Handwritten, from Dr. Philip Cole, two pages, he will loan his collection for exhibit at the Grand Central Art Galleries' Memorial Exhibition wants to know price of "Father de Smidt", mentions a series of forty Indian prints done by J.H. Sharp forty to fifty years ago.

[handwritten] Feb 9th 27 Mrs Charles M Russell Dear Nancy- I left you with the understanding that Katharine and I would consider the loaning of our Russell Collection of both paintings and bronzes if you decide to hold next year in New York the Memorial Exhibition of Charleys works at the Grand Central Art Galleries. We have both decided without hesitation that we will gladly do so. Furthermore we will do everything within our power to help make in every and any way possible. I would of course expect to be given credit for those things which we own. I am inclined to agree with the Grand Central Galleries man that in New York you could put on the most “real” exhibition. In fact I think you could put over a world beater there that would last forever. You would catch every one ^ not only^ from the entire U.S.A. but Europe + Canada as well. Also the comments and [over] [page 1 verso] articles from the press and magazines of New York would probably mean more than from anywhere else. Incidentally I do not believe that any private gallery would draw the people that the Grand Central would. I hope that when we see you here Sunday you will give me a price on “Father de Smidt” and that it will be reasonable enough to interest me. Frankly, I am not sure that unfinished as it is I should attempt to hang it in my home. It is of course glorious and I feel that it really most properly belongs in my collection along with so many other things of Charleys. Also I rather feel that you will agree with me in this for my collection will endure as a lasting tribute to Charley. I think that if the State of Montana would buy it –that would possibly be a more appropriate place for it but I am willing to bet that it never will give real cash for it. At any rate please let me know about it Sunday. J.H. Sharp has 40 of his best Indian portraits, done 30 or 40 years ago (next) [page 2 facing] which he wants to sell me in a bunch at what I believe will be a reasonable price I cannot do both things on top of what I have already spent out here. So-please consider carefully what your chance may be elsewhere with and then let me know your decision on Sunday. I don’t know whether you have written or wired about the Trigg things or not. If you can tell me just what they are and a price on them I will be largely guided by you here. It might be worth your while to wire them. Also I understand that Sunday you will be able to appoint a date to see the small things you have in Pasadena. Miss Alice Ralston (Katharines sister-in-law) who you met here is running up to L.A. Friday ^(today)^ to see the Exhibit. She will love it for she too loves everything that Charley did and is pretty well versed in art. Katharine joins me in every good wish both for yourself [over] [page 2 verso] and for the continued success of the exhibit. Sincerely Your friend [signed] Philip G Cole I assume that you of course would show all of my things of Charleys.

[Transcribed by Melynda Seaton, 2011-11-01]

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