Letter by Nancy C. Russell to Mr. John E. Lewis; informs Lewis that she has heard of the appropriations bill that is to be in the Montana legislature and thinks that it should include the Charles M. Russell statue. Typed on both sides (TU2009.39.980.1-TU2009.39.980.2).

[1] Pasadena, California. November 14, 1930. Mr. John E. Lewis, 230 West Second Street, Kalispell, Montana. Dear Uncle John and Lady Lewis: It just seemed awful for you to be in Portland and not come on down here but then one never can tell what a fel- low can do when he is leading wild animals around to ex- hibit. I hope you got a lot of blue ribbons and a bunch of publicity out of your nice furs and will later hit the trail for California and give “Trail’s End” a little visit during your stay in the sunny South. Uncle John, I had a letter from Judge Stranahan in Fort Benton. He is the chairman for the Lewis and Clark monu- ments which are to be placed in Fort Benton so he is naturally much interested in the appropriation for that bill when it goes into the legislature this spring. It seems he has talked with Mr. Willis and has given me his opinion that the bill should be joint for Charlie’s figure that is to go to Washington and the Lewis and Clark monu- ment that is to be in Fort Benton. I do believe there would be a much better chance to get both appropriations if it is joint but it is really not my business to tell anybody anything, I just wanted you to know I had heard about it. I also want you to know that I had heard about it. I also want you to know that I have here at Trail’s End, a model of Charlie in bronze and, so far as metal can live and breathe, I be- lieve this one does it as well as any I have ever seen. Everyone who sees it recognizes and approves of it I be- lieve, so when the call for models comes this one will go to the committee for its approval. This is portray- ing the spirit of the old West and is typified in the body of Charlie. There are no fancy buckskin clothes nor are there civilized cloths in prominence – it is more the man than what he wears. I am glad that Sid Willis is Senator because he will be able to carry to completion the bill he proposed. I Mr. John E. Lewis -2- don’t think it wise for me to even write to him on any subject at all but I wanted you to know that I am here to be of any help that is within my power. I have asked the Judge to not mention my name in any of his letters or conversations with people and I am asking you to do the same. Let me work with you without the other fellow knowing I am doing anything. I think it will all be much stronger if, when the article is finished and de- livered, it can come as though the State Committee had carried the whole thing through, as it will, to a per- fect finish without having any one person’s influence referred to more than another – meaning myself. You have all of the material from Mr. Lion so you can quote him and as he is a sculptor it is not necessary for any- body to know how you got in touch with him unless you want to tell and think it the right thing to do. I would bank on your judgment much more than my own in that. If they want me at the meeting when the decision is made on the model to be accepted, I shall be glad to serve on that and you know that regardless of the person who modeled the figure, the one that is most like Charlie is the one that should go into the niche. My “bestest” [sic] love to your lady and to you. Sincerely,

[Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2012-11-12]

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