CEHBates_Jan-June1920_095a

FIRST METHODIST CHURCH [centered]
CLAUDE OREAR, Pastor [centered]
ROANOKE, - ALABAMA [centered]

Jan 5 - 1920 -

My dear friend Bates --

Your letter was delayed in finding me but,
by gum, it finally got to me. How glad I was to
get it. It was like an oasis in a desert land. I have
thought of you, old vet, a thousand and one times.
And many times I said there I will write Bates a
letter that will heap coals of fire upon his head
for not writing me. Now what has happened? He
beat me to it and here are coals of fire heaped upon
my own head one inch thick and my hair singes
and smells bad under this treatment but it served me
rights. I am going to do better ever after.

Yes old pal I remember the road that had
many turning but all y 'em "tuk" no nearer;
to "der Woeht am Rhein." And Wasserbillig — yes it
was a good service, and the book says "Where two or
three," etc. 'Tenny rate I ares glad you held up my
hands as did the children of Israel the hands of Moses.
(See Bible)

Dear Bates — I hope you are cleansed ere this
from all super fluidity & naughtiness (if any existed) and
that both by speech and by example you point folks
up hill. I am glad you are in school and from
my observation it will never hurt you one whit but may