November 29, 1938 Mr. James B. Rankin 423 West 118th St. New York, N.Y. Dear Mr. Rankin: Some time ago I wrote you about the two new Russell paintings that I had acquired. At that time I told you I would send you photographs of them as soon as they were cleaned and reframed. Under separate cover I am forwarding these two photographs. These pictures are both dated 1890, and you will note that the cowboy featured in the bucking bronc picture with the chuck- wagon scene, is also shown in the larger picture of the cowboys chasing the wolf. These pictures were painted by Charley[sic] Russell in the Judith Basin country of Montana and were given to Childs Carr, who had come out from St. Louis, Missouri to stake a homestead in that country. Mr. Carr was later killed in an accident at, or near his homestead in Montana, the pictures going to his sister in St. Louis, who now resides in New York state. These pictures have been in the family since the early 1890’s and probably were not generally know to be in existence. On the back of each picture, I have written some data which may be helpful. Please advise if I can give you anymore information, or assist you in any way in your laudable work. With best wishes for a Happy Holiday Season. Very truly yours, H.E. Britzman 555 So. Flower St. Los Angeles, Calif.
[Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2011-10-24]