World War I Collection

over I would like to see you home. I see that the Govt will release men who wish to return to their colleges, and I suppose "men" includes officers. Did I tell you that I saw in the Army & Navy Register about a month ago, that Colonel Bearsse and Major Lewis were given the D.S.C. for their part in the Marcheville fight, in which you so distiguinshed yourself. Helen arrived at Manila on the 5th inst according to a cable she sent her people. Dicks birthday is next Thursday, and Mother made him a big cake. She was going to ice it, and send candles etc, but had to rush to Los Angeles, so I sent him the cake as it was.

The dear boy is still at Key West, and very much disgusted with the place. Daniels says that one half of all the Navy is to be kept on both the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts beginning next June, and that the fleets are to be equal in every way. I hope that our Dickiewick gets out here. Lesley has gone to Berkeley this pm. to see some Educator on business. He is quite unsettled in mind and would like to go to China. Well Edward dear I have spent my Sunday writing to Dick and Mother and you. The Misses Robinson called this pm, and the George Anderson girls brought Les & me a lemon pie. Lots of love & hugs for you my dear boy from your loving father HLA Bates

[Written sideways in the left margin] Monday Jan 13th Mother telephoned today. Jos doing well. Sitting up in bed.