CEHBates035

[Imprint] illustration of Native American Chief: TECUMSEH
CHIEF OF THE SHAWNEES

PACIFIC COAST DEPARTMENT
H. L. A. BATES, GENERAL AGENT 240 SANSOME STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.
The Shawnee Fire Insurance Co.
Of Topeka, Kansas

June 15, '09.

Dear Edward,

I just wanted to write and hear how you are. You are
very fortunate in your surroundings I think. You have fine scenery,
lots of fine water to drink and to row and swim in, and I expect
you can reach snow in an hour or two, can't you? Is the water
too cold to swim in?

Whenever I get a chance, I go swimming in the Feather river.
But the water is dirty owing to the railroad dirt which slides
into it. Last Sunday Dick walked down from his camp and
we went swimming in the river. Dick is about five miles above
me.

Who have you up there, Edward? Albion Spear and Emerson go, don't
they? You will meet some fellows from other towns up there, and I
judge you are having a mighty fine time.

I just wanted to see how you are getting along, don't yer know.

Let me know how many fish you catch, and if you freeze
to death some time when you are in swimming write to me and I will
send you a life preserver and a piece of coal.

Well, so long, Booo Gooo, for a time. We'll meet again in
Alameda, in about a month and a half, huh? Take care of yourself and
don't smoke or drink or swear or etc.

Your darling brother,

Lesley Rixon Bates.

P.S. I received you letter today [written on top of yesterday] and will
take it on to Dick on Sunday, when I am going up
to see him.