From Nancy C. Russell, three pages, May 26, 1927, wants to produce a book with Charles M. Russell's reproductions and descriptions, advises to get name of really good restorer from insurance company to repair "Last Chance Gulch" mentions "Jerked Down", "Wagon Boss", "Father de Smedt".

725 Michigan Boulevard Pasadena, California May 26th, 1927 Dr. Philip G. Cole c/o Schrader’s Son, Inc. Brooklyn, New York Dear Philip: Looking over your letter of May 3rd as well as 18th, I’ll try and follow and answer things as they came. I think we are lucky to have had Will Rogers to do the Foreward[sic] for Charlie’s book be- cause he too loved Charlie. I am so glad you are in touch with Doubleday Page & company because the more of Charilie’s work they see and hear how much people outside are interested in him, the better it is for me; and the I think with what you have of Charlie’s it is too bad that people who are in- terested in collection of Western art should not know about it and I am glad you have decided to let people see what you have. I don’t think you need fear for another accident with a Russell picture in the house of Doubleday Page. A think like what occurred last summer with “Jerked Down” will make every person who works there more careful. I want to get out a book like you spoke of of Charlie’s pictures in color and use as many de- scriptions by him as I have. I have quite a number in my files where he has described a picture for its purchaser and I am so glad you too are interested in that book because your collection would most likely furnish a great part of it. I am glad Mr. Juley got the photographs out for you and I want you to know that I received the set sent to me and Miss Trigg, the children’s librarian from Great Falls who is so interested in getting this collection of material about Charlie, is here. I gave her the photographs with your compliments. She is naming them and listing them as bin g in the collection of Dr. Philip G. Cole of Brooklyn. I trust that meets with your approval. [next] Dr. Philip G. Cole -2- Brooklyn, New York May 26th, 1927 I too am having a great time trying to get a catalogue together with the pictures of the bronzes to use in selling, so I certainly admire your courage in getting your collection so beautifully catalogued. I am just sick over “Last Chance Gulch”. I don’t understand what could have happened to it and if it doesn’t look just right, I would suggest you find out did the repair work on “Jerked Down”. There are men who make restoring pictures their business and have secrets of the trade that only an old hand at the game might know. There may be something that can be applied to the canvas that will stop any further crack- ing or chipping. That picture never was put behind the stove when it was painted so if it had been exposed to heat, it must have been done in the express while in transit. I am glad you have had it gone over but there must be men who know a great deal more about that sort of think and if I were I would try and find the best authority and I believe the Insurance company who made the adjustment on “Jerked Down” could give you the name of the best man in New York. I surely am glad you own the “Wagon Boss”. I tried to get that picture to bring with mine to California for you to see so I sure approve of your taking it because it is one good picture added to another bunch of good things as is purely historical. I am leaving for Great Falls between the 4th and 7th and just as soon as I get my breath after getting there I will go to the newspaper office and see if I can get a collection of these historical prints that were run off when the prints were new. They tell me the reproductions now are not good as the prints are pretty worn so it is possible that I can get one of the original sets. If so I will get all if possible, if not, as mans are good for you and send them on. It is almost impossible for me to do things by mail. I can do more in ten minutes in person than weeks of writing. [next] Dr. Philip G. Cole -3- Brooklyn, New York May 26th, 1927 There is being expressed to you this week the frame and illuminator for the “Father De Smedt” painting and as I told you in a former letter, the original will be sent to you as soon as it is released to me. I sent you photograph of the picture which I think very good, also the re- ceipted bills for things to date, and again I want you to know if this unfinished painting does not do for our room what you think it should, don’t consider it for one moment. If you have a chance to sell some of the things that we were going to trade in on the “Father De Smedt” deal please feel free to follow your own judgment as those things I would sell as rapidly as possible, and in case you do not take the big picture, you would to take them out of your collection anyway. You can address me 1219 Fourth Avenue North, Great Falls, after June 8th. I will let you know hen I leave there for McDonald. Jack has the measles down at school but is not sick. Kindest regards to Katharine and yourself. Sincerely MG

[Transcribed by Melynda Seaton, 2011-10-21]

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