File:Russell-Letter-Guy-Weadick.jpg

English: Over time, Russell, Borein, and Weadick became good friends. Russell exhibited at Weadick's next Canadian Stampede in August 1913; Calgary was not interested in repeating the experiment just yet--indeed, Weadick had his critics for perceived failings, including disorganization and profiteering at the first Stampede--so Weadick chose Winnipeg as the venue for "Canada's 2nd Annual World's Greatest Frontier Days' Celebration," and this time he invited the Russells directly. (16) "Chas," Nancy replied, "is delighted with the idea of there being another Stampede," and so was she. (17) Charlie even drafted a letter to James J. Hill, president of the Great Northern Railway, touting Weadick as "a friend of mine." "Now the stampeed was a good show an theres no reason why the one at winniped wont be," he said, "an you could help a hol lot by making rates on that road of yours it would not onely faver the show people but all the old west lovers in the United states." He signed off, "yours sincerely whither you do it or not." (18) For his part, Russell came to Winnipeg with a full complement of paintings (seventeen oils and seven watercolours) as well as nine bronzes. Since only six of the oils had been shown in Calgary the previous year, the Winnipeg Stampede exhibition attests to his productivity at his prime. Sales were made, but Winnipeg was no Calgary for the Cowboy Artist.