TLS: Thursday, November 13, 1919

Provincetown, Mass.
Nov. 13, 1919.

My dear Madden:

The following note from Tyler reached me today: "Of course I will produce "The Straw". The only difficulty is to tell you when." Then he speaks of the terrible jamb in the booking making it impossible to plan ahead with any certainty. He winds up by saying: "Why not let the matter wait for a little while -- until we se how the season developes?"

Now I have written him saying that the time element need not worry him -- that we will make all due allowance for the booking troubles and give him all the leeway that seems necessary -- what I said in my last letter to you. But I told him I was very anxious to get a contract signed as I need the advance money -- and there's devil a lie in that statement! And I asked him as a favor to see you as soon as possible and arrange matters.

Well, "The Straw" is accepted anyway, and by a man well able to give it a fair chance. I take my hat off to him for his courage. It's a great comfort to know it's placed -- my pet play -- and now -- on with "Gold"!

Since I didn't hear from you today I conclude John D. had nothing to offer in the way of "Beyond" developements -- which is what I expected from him. Has Bennett even got a foothold in Chicago with the Rice play yet?

With very kindest regards,

Sincerely,

Eugene O'Neill.