September 25, 1928 PGC:EG Doubleday, Doran & Co. Garden City, N. Y. Attention: Mr. H. E. Maule. Dear Mr. Maule: Replying to your recent inquiry as to which is the last letter ever written by the late Charles M. Russell; it is the letter addressed to me and signed by him – it also has at the top of it a sketch showing elk, ect. with drawing of cattle appearing elsewhere in the letter. I believe that the photograph I sent you is numbered 121. My impression is that Mrs. Russell wishes also to use for the forthcoming book one or two, or possibly more other interesting little things which I have of his. I rather think that she expects to use the painting en- titled “Where Tracks spell Meat or War”, and the poem which Charley Russell wrote to go with this painting. This painting shows some Indians on horseback examining footprints in the snow, and believe the photograph of this painting is numbered 267. I am quite positive also that she wishes to use the small sketch made by Charley Russell of himself surrounded by his cronies – the Cow Puncher, the Indian, the Bull Whacker, the Stage Driver, the Chinaman, the Gambler, etc., and jon which he has written – “Here’s to Me and My Friends”. same to You and Yours”, “I savvy these folks”. What other photographs of the pictures I sent you she may wish to use I am not sure, though she did seem to have it in mind to use the water color, the photograph of which is No. 26, showing a Cow Puncher riding a bad Broncho. This little picture has been reproduced many times and generally sold through- out the West on post cards. If you have any definite word as to when Mrs. Russell is expected to arrive in the East, I would appreciate hearing from you. I would also like to be given advance warning of when you wish to photograph the pictures which I am offering the use of. I repeat that I am hopeful that you may be able to do your photographing right in my house. Your assurance as to the safety of them if loaned to you is all right and I appreciate the care you intend to take of them. As a matter of fact, however, I ac- 2nd Doubleday, Doran & Co. September 25, 1928 Garden City, N. Y. Attention: Mr. H. E. Maule. quired one of my very best Russell paintings through it hav- ing been seriously damaged while it was loaned to you for re- production in “Country Life” a few years ago. This may help you to appreciate my hesitancy, though as I have told you before, I am willing to cooperate with Mrs. Russell and your- selves in any way necessary. Very truly yours, Dr. Philip G. Cole, 470 Vanderbilt Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.
[Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2012-05-30]