May15th.1933.[sic] Mrs. C. M. Russell, 725,Michigan Boulevard Pasadena, Cal. Dear Madam; I have been advised by our mutual friend Sergea-nt Ralph Kendall to write to you direct with regard to the original ChasRussell[sic] oil painting I have in my studio. He has already written you on the matter of sale of this picture, and I understand from him that you naturally are not paying any fancy prices. I have communicated with the owner again and the gross figure is $5000.00 in Canadian equivalent funds. I may say that twice this amount was paid for this same picture when it came into the present owners hands some years ago, and he is needing the money. It has been in storage in this city for nearly two years until I got it out and took it into the studio for sale, only a few months ago. The size is 30”x44” (canvasX) and the frame a wonderful one specially moulded[sic] for this picture, 8" wide . The coloring is as fresh as the day it was painte>d< and not a blemish of any description. Very influential efforts are being now made to retain this in Canada, and even for its purchase in England, but it is a case of [next] 2- the First fortunate buyer. I am enclosing a photo that I have personally taken for you to see that it is not the wa> -/< ter color “Bronk[sic] to Breakfast” that is familiar to the p> / -/4<”x 30” but maybe larger, I am only going by what I remember. Perhaps if definite offers were made better prices might be considered. This is entirely my opinion. I have not seen him lately, as he does not live right in Calgary. I shall be pleased to hear from you at l >/e< “Bronk[sic] to Breakfast”, and I consider this is going at ^a^ remarkabl>y< low figure. Thanking you of this opportunity, and trusting we can come to business dealing. Yours Truly, [signed] [WSTJ] Miller [handwritten] Note. I am not selling these photos in view of the copyright act.
[Transcribed by Melynda Seaton, 2011-11-02]