December 10, 1940 Mr. H.E. Britzman 6630 Iris Drive Los Angeles, California Dear Mr. Britzman: This painting, titled the "Cowboy Sport Roping Wolf," was painted by Charles M. Russell in the early days when he was a ranch-hand for my uncle, Mr. J. J. Ellis. It is one of Russell 's earliest paintings. It is 22 inches by 31 inches, canvas size, and portrays two cowboys roping a wolf while a third cowboy is coming up from the rear. It is done in dull oil colors primarily black and whites. This picture was given to me about 37 years ago by my aunt, Mrs. J. J. Ellis, who was living in Great Falls, Montana, at the time. Russell had given the painting to Mr. J. J. Ellis many years before. Mrs. J. J. Ellis is now Mrs. Frank Webster , 4828 Santa Monica , Ocean Beach, C litornia . She, too, will identify this picture. The painting is signed, "C.M.R.", including a buffalo skull in the lower left hand corner. Signed: ____________________ Edith Ellis Morrison ____________________ Notary Signature
[Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2011-11-15]