Fitch at this time (in 1897) was not especially prosperous. Two years earlier he had come to me with an idea of making a play out of the story of Nathan Hale's life. I had told him I thought it an excellent subject and to go ahead. When he finished the play he decided it was beyond my capabilities and submitted it instead to E. H. Sothern—who turned it down! Then he went to Mansfield with the script and again met with no encouragement. From Mansfield he peddled "Nathan Hale" to each of the three Frohmans—and they unanimously voted it no good.
Thus it transpired that I was in no friendly mood when I received the following letter:—
154, West Fifty-Seventh St.
Oct. 24, 1897.
My dear Mr. Goodwin,
I am just returned to N.Y. & I am glad to find you here, at least I shall be glad if you let me read you my new play—"Nathan Hale"—& dont escape me as you did so successfully in London. If you liked the scheme & story at all, I feel pretty sure you will like the play itself twice as well, & if you had been at the new Columbia College the other day when they unveiled a bas relief of Knowlton—one of my characters—& heard the tremendous enthusiasm at the slightest mention of Hale, I think your interest in the play & subject would have immensely increased.
I can read it in two hours—or less, you can send me away as soon after I start as you like, if you dont care about it. I've no desire to choke the play down yr throat. All I want you to do is take one chance in it! & right away, as I am back here to sell this play to somebody & dont want to waste time. Wont you give me an appointment tomorrow? or the next day? or the next? (Any hour you like.) Go on! Do!
Yours,
Clyde Fitch
I must tell you the girl's part comes out rather important, but I hope you won't mind that.