CEHBates237

Home Sunday Aug 11th 1912 noon

Mr dear Edward:

Your birthday will be the day after tomorrow
and you will then be eighteen years old. This
is to wish you very many Happy returns of the day
from us all. Nor & Joc left last night on a
sailing trip to be back tonight, so only Lesley
is home and he is at the boat house. I hope
some of them will write to you for your birthday.

I send you nothing but when you return
I will give you $18.00, so just consider that
you have it. We went yesterday to see
the Pirates of Penzance and though very good
I did not like it as mush as Patience.

I have figured that Dick ought to be here
on the 28th if he leaves on the 24th and then
thank God we will all be home for a little
while. They gave a smoker at the Boat
House last night. It was rotten, and the
Directors ought to stop any bad language or
dirty stories. I have a strong stomach
but it made me sick, to see a lot of young
men laughing at such mess.

I see by your last letter that you do not
expect to leave for home before the 24th. I believe