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

within a year might easily cause a relapse! –––

I hope you are tolerably comfortable dearest. We miss you all [double underlined] the time.

Father Jocelyn & I are alone still Ozeki left on Sunday – He felt really badly, at leaving & showed that he did – we were both surprised & touched – He handed me the key & said four years and a half!! & I said yes – pretty good Ozeki we will miss you! Then I went in to the sitting room where your father & I were when

Ozeki came in to say goodby. (It was last Sunday a.m. after breakfast. He had stayed later than usual to wait on Jocelyn who was very [underlined] late) Then he came in & shook hands with your father & me then put both hands on the back of his head and bowed very [underlined] low & there were tears in his eyes. He rushed away – evidently quite upset – we felt very surprised & we appreciate it. We never knew he was really attached

to the family before but [underlined] he certainly was. Father & Jocelyn intend to get him a little present of some kind as a keepsake. Don't mention the fact that he showed any emotion to any [underlined] body because we don't think it would be fair to him. I think he was surprised himself – but when it came to the point we hated to say goodbye.

We think a whole lot more of him on account of it.

Well dearest - I hope [underlined] you are safe & enjoying your work – I Keep wondering if you are best

in infantry. I mean if that is [underlined] best for you. You know [underlined] I suppose that artillery is considerably more desireable [desirable] in every way. The infantry being the least desirable branch – however dearie it is you [underlined] who have the choice. So do what ever you [underlined] feel you would like best. Only I suppose if all are new ... you would be at no greater disadvantage than others would be – beginning at artillary [artillery]?

People ask for you all the time. Mrs. Hall & the Waltmans send love. Edith has had grippe for a week or two - was quite sick. We are invited to breakfast there tomorrow.

I would certainly try to keep on good terms with Alameda friends, for you may [underlined] not make a Commission possibly & then you would [underlined] be sorry.

Tell me how the sweater fits, please dear = because I want to make one for Les. & if this is inclined to be too large or [underlined] too small anywhere please tell me.

Fondest love from each one of us worlds & hearts full of love.

We long for a sight of you dearie.

Ever your loving Mother R. Helen Bates

Bob Christie is now a Reserve Ensign & is at Mare Island for more instruction.