The Gerard,
125 West 44th Street.
Dec. 4-97

My dear mr. Hoyt/ Last
year one of my songs
was successfully
sung at your theatre--
"Laugh & the world 
laughs with you."

Another-- a lullaby
-- I wish might be
introduced this year.
I send you a copy
of it and if you


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can make use of 
it. I shall be pleased
for the sake of the 
musical composer --
a gifted woman whose
talent would be
recognized more readily
if this were done.
  It would of course
give the song great
vogue if sung in your
theatre.
  Sincerely yours

Ella Wheeler Wilcox


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Transcription by Richard A. Edwards
Courtesy of the Rare Book, Manuscript, & Special Collections Library
Duke University, Durham, NC
Reproduced by permission.