[handwritten] This picture he painted when he was 15 years old, it is on a very heavy board, and the frame is of 3 inch molding, which he gilded, the back has heavy screw eyes in which he put rope to hang it with. just as he left. The lady that own’s [sic] the picture used to be the Post Mistress at Utica Montana 6 miles from where I live, she is in kneed[sic] of money and ask[sic] me to sell it for her. my mind fell upon you, as I knew you had purchased a lot of his work in Great Falls. I have known Charley Russell Length of Picture 5-^ft^4 in width 17 in ever since he came to Montana. This is one of the few of his own Paintings that are left. so, if you— over [pencil line] [left of circle] this end, is a picture of the Emigrants coming west they have their wagans[sic] ^wagons here^ circled as they are Indians about to attac[sic] them. Indians here on horses one of the horses are[sic] killed.[inside circle] The center is a Picture of [yogo Canyon] With C[illegible] an. [illegible] and hugh[sic] bolders[sic], dead fallen tree, and four large Elk in the foreground, it is a lovely sight, and the hills he roamed when a boy. 15 years old. [below circle] Band of black[right of circle] This end of the Picture is roling[sic] country with bluffs in the distance with Indians fireing[sic] at a band of Antelope, which are much excited. Just as I have seen them in this basin, [over] would care to purchase please let me hear from you, her price is $1,500 had I the money to spare it would be mine, but people living on a farm this year do well to exist. now as to my responsibility I can refer to any Bank in Lewistown or Hobson. the Bank which I do business with First National. Please let me hear from you at your earliest conveniance[sic], I wrote Sid Willis in the Falls, he wanted me to send it in but I wished him to come and see it, if he cared to purchase, I came to the Judith Basin in 1881, being the 4th white woman here. I think Charlie Russel[sic] came in 82 or 83. I have known his caracter[sic] and all about his bin on the Round up with the boys. and he always carried his pencil and tablet with him, and at dances he would amuse the children by drawing pictures of the dancers and comical looks and postures. now this may not interest you, but I am simply giving you a few of his early day history. I remain very Respectfully, [signed] Mrs. M. G. Goodell Hobson Mont. P. O. Box 65_
[Transcribed by Melynda Seaton, 2011-11-01]