Charles E. H. Bates Family Correspondence, 1899-1930 - 3

of the noise & motion so slept [underlined] on the floor of the car nearly all the way home under your fathers overcoat -- but every little while jumping up & putting his paws on the top of the door he would look over the edge - like a dog would to watch the passing view!! Only that the back view of this head looked like a sheep! When he did that. He was perfectly absurd all the time & amused me so much I could hardly look at anything else. He kept me very busy I need not say!

He had been very [underlined] cross & frightened Ramona & me last week by flying at her very savagely when she went to the basement for something -- that was one reason we took him were [we're] afraid to ask anyone else to care for him --- He was troublesome but Jocelyn was delighted to see him! Mother

Billings, Sept 13th,1918.

My dear Edward,

We are hoping for a letter from you -- You are always a faithful correspondent so I know you will write when you have time but I hope you are very well and not too homesick or lonely --

I imagine that you find much to interest you in that most interesting country of France -- I wonder have you met any of the Montana boys yet -- Will Panton otherwise "Bull" or Chaplain Anshutz. When you meet them I know you will like them --

Mr Anshutz is a splendid man - one who will be a good friend to you if you need one being both wise and kind and Will or "Bull" as his father & mother call him is a splendid boy about your own age.

Kathleen your cousin has returned to Le Treport, France after her six months or thereabouts at the No 1 C.C.S. at the front having put in her term there she was very sorry to leave it but she has much the same kind of work at No 12 Stationary Hospital - British -- I think [underlined] that is the address but am not sure.

I wonder if it is as warm where you are -- Here it is like July or August -- really sultry -- But everything looks very fresh and green.

Yesterday was Registration Day Harold was Registrar at the place --- He & Fred are both determined to go into the service as they have been for some time.

I hope you will not be called into the fighting line for a good while Edward dear & when you are God grant you his protection. Trust in Him always Edward and His angels will "encamp round about you and deliver you" That is His promise if we trust [underlined] Him.

All were well at your home when I heard last and at Aunt Eleanor's too and here also at the different homes.

Ever your loving grandmother Susanna Panton Rixon

All send their love to you I know, but they are not here just now.