Letter by Nancy C. Russell to Judge James W. Bollinger; agrees that Charles M. Russell deserves credit for some of the phrases that were written into the newspaper article, states that Mrs. Lewis' condition is not good and that "Good Medicine" should be off the presses in December. Typed on both front and back: TU2009.39.885.1-TU2009.39.885.2.

October 28, 1929. Judge Jas. W. Bollinger, Putnam Bldg., Davenport, Iowa. Dear Judge: I was so glad to get your little note of Oct. 22nd and I agree with you and Mrs. Bollinger that Mr. Cobb should have given Charlie credit for a good many little phrases that have crept into his writing since the summer at the Lake. I suppose he was a news- paper man for so long that he unconsciously absorbs and uses any- thing that he hears. Now, about Mrs. Lewis. Her condition just worries me to pieces because she is a sick woman and when that fire, the most awful one we ever had, sw2ept the big woods, and crawled up that mountain at the foot of the Lake, towards the Lewis’s and Mr. Lewis was not there, I was truly alarmed, because Mrs. Lewis could not sleep or even sit down, she was such anwreck[sic] of nerves. I’ve never seen anyone more pathetic in their struggle against odds as she was in the fight for control during that ordeal. Her weight came down to less than 128 lbs, which is absolutely wrong for her big frame, and yet she’d say. “Oh, I’m alright!” Her letters are most cheer- full and I begged with all my might to have her and Mr. Lewis come down here. Maybe sea level would help a lot and I thought we might get her to a doctor but she’s a pretty hard one to handle. And, as I told you and Mrs. Bollinger, it is a subject that I seem to be tonguetied[sic] when I want to talk to her. She may feel a great deal better when they get into their new quarters in Kalis- pell because it sounds as if she were going to be much more comfort- able than she had been in many a winter, without quite so much responsibility. “Good Medicine” has been promised to be off the press the first part of Dhcember and you just know I can hardly wait to see it. All the reports are so favorable for a wonderful book. Mr. Maule tells me he has taken the proofs and the working dummy over to show various people who are authorities on fine books, for instance Miss Greene, Librarian for the wonderful Morgan Library, who says that the book is going to be perfection, carrying it out in the way they are. Things like that help the publisher as well as Charlie’s friends. I’m so happy Mr. Lewis is one of the Committee for arranging and getting the model of Charlie for Washington because he loved Charlie [1] [next] [page 2] Judge Bollinger Oct. 28, 1929. and will be interested in seeing that the most perfect thing is finished and placed and I know Charlie will be the great aim and not anything that will advance anyone else. I hear thatm[sic] at the studio in Great Falls, they are building the cases preparatory to having the things put in order so, by next summer, it should be open for visitors. I’m always glad to hear a word from you people. My very kindest regards to you both. Sincerely, NCR:ED

[Transcribed by Melynda Seaton, 2012-06-28]

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