Handwritten from "Chas.", or Charles, March 16, 1936, seven pages, wants to cast some of Charles M. Russell's bronzes "Cows......" and "Two Mountain Sheep--Fighting" and a wolf ashtray, "Bucking Horse", "The Cryer".

[1] March 16.36. Dear Mrs. Russell- Don’t be too sur- prised to get this letter. I’ve been wanting to write you many a Time but when Things are not too good Folks like me go in to a Shell and develop a queer Complex. I believe I have some Sales of Bronzes for you. I will tell you later on in This Letter. I have had quiet[sic] a Struggle but I’ve been faithful to my Work and now it seems I’m on the Up without a Question have mastered Bronze Casting . If I were down in Calif I could do any of Charlies Models now. I’ve handled Casts (Groups) up to 80 lb. in Weight It cost me lost of Disapoint- ments and of Course Money. I have moved to Calgary and I’m engaged by the Zoological Society to do a Group of Prehistoric Reptiles and Mammals also Cavemen etc. All Life size this Work will call for a Trip to New York for the Pur- pose of Studying at the Museum of Natural His- [3] tory. All Statues are to be done Life Size and some are 40 feet in Length I’m doing them in Concrete I’ve had Experience in that material when I did Work for the Canadian Government recently. It’s tricky but there is a thrill to doing Casts in that Material. I also have on Private order for a Group of Buffalo to be cut in Stone wich[sic] is also not new to me. I have a lovely Studio and I’m staying at this Hotel. Now this Party I’m doing the Buffaloes for is very interested in Russell [4] Bronze. When you and Charlie were here in Calgary he has seen some of the Bronzes and he remembers two of them wich[sic] I of course know also. They are the “Cow- Cut” “Two Mountain Sheep fighting and That Wolf ashtray with the Human Skull. Then he tells me he could not afford them or he would have bought them but now he can. Now have you the Photoes[sic] of the two mentioned Bronzes and maybe the Photo of a larger Piece or two (Bucking horse [5] and maybe of the “Cryer”[sic]) Send them to me the more the better and send the Prices of each Piece. I’ll take special Care of the Pictures and return them to you when the Deal is made. I want no commission I ran in to old Timer that knew Charlie right along. Charlie [illegible] comes to my studio regularly and he stays for Hours. He speaks of you Folks and Montana almost[sic] constantly. Times are hard here and its Hell for the Multitude. There are a few Moneyed Folks [6] and luck was with me when I got thrown in with them. I hope to hear from you very soon and I believe you will do Business with my Patron. By the Way he has Charlies Signature framed and I guess every Reproduction that ever came out of Russells Work is hanging some where in his House. He showed me a Card from the Bilt- more Saloon ^L.A.^ on wich [sic] a few Bronzes and I believe a Watercolor or two were listed all Charlies Works He was about to deal [7] with the party but I told him to hold his Horses until I heard from you. It will help my Store- doing with my Patrons if we’ll please him. That shall be my Commission. With the kindest Wishes to you and Jack I remain your Friend [signed] Chas.

[Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2012-07-18]