Typed letter from Nancy C. Russell to Governor Erickson dated March 19, 1929 thanking him for the honor the state of Montana has bestowed on Charles M. Russell and makes suggestions for the plans and modeling of the statue by three artists.

March 19, 1 9 2 9. Governor Erickson, Helena, Mont. Dear Governor: A letter from Mr. Ritch of Lewistown tells me of the further honor the State of Montana has shown Charlie and your part in it. You know how proud I am of him and how happy I am to know Montana loves him as one of it’s greatest men. This movement to place a statue of him in Washington will meet with sure success because no one who lived in the borders of that great State has more friends. I wrote to Mr. Ritch an idea about the statue and I am enclosing a copy of his letter for your con- sideration. Do you approve or do you think I have gone too far? I guess you know there is no limit to what I’d do for Charlie’s name and it is wonderful to feel that I am working with his loyal, good friends. There is a young sculptor here in Los Angeles. I don’t know his name; I’ve only seen his work. But if he would work in connection with a couple of boys that Charlie had under him in Montana, - Charlie Beil and Joe de Yong, - they know the cowpuncher type. I have Charlie’s clothes and know the way he wore them. This other man, whose name I don’t know, could model the portrait of his head. The other boys could suggest and help with build- ing the character in the clothes. There is a bronze foundry here that is doing all of Charlie’s bronze now. The owner himself does the work and is one of the best in the United States and would do the work as reasonably as anyone else and take twice the interest than most bronze foundries do. Please don’t think I’m trying to interfere but I am suggesting these things because I live this life connected with artists and that is one of the reasons I am trying to help; the other is, like you people in Montana, I want this to be different, strong and fine to represent dear Montana and her love for her Artist. When I think of it, I’m so grateful for the friendship of folks like you. Sincerely, NCR:ED cc Mr. Roth

[Transcript by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2012-09-07]