World War I Collection

[Imprint] illustration of Native American Chief: TECUMSEH CHIEF OF THE SHAWNEES

PACIFIC COAST DEPARTMENT H. L. A. BATES, GENERAL AGENT 240 SANSOME STREET SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. The Shawnee Fire Insurance Co. Of Topeka, Kansas

Walnut Grove, Cal June 20, 1909.

Dear Edward:

I received your kind letter the other day and have just made time to answer it. I am very glad to see that you are having such a good time, but be careful of yourself.

Yesterday I went to the + & it was full of bees & I only got stung four times. Ow!

There is not much news, but there was a swell fight today, & a man got the biggest & worst black-eye, I ever saw. I bet his jaw was broken, his whole left side of the face was black & yellow. He went & got a revolver to kill the fellow, but we took it away from him & he was mad as the dickens. He was drunk.

I went fishing today & caught one 2-lb black-bass. They didn't bite very well, so I went swimming & had a swell time.

I saw "bull" Lion & Tom Pickersgill & Capt. Mansfield, in Capt's scow. They anchored here overnight so I went on board & had a swell time til 11 P.M. They are going to Sacramento & are on a cruise; they were out three weeks, already, & were going to be out three weeks more.

Helen invited me to go down to their place at Carmel, & stay during July, & I think I will. Nifty, eh?

There is no more to say, so hoping that you are well, happy, & enjoying yourself, I am

your loving brother

Norman C. Bates

home yet and I have not heard from him. Norman left for Carmel today to be gone a week. He is going to visit the Sergeants.

Les and I will be all alone I expect until you return. I will probably be at 16th St. to meet you Sunday a.m. No letters from Mother or Jocelyn. Lots of love to you from Les & me.

Your loving Father H L A Bates

higher than six feet, nor further forward than the back of Turners house on his half – It has ended peacebly but better than Beadle deserved –

R. H. B.

P.S. I also spoke to cousin Effie too about letting you pay your part of your expenses if you go on staying with them. I hope you will persuade her to agree to rent if you are to stay longer – As it would be only fair both to them & to you.

Mother.

N. B. and also about getting up in the a.m. to help you get off early. It is very kind of her but it is too much – She must not do that, if you stay longer it is not good for her. It makes too much for her to do – and I know you don't want her to nor need it either – Mother.

[on left margin:] Nors eyes are better. He is going to Carmel, California to spend the 4th & Sunday – that will be nice for him

The Oaks, Applegate Cal

Dearest Edward

This is Wednesday the 10 July & we have been up here at this place since Sunday. We are probably going home again next Sunday the 14th as your father only got a week away. He had to take it as he felt worn out with business, but he hopes to get more holidays when Dick comes home – I hope you are well & all the rest of the family. Address us at home as usual for we will be back there in a few days – Lots of love from us all & to cousin Henry & Effie –

Your loving Mother –

R.H.B.

[on left margin:] Nor is at Carmel till today