World War I Collection

[Imprinted: ALASKA ARIZONA CALIFORNIA IDAHO MONTANA NEVADA OREGON UTAH WASHINGTON

STANDARD FORMS BUREAU [centered] 277 PINE STREET [centered] TELEPHONE SUTTER 4560 [centered]

H. L. A. BATES SECRETARY-MANAGER

TRADE MARK STANDARD

SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.,]

Jan 7th 1918

Dear old Sned:

We were very much delighted to get your telegram last Saturday, and I hope there will be a letter from you soon telling us of your enlistment, duties etc. Dont forget about the "talking too much" Les went back yesterday to Auburn where he will stay until he gets his orders. He has changed his status from "observor" to flier or now flyer at the suggestions of the Dept at Wash! The house seems empty without you, and now there is only Joc-Kok home. Mother, Jos and I are well, and hope you are the same. We hear the weather is quite warm at Linda Vista, so we are not losing any sleep over your freezing to death without an overcoat.

I bandaged the Kink's foot yesterday a.m. and he has been feeling much better, climbing all over the place. I am very much rushed at the office so must stop. Lots of love old man and good luck.

Always your loving father. Henry Lesley Alexander Bates

Imprinted Paper: ALASKA ARIZONA CALIFORNIA IDAHO MONTANA NEVADA OREGON UTAH WASHINGTON

H. L. A. BATES SECRETARY-MANAGER

STANDARD FORMS BUREAU 277 PINE STREET TELEPHONE SUTTER 4560

TRADE MARK STANDARD

SAN FRANCISCO, CAL., [handwritten:] Feb 11th, 1918

My dear old Sned:

From your last letter I note that you are getting low on funds, so I enclose you $20.00. Please acknowlege the receipt of same promptly, as sending cash through the mails is dangerous, but I dont know if you can cash a cheque or a money order. I will enquire [inquire] about the latter and if you can cash money orders, I will send that instead of greenbacks.

Edgar Lyon told me this a.m. that poor old Nick (their dog) died last night. I bet the Lions will feel blue, because he was a faithful old dog. I think he was 13 years old. Jack Ella & John are with us. They are looking for furnished apartments in Alameda. We have no servant so it is kind of strenuous particularly as Ella is a slave to the boy, and in consequence does not help Mother much.

This morning as usual I got the breakfast, and Mother was down to put the finishing touches. I asked Jack where Ella & John were, and he said Ella could not get up because John was asleep and it might wake him!! This is a funny world i.e. it is made up of queer people. Dont alude [allude] to any of the above in your letters home, as your letters are read by all hands.

Yesterday I drove Mother & the Fritschis over to Piedmont where the latter were invited to a family dinner. Then I drove back & Mother and I went to tea at Ruby Nichols house. Tomorrow is a holiday and I dont know what we will do. There is no news and I am writing in the office when I ought to be working. All well at home. Lots of love my dear old boy. Your loving father H.L.A.Bates

[Imprinted Paper: ALASKA ARIZONA CALIFORNIA IDAHO MONTANA NEVADA OREGON UTAH WASHINGTON

H. L. A. BATES SECRETARY-MANAGER

STANDARD FORMS BUREAU [centered] 277 PINE STREET [centered] TELEPHONE SUTTER 4560 [centered]

TRADE MARK STANDARD

SAN FRANCISCO, CAL., ]

[handwritten:] 12:00 Sat March 8th 1918

My dear old Sned:

A week ago today Mother and I were looking forward to seeing you in two hours. What a fine time we three had. I shall always remember that trip as one of the bright spots of my life. It is a good thing Mother did not stay over for the Review as I see it was again postponed on a/c of rain. Yesterday I paid Hastings for your Uniform 30.00 Hat 3.50 Hat band or strap .15c Trunk 14.50 Total 48.15, so you dont have to bother with that any more.

Lesley will be home today. I want to see what he looks like in uniform. Jack is away but is expected back late tonight. Ella has not yet found a house so they are still with us. Mother's cold is much better but she still has a little. I found a fearful pile of work awaiting me when I got back, but I am nearly caught up. There is no news, and I suppose you get what little there may be from Mother. All well. Lots of love to you my very dear boy from your loving father

HLABates.

[Imprinted: ALASKA ARIZONA CALIFORNIA IDAHO MONTANA NEVADA OREGON UTAH WASHINGTON

STANDARD FORMS BUREAU [centered] 277 PINE STREET [centered] TELEPHONE SUTTER 4560 [centered]

H. L. A. BATES SECRETARY-MANAGER

TRADE MARK STANDARD

SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.,]

Apr 6th 1918

My dear old Sned:

Just a few lines to tell you that we at home are all O.K. Jack Ella & John have taken the Hamilton House on Webber St and have been there about three days. Jack came home sick with a bad cold yesterday. I have been looking for a wire from you for the past two days to know if you were or were not, to be commissioned, but nothing has come, so I take it, there has been nothing done.

While of course I would like to see you get your commission, I shall not feel very badly about it, for "I know you have done your best " [all underlined], and you must take your medicine like a man if you lose out.

Of course you must wire us "collect" when you know yes or no. Remember me to Miss Dowden when you see her. We have not heard from Dick lately but got a fine long letter from old "O Kernor". He had seen both Bull Lyon & Albious Jordan. The former had dined with him, but the latter could not as he was on duty. Helen & Harriett are expected here on the next boat. I was very glad that you went to Church Easter. I had a bum cold and did not go, though Mother & Joc went.

A big Liberty Bond Parade starts at 2 pm today, and Mother is coming over to have lunch with me, and then take in the parade. Les will be marching in all the panoply of war. There is no news. Lots of love to you dear old boy.

from your loving father HLABates

[Imprinted: ALASKA ARIZONA CALIFORNIA IDAHO MONTANA NEVADA OREGON UTAH WASHINGTON

STANDARD FORMS BUREAU [centered] 277 PINE STREET [centered] TELEPHONE SUTTER 4560 [centered]

H. L. A. BATES SECRETARY-MANAGER

TRADE MARK STANDARD

SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.,]

April 13th 1918

Dear old Snedward:

Just a few lines to let you know that we are all well. Mother and I are going to dinner tonight with Jack & Ella, to the Fred Fritschi's. Tomorrow Joc is going to Stanford to the track events. Helen & Harriet Sergeant are expected on the next transport due any day.

I see U.S. Marines have been landed in Vladivostock [ Vladivostok ], and we are wondering if old Leon is there. Lesley, I hope will be home tomorrow & Sunday, and we all hope you will be home the next week. I suppose there is no further news about the commissions or you would have told us. Adams & West, my tailors, say if you get your commission they would like to make your uniforms. They are making a good many. Jack got a suit from them the other day, and I got another like my last one. The Kinkajou is all O.K. again and is as lively as a cricket. Sometimes he barks like a prairie dog. Remember me to Mrs. Dowden.

I wish Mother and I could sneak down to San Diego for a week, but I cannot get the time now as I am very busy in the Bureau.

Lots of love from us all, and let me know when you need money.

always your loving father HLABates