CEHBates_1924-1930_010b

Stationery:
H. L. A. BATES
277 PINE STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.

January 8th - 1925

My dear old Sned:

That was a fine long letter we got from you
telling us all about your Xmas. Betty is "sure
some peppy Kid" to do all she could to give the
Xmas atmosphere, and doing without sleep to
make a go of things.

I have filed a complaint with the postmaster
about my air plane letter taking so long to
reach you. I was most anxious that you
should have the letter Xmas Eve.

I suppose Mother has told you about our
Xmas with 16 at the table. We had two turkeys
and Jos carved at one end, and I at the other.

Mother is delighted with the coal scuttle and
you made her vey happy, though we both think
you should not have gone to the expense.

I enclose you a copy of General Orders dated
Calcutta Oct 26th 1819 (105 years ago) which my
sister Gerty sent me, and which was found in
my brother Waller's effects. She also sent me
four miniatures painted I think on ivory. I think
one is of my great granfather referred to
in the above general orders, another his wife.
Another of his father Rev Thomas Bates and
also one of his wife. She also sent me some
daguerriotypes but I do not know who they
are.

Dicks ship the Maryland will be here on
the 23rd to welcome the Japanese fleet, and will
only be here five days when it will return to
San Pedro. In April the Atlantic & Pacific