From Nancy C. Russell, July 22, 1927, two pages, glad Cole enjoys the Father de Smidt painting, asks him to keep the watercolors for now until she can see them, heard that Cole purchased "The Wagon Box" or the Fort Benton picture.

Apgar, Montana July 22, 1927 Mr. Philip G. Cole A. Schrader’s Son, Inc. Brooklyn, New York Dear Philip: Your letter of July 1st and 13th received. Thank you for the check of $3,000. first payment on the “Father de Smet” painting. I am glad it got through to you in good condition and I am positive it will always be a joy to you and the keynote of your Russell collection. I believe I have heard as many nice things about that paint- ing as any Charlie ever did and everyone asks where it has been sent east to a Russell collection. It is perfect- ly all right for you to pay the balance due next September or October, also it is satisfactory for you to keep the water colors: “The Buffalo Herd” “Indians on March in Snow” “Prairie Pirates” “Tanning Hides” and “The Travoy” until that time. You do not mind if I do not decide about the three water colors “Red Cloud”, “the Blood”, “ a Piegan on a Pony” until I see them or have your lovely book to look them up in. That book I left in California so cannot refer to it. Right here I should like to say I appreciate so much your sending me the addition to the album. I will take it very carefully and assure you will put the album together as soon as I get back to “Trail’s End”. I think your getting that book together is one of the very nice things about your western collection and all of the men represented in it should be very proud of their association and we who are interested in the artists are proud to won the book. I am so glad Mr. Sharp has filled out your collection of Indian portraits. That, to me, is one of your very great treasures, not more than Charlie’s, but just as much history in its way. [next] Mr. Philip G. Cole -2- July 22, 1927 I know it will be hard for you to strip your Russell room completely and up to this time I have not had a definite date or the exact amount of room the Grand Central Galleries are giving me for the Russell Memorial so I cannot tell you have many of your collection of Russells they will want but I hope they will take the trouble to have a really big show because if I come east I would like to feel it was the one last big thing I could do for Charlie and having you so kindly offer you collec- tion, I hope they will see what a great thing it would be to have them all. I doubt about the Gallery insuring the things so I think that will probably fall on me and if that is the case I shall hesitate to take the entire responsibility of your priceless collection as well as what I have to carry of my own and I do not blame your for wanting a full coverage since the MacKay accident. I saw Mr. Maddox in Great Falls and learned you had purchased the “Wagon Box” or the Fort Benton picture. I am so glad you have it because it is good. I don’t think there is a doubt but what I will take the three water colors that you to apply on the “Father de Smet” painting, but you understand I would like to see them before I tell you as I cannot remember what they are like. I am glad you have found some interesting books on Father de Smet. My kindest regards to you and your entire family, Sincerely, MRG

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

FONT>