TLS: Saturday, October 11, 1919

Provincetown, Mass.
Oct. 11, 1919.

My dear Madden:

No word from you this week! Haven't either Tyler or the Selwyns declared themselves yet on "The Straw"? And what in the devil is Williams doing? It seems to me you ought to have heard something from him in regard to "Beyond" unless he has given up all idea of doing the play. It is terribly important to me that I hear his decision -- and that he be compelled to make one -- at the very earliest moment. The publisher is writing me asking for dope as to when he should get the book out and I am completely at a loss what to tell him -- and in the meantime he is holding up his own plans in regard to it. So won't you kindly try to get Williams to state whether he is going to come across with the guarantees -- or give up the play on Dec. 1st.

Is there any danger that he will go ahead and produce the play in Chicago regardless, do you think? He might take the chance that after it was once produced I might not take it from him. But I want it understood that the Chi matter has not my consent as it stands and never can have.

Please do let me hear form you.

With very sincerest regards,

Very sincerely yours,

Eugene O'Neill.