World War I Collection

[top left corner:] PS I can't get your family on the phone – but hope this address will reach you – R.L.

[top right corner:] 912 Paru St Alameda – California.

Dear "Fatty A" –

How would you like to look like that person? C'est terrible n'est-ce-pas?

Bull arrived home Tuesday – so of course there was much excitement. He looks very well – and they had a fine trip. He did not see Norman at Manila – as he had to be on the Colusa – but I think he

We were certainly overjoyed to see — Bullie — and I suppose by this time he has arrived in Manila — and hope he and Nor — get together — as they did not see each other — on Bull's return trip.

Frank Wreden and Irving Culver both have commissions — as Ensign — in the U. S. N. R. F. and they are very much pleased I suppose Frank looks fine

Howard came to tell us good-bye on Sunday. His regiment has been ordered to Camp Mead [Meade] – Md. [Maryland] and after that – who knows. Lesley also came to bid us farewell. He looked just splendid in his uniform – and we are so proud of you all. Of course your Mother wanted him photoed – a la uniform – so Mrs. Cockcroft did the deed.

Bull and Albion saw Norman in Manila – and Bull wrote that Nor was looking well. It is terribly hot there – almost unbearable – Al moved out of their stateroom and is sleeping on deck – so Bull is in possession – and has the fan going all night.

me all about her. She has two sons, and unless they are earning money she cannot be well off. I have always wanted to help her as I ought, but I have always been hard up myself though in a different way. Living expenses are climbing out of sight here and although there is only Mother & me, I want to buy Liberty Bonds, War Savings Stamps etc, and this takes all the money I can get hold of. Give her my best love if you see her as I hope you will. The car is back, but it needs at least one or two hundred miles of running to get the bearings & new piston rings smoothed out. We are glad to have it back though. We cannot, on account of water shortage, sprinkle the garden. The lawns are all getting brown, and people are putting their dish water and bath water on the flower beds. The primary elections were held last week, and Rolph ran for Governor on the Rep & Dem tickets. He is a registered republican. He won the Dem vote, but Stephens beat him on the Rep, and under the law, if a Rep runs on both tickets and fails to get the nomination of his own party, he cannot run on the Dem. So, to my great joy, Rolph is out of it, though he says he is going to fight the law. All the business men worked against him. The Sept transport will not go to Manila, so Helen cannot go to Norman, until the Oct one, and then only if one goes and there is room. Wilfred Lion is expected home next week. Mrs Lion & Roberta were at the house last night. The Watermans have gone out of town for a week or two. Edith is on some woman's war work affair. Mother and I are well, and send you heaps of love. All your friends ask after you all the time. Lots of love from us dear old Snedward. We shall look for letters from you sometime in Sept.

always your loving father HLA Bates

[written on left margin:] We like your pictures taken in the overseas cap, although they don't do you justice.

examinations for third officer. They both passed and had to draw straws to see -which one -- sails Saturday for China. Bull evidently drew the long straw as he sails on the Ecuador -- which is a passenger steamer -- and makes -- The run to China — Manila — Japan etc. It is mighty nice to have Bull home again -- and we will