[handwritten] copy [typed] July 28, 1931. Mrs. Ethel Bielenberg, Deer Lodge, Montana. My dear Mrs. Bielenberg: I have a letter from our mutual friend, Bob Atkinson, saying he has written you regarding the model of our Charlie Russell for the Hall of Fame at Washington. My one and only desire is that a fine, artistic likeness be chosen to honor Charlie and to do credit to the state of Montana. My regret is that the Commission did not contact the recognized sculptors of the Country like Joe Davidson, Frederick MacNonnies, Gut- zon Borglum, Lorado Taft, Daniel French, Bessie Potter Vonnoh, Julia Bracken Wendt, Robert Aitken, Cyrus Dallin, and any number of others who have won their spurs, but on the contrary, they had too few to choose from and none of them sufficiently strong to represent a man who has done so much in leaving a true story and record of the chang- ing civilization in Montana and the great West, himself, a recognized artist, sculptor and writer, I hope that sufficient public opinion will be brought to bear upon the situation so that the Commission will be induced to reconsider. [2] Your sister whom I love very much said there was a possibility of her driving to Montana with Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson this summer. I should be happy to have you all come and camp with me on Lake McDonald. Look- ing forward to seeing you sometime soon, I am Sincerely, [Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2012-11-26]