[1] My Dear Mrs. Russell Having had some correspondence with you some time ago, I feel at liberty to write you, to tell you how much I have Enjoyed the time I spent in Mr. Russells studio this afternoon and how splendid a thing you have done for our great west, in making it possible for people to be there, and feel as I did today, that the spirit of the great man [2] was there also. I’ve had a few of Mrs Russell’s pictures in my shop – It has been most interesting to meet and talk to men of every class who were friends of Mr Russells, and men attracted by the picture in the window – One in particular I might mention – when I saw him come in, I was sure he meant to ask for [3] for food; He stood before the picture, as before a shrine – I think perhaps he stayed an hour, and I was charmed with the tales he told of Mr. Russell It was the first of his pictures he had seen “since Charlie got famous” – he came each day at noon time until the picture was sold, to look at it- I am taking to Spokane with me, The Buffalo [4] Hunt picture, I purchased yesterday from Mr. Clinton and I am very proud I assure you, to have it in my possession for even a short time – I spent a most interesting hour with Miss Trigg and her mother, you surely have been blessed with such charming friends and neighbors, [5] I am sure Great Falls and all Mr. Russell’s friends must feel that they owe you a great debt of gratitude for the splendid thing you have done for them- I want to add My thanks to theirs- Sincerely [signed] Susan E. MacGilleray 1106 1st Ave (Mrs. D.L.) Spokane [Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2012-07-24]