Autograph Letter Signed

Montana resident, possibly an attorney. ALS, 2pp (separate leaves), 8½" X 11", Harlem, MT, 1904 July 21. Addressed to "My dear James & Albert," Smith's brothers. Near fine. Handsomely penned in black ink in a large readable hand, this letter largely concerns the claims on "poor Writ's property," for "some of his old time prospect loving friend got around me and did not want Writs mining claims sold, that he had held onto for 20 years as they would go for little or nothing. So I paid out on them $500.00 & told the administrator not to sell them. They have to be represented again within a few months it will take between $300 & $400.00 dollars Will you help me represent them? If you cannot or do not want to, will you let me have your interests? On account of your being in Canada & so far away, If you will let me have your interests I will send you $25.00 apiece. Should I ever be luckly [sic] to get any thing out of them I will send you something more." Goes on to explain, "the claims are so high up in the mountains and the snow comes there so early the claims must be represented early or else they will be lost. The claims that Writ had in Thunder Mountain have gone by default, they were so far away I could do nothing about them...." Of some town named Bellevue in Montana, he notes, "Bellevue is a gone down place very dull there." Invites his brothers to visit: "I'd like to have you both come out and see this country some time, do not put it off too long, it would be a fine trip for you...." Interesting mine settlement content.