Letter by Mrs. Veva Reed-Hurt to Nancy C. Russell states that she has a painting which she thinks is by Charles M. Russell and asks Nancy for an identification. Handwritten on the front of three pages.

[handwritten] Oklahoma City 10-10-39 Mrs. Chas M. Russell, 725 Michigan Blvd., Pasadena, Calif. Dear Mrs. Russell: Since writing you and receiving no reply. I wrote a friend who lives in Pasedena asking him to tell me whether or not I was mistaken in the address & his reply told me of your illness. May I tell you how sorry I am to hear of this and assure you of my very best thoughts & wishes for your quick & thorough recovery. My own misfortune in that way has made me feel deeply for those who suffer. I do trust you are well enough to not be annoyed by my seeming [persistence?] in asking you to help me to determine the author of my painting – I tried to describe it in a previous letter but fear you did not receive it or were too ill to consider it. (next) I hope before many days to be able to send you a photography of it. It is a magnificent thing, done in heavy oils on a canvas 36” x 60” of a landscape – trees, crags, a stream and delicate mountainous background. It has soul as well as wonderful tecnique [sic] – perspective, distancing balance – everything. It is signed in lower RH corner C. RUSSELL v 85v I’ve studied Mr. Russell’s works, and signature and the lettering is identical with his authentic ones. Did you ever know his early works to be signed this way? I’ve grown to love my picture, but have been a widow & mother for eight years and actual necessity has made this decision for me. I have a collector who offers a very good figure for it if I can definitely authenticate it, and of course your statement would be unquestionable. However, were it not a Chas. M. Russell I want to know. But something inside me says it is. I’m enclosing a postal card, addressed so that with a few words you may feel strong enough to tell me you (next) think it possible to recognize to some measure Mr. Russell’s work and whether or not he ever mentioned such a picture – and if he ever signed his art in this way – If you could suggest anything that might help me along this line I should appreciate it so very much. With very kindest regards and sympathy, I am, Mrs. Vera Reed-Hart 710 NE. 13th St Oklahoma City, Okla

[Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2011-11-02]