WE WERE THE FIRST TO DISCOVER CARUSO" MESSAGER, ANDRÉ. Two Autograph Letters Signed, "AMessager," to "My dear friend," in French. The first, discussing an operetta proposal for the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin, suggesting that Chappell would not finance the production, recommending instead the Moulin Rouge, declining to get involved and advising him to never enter into a business deal with Cleyot. The second, discussing possible performances by Enrico Caruso, and performances of Messager's La Basoche in Milan and Madame Chrysanthème at the Teatro Lirico. Each 3¼ pages, small 8vo, personal stationery, onionskin paper; horizontal fold. - Montivilliers, 21 August; 18 September 1904

18 September: ". . . [E]ach performance without Caruso at our house represents a serious lack of earnings. We were the first to discover Caruso. He made a great part of his reputation in London . . . . Sonzogno wants to promise all the facilities for the autumn season at Covent Garden, . . . but allow me to tell you . . . that the syndicate of Covent Garden has nothing to do in the affair, financially speaking . . . .
". . . I have nothing against Sonzogno . . . . I will only be too enchanted if he mounts Mme. Chrysanthème at the Lirico next year, on condition that one does not give her the welcome given to Mme Butterfly at La Scala.