TRAIL’S END Pasadena, California December 16th, 1927 Mr. Dan R. Conway Great Falls, Montana Dear Mr. Conway: Your letters of December 1st and 13th received. I read them both many times and very carefully. If you have copies of these two letters and others and will read them over, I think you may understand my confusion. I was doing my best with the manuscript and could not give a good report on it to you. When anyone gave an opinion or suggestion you would come back at them and me in a way that is very distressing and is not helpful in the least to any kind of success. I would like to change for you two words in a quotation of Charlie’s – “A little more Trust and a little less Suspicion and we would all be happier. If Mr. Scribner gave a report as honest and careful as Mr. Maule tried to do and you wrote him the same kind of a letter as you did Mr. Maule, I can see where another good publishing house would be through with you and in this case it means me too and I don’t want that. I want the story of Charlie to be published in a credible way, the best is none too good that is why I reached high and because of the friends Charlie and I have made I could get the attention of the best and their opinion is of great value to you if you will take their suggestions kindly as they are meant. I would much prefer that you not write Scribners. When I get report from the various readers on that man- uscript I will then let you know just what they say, meanwhile you can work on your carbon copy at your own expense whenever you are in the mood for it. In the meantime I would appreciate your send- ing me the other carbon you promised me which I can read and make notes that may help in revising. You already have more of that material than you need in the manuscript so please send my clippings and those plates, I sent you the money from New York for packing and shipping them. It must be most gratifying to you and the Committee as a whole to know you are going to go over the top and take up the option on the property for the memorial. It is wonderful to have the people show each other how much they loved Charles M. Russell and to keep and maintain his studio as it was is proof of that affection. Joe de Yong and his mother will spend Christmas here at Trail’s End. Joe said he wanted to talk with me about the grounds. Kindest wishes for the holiday season to you and yours. Sincerely, MG
[Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2012-10-23]