Letter by Nancy C. Russell to Mr. Arthur Chapman; sends him information on the Charles M. Russell drawing entitled "Waiting for a Chinook". Typed on both front and back.

-1- September 27, 1929. Mr. Arthur Chapman, Rodeo Headquarters, 45 W. 48th St., New York City. Dear Mr. Chapman: Your letter of August 29th was received here at Trail’s End, when I arrived at home after a most thrilling month fighting fire. We had a very dreadful time although my place was not in any way spoiled. The fire came within five hundred feet of the line but that five hundred feet has beautiful timber on it and from my cabin you would not know there had been such a serious loss of timber. Of course, it spoils everything and makes a fellow sick but we’ll just have to remember how beautiful it was until Nature tries to cover the mar with a mantle of green again. It is too bad I have been so long in answering this letter of yours regarding the story of Charlie’s inspirational drawing, “The Last of the Five Thousand,” which is really, “Waiting for a Chinook.” Ben R. Roberts, Helena, Montana, owns the copyright but for a small amount in payment for the use of it, I think he would be glad to release it to you. It will be a pleasure for me to send a portrait of Charlie and the story of “Wait for a Chinook.” It is possible that it will be too late now as your makeup of your catalog may be finished. Anyway, I’m sending you the story and you may do with it as you please. It is true the story is incorporated in the foreword to the book of letters, the title of which is “Good Medicine.” The copy I’m sending you would not be exact but still it would be better for you if you would please tell Mr. Maule. Doubleday, Doran & Company, that you would like to use the story and he would most likely be glad to have you do so as it could in no way interfere with the new book that is to be released shortly. In fact, it seems that it would be a very nice thing. I will write Mr. Maule that you have suggested using the story and are willing to give the publisher and the new book credit for it. I appreciate your remembering the place that Charlie occupies among the artists who are leaving records of the old West and, of course, your rodeos are to keep alive the spirit (over) -1- -2- 2- of the West. You will be interested to know that Montana has chosen Charlie to fill one of the two niches that belong to the State in the Hall of Fame, Washington, D.C. Sincerely, NCR:ED encls

[Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2011-11-16]

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