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

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This collection documents the experiences of a California family during the early 20th Century, including the First World War. There are 109 letters written by Charles E.H. Bates beginning in his childhood in Alameda, California, and ending in the late 1920s as he begins a career in medicine. Letters sent from California and France while Bates served with the American Expeditionary Forces date from January 1918 through May 1919. There is a larger collection of 784 letters to Bates from his family:  father, mother, and four brothers, as well as friends, including the woman who became his wife. Please note that historical materials in the Bates Collection may include viewpoints and values that are not consistent with the values of the California State Library or the State of California and may be considered offensive. Materials must be viewed in the context of the relevant time period but views are in no way endorsed by the State Library. The California State Library’s mission is to provide credible information services to all Californians and, as such, the content of historical materials should be transcribed as it appears in the original document.   

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CEHBates438
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CEHBates438

heard you might think that you were fond of disappation [dissipation], which is not true, but would have a bad effect — Choose your companions carefully because, that is very important & might indirectly make or mar your chances in the camp — i.e. you will be judged by the companions you keep — to some extent — as their influence counts a great deal both in & out of camp terms — I know you are not inclined towards any but nice friends — but being lonely

Last edit over 3 years ago by cgonzalez
CEHBates438a
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you might then easily fall into companionships that it would be best to keep away from and remember about Speech being "Silver" but "Silence Golden." [double underlined]

The house is dreadfully lonely since you left Tues. (yesterday at noon). Jocelyn came home at night _ We had tea at Nics – Lewis recognized it – Fondest love from each of us and all — Your loving mother

Rebecca Helen Bates

Last edit over 3 years ago by cgonzalez
CEHBates440
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CEHBates440

Thursday Jul 1

My own dearest Edward,

We are all wondering how you are as no letter has come since Thursday _ the one written at U.S. Grant the night you arrived –

It was a fine[underlined] letter & did us all a lot of good & so did your telegram — Effie too wrote me a fine letter saying how glad they were that you had stopped off & how much they had enjoyed seeing

Last edit over 3 years ago by cgonzalez
CEHBates442
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CEHBates442

you — though you said she stated that it was really Bill you stopped off to see and only the rest "accidentally" I hope she did not think you meant that — she says they are all so fond of you & I know they are —

I can't tell you dearie how blue we all felt the night you left I could not bear myself the sight of your empty bed & desk — the only thing that gives me courage is that I have[underlined] a strong hope

Last edit over 3 years ago by cgonzalez
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that you will come back before very long and be able to sit again at the same old desk and go on with your work and be your mother's dear old comfort and joy!.

Dear old Jos tries to keep me from being lonely. I know - & if only he could be here then it would be a great comfort but college opens very soon & then!!

Les went off on Sunday & of course he felt bleaker than ever — as Jocelyn had not then got back from Brookdale

Mrs Lion kindly asked us up to tea

Last edit over 3 years ago by cgonzalez
Displaying pages 6 - 10 of 337 in total