CEHBates856

an incentive for others to go and do likewise. There is no
doubt that death in the performance of duty is the greatest
way to go, but it is only a small percentage of those that
fight, that get killed. You may not want to study
medicine and take it up as your life's work when you
come back; you may decide to stay in the Army. I
think next year will see the end of the war. If we
only had more men in on our side, it might be
over this year. It looks as if the Germans were in
a bad way right now.

I am glad Mother is in San Diego, and I hope
the change and rest will do her good. I wired
Lesley today for his birthday. He is 29 today. I had
forgotten all about it until I got Mothers letter this
a.m. He and his squadron have been scandalously
treated, but I told him, that if they did not demand
a Court Martial, to forget it. I know how furious
he feels, but it does no good. I went to the
Sargents last night to dinner, and saw Mr. Kink.

He was full of the old Nick, and would give
a good deal to sneak off, for a parade on the
telegraph wires if he could. Harriett looks after
him entirely. Met Simonson has a son about two
weeks old. Good for him. I wish I had a grandson.

Lots of love to you my dear old boy

from your loving father

HLA Bates