“Mrs. Carter’s new play [“Adrea”] is written and I am already at work on yours [“The Girl of the Golden West”]. I am crazy to see you and go over the story before I get at the dialogue. As soon as Mrs. Carter’s play is produced I shall join ‘The Darling of the Gods’ for a few weeks, as we must have a lot of talks together. I am going to do something bully for you,—a part that you will love. Won’t you be happy when you are again playing in New York at the home theatre!
“Keep well. Love to your mother,—and remember I am
“Always your friend,
“David Belasco.”
(David Belasco to David James, Jr., in London.)
“Belasco Theatre,
“New York, October 14, 1904.
“My dear David James:—
“Yours of October the 1st received. Yes, I did answer your former letter. No doubt it followed you about and was finally lost. Things theatrical are in a very bad way over here just now, and I am still in the midst of a big combat with what is known as the Theatrical Syndicate—a combination of men who have got together to disgrace the Stage and commercialize it, root and branch. It is rule or ruin with them, and unless they can force a heavy tribute from a man he is blacklisted forthwith. I am fortunate enough to be on their blacklist, and consequently am obliged, for the present, to move with cautious steps and to make no more productions than I can safely place. But it is to be hoped that a season or two will see the lifting of this dark cloud. When that time comes, I shall be only too happy to introduce you in this country. I know your work and I feel sure that you would make yourself heard over here had you the opportunity. Will you not drop me a line now and then? I am always pleased to hear from you.
“Faithfully yours,
“David Belasco.”
(David Belasco to Peter Robertson, San Francisco.)
“Belasco Theatre, New York,
“April 25, 1904.