From the files of M. Melissa Wolfe
(Click on images to see the much better quality 1949 published images)

BURBANKS DRAWING OF MacARTHUR LOOKS LIKE A PHOTO

IN THE PONY EXPRESS Library and Museum is Burbanks original drawing of General MacArthur. It was reduced into postcard size, and mailed to him in Tokyo. Hence the Generals reply published in this issue. (Editors Note: Perhaps Americas best known and greatest Indian warriors were Geronimo and Chief Joseph. All paintings made of them are done from photographs, except Burbanks. He is the only painter for whom they would pose. For years he lived near them and cultivated their acquaintance. In the Richard Jose burial plot, San Francisco, the famous painter was laid to rest at the request of Therese S. Jose, Associate Editor of The Pony Express.) [2005 Note: While Burbanks ashes were originally interred as stated, they were moved to Rockford, IL at the request of Burbanks 1^st wife in July of 1949, and on to Harvard, IL in 1984. It seems odd that the Pony Express editor did not mention the move to Rockford in this text, written in 1964.]

(click to see MacArthur's letter to Burbank)

MacARTHUR LOVED INDIANS - SENDS PHOTO TO GREATEST INDIAN PAINTER

ELREDGE (sic) BURBANK, the greatest of all the painters of [text missing] Indians, who spent 30 years amongst them, died at San Francisco on March 21, 1949, at the age of 90. One month before he passed away he received the above autographed picture from the General, which cheered him immensely. In advanced years he drew the splendid black and white drawing of General MacArthur shown elsewhere in this issue. He often said: The 5-Star General is greatest in American history.