 09, 1919

Provincetown, Mass.
Sept 9, 1919.

My dear Madden:

I want to be fair and give Williams every consideration in the matter of "The Straw". If he really is involved so deeply with "Beyond" that this halving of the regular advance would make a difference to him -- be of help -- then I am quite willing to do my bit and accept the first part of his proposition. But the option he wants -- Feb. 1st to Sept. 1st -- is another matter. The strain of the present outlay for "Beyond" ought not to apply to that later date. The time his suggested renewal would cover is long. Next Sept. 1st would give him "The Straw" right into another season. Therefore I suggest that you propose a payment of $500 on Feb. 1st to hold the play until next Sept. 1st. If Williams wishes to be fair to me, he can hardly object to this. It's fifty-fifty. The half of the regular advance which I relinquish now he could return to me then in mid-season when his bankroll is not "all going out".

What do you think of this idea? Williams must realize that this proposal is a real sacrifice for me. As you can well imagine, I honestly need all the money I can grab -- right now! In fact, I'm quite positive my need is a darn sight more actual than his.

If he sticks to $250 on Feb. 1st, then I would insist that the option expire next spring -- May 15th, say. This would give me a fair chance to resell the play during the spring and summer if he should let it drop.

You are acquainted with all sides of this "Straw" question from a practical standpoint -- (its chances elsewhere, etc.) Let me know what your advice is. I need it badly. I want to be fair to Williams -- and to myself.

Williams has not yet answered my letter in regard to the possibility of my enforced absence from a part of the rehearsals of "Beyond". When you see John D. will you kindly say that I still hope to receive some word on the subject? The Event in this man's family promises to transpire around the middle of the month. Please inform me as soon as you know definitely what date rehearsals start, who are cast for the other principal roles, etc.

I see the strike is over, praise be! We ought to get action now on the casting of "Chris" as well as "Beyond".

With very best regards,

Very sincerely yours,

Eugene O'Neill.