Charles E. H. Bates Family Correspondence, 1899-1930 - 2

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the instructors admit its the worst air they ever saw and some of them have been flying for years. The instructors are scared stiff. They wouldn't allow any of us to fly alone because they're afraid something will happen. I don't blame them. While my crowd are supposed to be doing spirals and dives from high altitudes, we are only allowed to fly at 500 feet and try to become accostomed[accustomed] to the air. I see two weeks added to our course as a result,

You see being advanced flyers we're given the worst part of the day to fly, 2-5 P. M. A lot of the fellows say they will refuse to fly tomorrow if they must fly during brumpy hours. It means 3 A. M. or 8 P. M. flying. Our squadron commander, Norgren, who is an All-American half-back for U. of Chicago is one of those who would rather refuse to fly than break their necks. He is a stunt flyer.

Now let me tell you that this field was chosen for its perfect air condition. But if the truth were known the evidence leads us to see in it a political move of Los Angeles and I might add more if

I felt more certain. Millions invested and owing to the heat and the bumps half the day cannot be used for flying. The value of a field depends upon the number of flying hours and this field has hardly any, unless we fly at night. We are a pretty mad crowd but then we are also patriotic and love our Senators!

You are acquainted with Army Paper, so kindly tell me whether I ought to report for a heart examination or wait for them, — or in case they don't call — shall I go ahead and fly as if nothing had ever happened. They may forget it all and then

I can go ahead and get the wings. Tell me what you think. So far I have done nothing and don't intend to.

Well, that is all. Hope Mousant gives you a good joy ride. Tighten your safety belt and keep relaxed. Don't touch the controls while you're up there. It'll be the greatest fun you ever had.

Never mind about being lonely. Look at Dick & Norman, you're at least in civilization. I'm in Hell. Not a shade tree for miles & barracks like the Black Hole of Calcutta.

Don't tell mother about rough air here. What do you know about Intelligence Service? Be good and have a good time.

Would rather be a civilian than waste this time I waste here doing bunk fatigue. It's a poor way to learn to fly. As ever,

Lesley Bates

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H. L. A. BATES SECRETARY-MANAGER

TRADE MARK STANDARD

SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.,] June 18th 1918

My dear old Sned:

I received your letter yesterday telling me about Lesley. I wrote him today advising him to tell the Doctors at Riverside, as it would not do for him to go on flying. I feel very sorry for Les because I know his heart was in his work, and it was the one thing he wanted. I do not understand why it would affect his heart to fly alone at an altitude, but not if he went as an observor [observer] or non pilot. In the last issue of the Sat [Saturday] Evening Post is an article by an Ace in which he says he has gone to heights of 24000 ft and has never used oxigen [oxygen], though his heart has been on the bum since he was a Kid. He says he has never had any bad effects from flying. I hope those Doctors know what they are about, and that the Riverside men will turn him down if it is proper to do so. If it is proper for Les to go up as a non pilot, why could he not be an "observer".

I suppose there is nothing we can do, but if they dont take him, they ought to give him an honorable discharge, and he ought to be exempt from the draft. Never mind about owing me any money, or about paying it back until you are over burdened with wealth, and if you need money let me know. No letters from anywhere.

Mother & I & the Kink are well. I drove the car with Mother, Ella Jack and the Kid to Calaveras last Sunday and back over the Hearst Road & Dublin home.

Lots of love. In haste your loving father

H L A Bates

I showed Mother your letter. It is better that she should know things as they are.