Item 13 - Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from New York

Is writing to Beaton from a hospital as he had 'rather a collapse' last week from a combination of a virus and exhaustion. Feels much better now and will be out in the next few days. Is overjoyed that Beaton is going to do the costumes and scenery for "Grass Harp". Thinks that Beaton's "Swan Lake" is lovely. Discusses Juliet. Likes her very much even though she is a bore. Expresses worry over a director for the play. Would like to get Peter Brook, but Irene Selznick has assured him that he can't get him. Will send Beaton the first act of the play on Monday. Asks if Beaton could show it to Brook. A great many directors have asked to do the play, but Capote feels 'wary of anyone who asks to do something'. Likes Beaton's "Ballet" book. The Isherwood-Van Druten play, "I am a Camera", has been a success, though why is 'something of a mystery'. Evelyn Williams sent Capote a picture of himself as Dickens. Wishes something could be done to stop this, 'surely Dickens has some still living relatives to defend him'. Isherwood is sailing to England on 14th December. Hopes he and Beaton see each other.