Autograph letter signed from the important American composer to cellist Douglas Moore, suggesting that he collaborate with the composer Robert Pollock. 2 pp., n.d., on Princeton University Music Department letterhead, with envelope postmarked December 28, 1981. Babbitt writes: "Dear Douglas: Please try to forgive my unforgivable delay in responding to your interesting letter, but the opportunity for a composer which you proposed also involves a responsibility, on my and—eventually—his part which is not easily estimated except on the basis of a track record which most younger composers have not yet established. After considerable thought and concern, I have come up with the name of Robert Pollock, who is perhaps a bit older and better 'established' than the type of composer you had in mind, but he is a composer (and performer, incidentally, or not so incidentally in this respect) of such maturity and responsibility that he will understand if you deal with the matter circumspectly, and I would want you to acquaint yourself with his other music before, in any sense, committing yourself. [...] I am, as ever, Milton." Very fine. 5.5 x 8.5 inches (14 x 21.7 cm).