[1] Pasadena, California. April 28, 1931. Mr. John E. Lewis, 230 West Second Street, Kalispell, Montana. Dear Uncle John: Your letter of the 22nd, received and thank you a thousand times for what you told me. I understand exactly how you were placed but don’t quit! Go on and express yourself to the Governor and to every other human being you meet. We don’t care whether or not the Lion model is ac- cepted. What we want is something that is much finer than what has been chosen. Forget all about the Lion model. If another call comes and Lion wants to send a model with the improvements he has made on the o- riginal, all right but what I have said dozens of times before, I still say – I don’t care who makes the model but it must be fine piece of art and likeness of Charlie. That’s what we all want. This is just a suggestion and if you wish to do it I believe it will carry a great deal of weight. Write to Irvin Cobb, 830 Park Avenue, New York City, and tell him our troubles. If the Judge would write to Mr. Cobb as he did to you and me, it would be a good thing to do. Maybe Cobb would write to the Governor. It is good to know you have talked the matter over with Jim Hobbins. I have not heard a word from him. How would it be to talk to John Ritch and tell him the ac- tual truth about that meeting? The Montana papers are not publishing the protests which I know are going in but it is all soaking in to that poor Governor and his job is not an easy one. You see, Uncle John, in the “Times” editorial which I sent you, the thing has grown into a National protest now and it isn’t going to stop here. The wheel has started to turn and nothing can stop it until right wins. Right always does win although it may be over broken and bleeding hearts. Everybody can’t have their way. Mr. John E. Lewis -2- There is another suggestion I should like to make to you and I am sure you will agree with me now – leave my name out of every letter you write. It starts a thought of resentment that is not good. When the thing is righted it make no difference who really did it. My very best love to you both. Sincerely,
[Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2012-11-14]