Autograph Letter Signed (partial)

This American playwright sometimes touted as the first to make a living exclusively from playwriting was a Pittsburgh journalist and drama critic whose 1871 play "Through Fire" proved a hit; further plays such as "Peril," "Fate," "Risks," "The Virginian," "The Big Bonanza," "My Partner," "The Galley Slave," "The White Slave" and "Siberia" gained him national attention, though he died in a New York insane asylum. Good content ALS (partial), 1p, 8" X 10", Pittsburgh, PA, n.y. Addressed to "Mr. Haverly (J.K. Haverly, 1837-1901), noted theatrical entrepreneur and blackface minstrel show promoter. Fair only. Paper loss at upper right corner, thus portion of printed letterhead, date and perhaps a half dozen words missing; lightly soiled, with numerous small tape stains (mainly on verso) and neat archival reinforcements on weakened folds (again on verso) -- see website image. Superb content regarding Campbell's latest play, reading in part: "Am just putting the fi[nishing] touches to an entirely new, and original [play] entitled 'Clio'. The third act is sp[ecial] with ballet and marches. It is a D[rama] with a plot and a strong human in[terest] involving only one great scene. This of course would have to be painted. If you consent to get it up and furnish costumes, I will furnish play, dramatic cast and half of the ballet on a reasonable percentage. It ought to run longer than 'Baba' and to a great deal more money. It is a new idea, and cannot fail, if properly presented. Let me have an early reply, as I will do it in the East in case you do not want it." Boldly signed at the close, with lengthy initialed postscript on verso which notes among other things that "The cost will include Rosakand and the leading members of the Campbell Comedy Company." It was Haverly who produced Campbell's play "Baba" at his Niblo's Garden Theatre in New York. Despite condition issues, an uncommon autograph of an interesting figure and with excellent meaty contents.…