March 11. 1945

Dear Friends:--

Just a line to say "hello" and to thank you for your much appreciated box and letter which I received just before getting under way from our last port.

It is nice to know that we of Bryant are not forgotten even tho' many thousands of miles away from home--especially during the holidays when we would be enjoying ourselves so much, otherwise.

The candy was in very good condition, which is more than I can say for many of the packages that have arrived. To date we have only received about 10% of our Christmas mail--when we will get it, no one knows. I believe that it is in Leyte.

Since writing you my last letter we have been on our fourth major invasion in the Pacific--that being Luzon in the Philippines by way of Lingayen Gulf. A "reception committee" came out to greet us one day from our destination but they didn't deter us from our goal. With the ever present protection of the good Lord above we returned unscathed--both as to ship and personnel.

I like your news letter very much--keep sending it.

Again thanks--and regards to all--

Lincoln C. Bateson
P.C., USNR.
USS Storm King AP171
c/o F.P.O.
San Francisco, Calif.
[Transcription ends]

Lincoln C. Bateson, P.C. [?]
USS Storm King (AP132)
% F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif.

Bryant College Service Club
Bryant College,
Providence,
Rhode Island, USA.

Dear Alma Mater:-

Received your very welcomed letter at our last port, far, far from dear ‘ol’ Providence as you no doubt can see by the new address. Thanks. Also for the Christmas and Easter packages which no doubt are following, me and will catch up sometime.

Since my last letter to you I have been advanced to Warrant Officer in the Supply Corps, namely Pay Clerk and have been on sea duty for quite a few months.

Thanks for the news about all the boys- sure do appreciate receiving it. Keep up the good work.

Sincerely
Lincoln C. Bateson

[Transcription ends]

Bryant College Service Club
Bryant College
Providence
Rhode Island

Dear Friends:

I have received your letter of May 30th and gratefully acknowledge it.

I also gratefully acknowledge the package which you sent me for Christmas. Somehow or other it got delayed, through no fault of yours as the address was correct. It was just one of those unexplainable foulings that we run into now-a-days. Outside of one or two pieces being squashed, they were in first class order and quite a few of the other boys enjoyed them as well as myself. Thanks again.

Since entering the service in January 1941, I cannot say that I have seen any action as I have been always stationed in New England. From January to October, 1941, while in the Army, I was stationed at Camp Devens, Fort Adams, and Camp Edwards. Then a short civilian respite between the enactment of the “over 28 Act affecting Selective Service” and the Declaration of War; after which I joined the Navy, being a member of both the Army Enlisted Reserve Corps and the U. S. Navy for thirteen days due to overlapping joining the Navy in January 1942, I have fought the Battle of Boston Harbor for eighteen months, serving at the Charlestown Navy Yard and at present at the U. S. S. Fargo (9 decks and a cement bottom at 495 Summer Street). I have received notice of transfer twice but each time it has been cancelled.

Enlisting as a Storekeeper 3rd Class, I have progressed through 2nd Class and am now Storekeeper 1st Class. Having been recommended for Lieutenant (j. g.) but which Washington turned down for some unknown reason.

Last February I married a young lady (Miss Barbara Kelley of North Quincy) whom I met in Boston since entering the Navy so that my service on shore has not been without its advantages.

I will close by saying I have hopes of not being a dry land sailor through all of this, as I would like to see some sea duty.

Thanks again for everything and please keep me posted.

Sincerely yours,
Lincoln C. Bateson

Lincoln Carr Bateson
SK 1c, U. S. N. R.
Navy Receiving Station
Boston, Massachusetts
Disbursing Office
[Transcription ends]

Jan 31. 19/43

Bryant College Service Club

Dear Miss C. Blaney,

I have received a letter from you regarding a box sent to my son Lincoln C. Bateson. I am very sorry if he received it he [h]as not acknowledged it. But I know he [h]as been very busy. But I will see him next Saturday and I will ask him about it. I though[t] he would have been home before this. The address that is on the letter is the corrected one but I will see him next Sat. and I will speak to him about it. Sorry it [h]as happen this way because Lincoln thinks a great deal of the college.

Yours very truly

Lincoln’s mother,
Mrs. Chas S. Hill
Apponaug, RI [Transcription ends]