[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,