[handwritten] June 5, 1939 Dear “Britz”: Nice to hear from you again & to learn about your new Russell acquisitions. I should like to have photos of these bronzes and, if such a thing is still possible, a photo of Con Price’s drawing of the old ranch in Montana. (next) [2] Bob James tried to get this for me but Con balked and refused to let him have it copied. Do you think you could persuade him to let you take it & have it photographed? I should certainly appreciate it very much. Mr. Thomas G. Portis, brother in-law of CMR’s died just recently in St. Louis, aged 84. He had some very nice [3] pictures & the old family Bible with records which I’ve used in my work. In case you’re interested I’ll send you his last address & you can make inquiries as to the disposition of hi property. Mrs. M.C. Goodell of Hols[crossed out] Hobson, Montana, another owner of Russell pictures, has passed on. Her Family might care to sell her pictures. Did you finally buy the pictures owned by James [4] Pearson of Paradise, Calif.? You had them on approval from a dealer, I believe. Bill Crawford writes that he is going back to his old home in New Jersey. I’ll go over to see him as soon as possible. Best wishes to you & yours & to Bob & Mrs. James. Sincerely yours, [signed] Jim P.S. I Have rec’d the frontispiece for the book. It is in colors & is a gem. never reproduced before.
[Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2011-10-24]