It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from this/these transcript(s) must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collection Coordinating Committee. Alvin Fielding and Amelia Smith Letters, May 1905 MSS 7952 [notes by transcriber are in brackets; preprinted text is in bold] [ltr. 1, p. 1] [letterhead is noted as “S. S. Arabic letterhead” on following pages] [image of flag with a star and insignia containing letters SCNO] S. S. “Arabic”. On the Briney Deep May 1st 1905 My Own Dear Millie, it is now allmost the close of another day with us, and about 330 at home, we have averaged in our travels on the water about 390 miles in 24 hours, and the distance from Boston to Liverpool is 3000 miles so You can see, it takes some time to cross this little pond Willard and I have been develop - ing, films this evening, some he took inrout, I will try and mail You one or two pictures if we can print any befor we leave the boat, otherwise I will have to depend on Willard sending You some, I was sorry I could’nt get our kodak repaired in time, to bring along with Me, but when it is returned to You, You can take some pictures and send [ltr. 1, p. 2] to Me, well Deary the boys are much better behaved to day and I guess they have been thinking about it, everything has been very quiet to day about half of the party is all that needed the calling down and befor we did anything I spoke to several of those of those who felt just like I did and so we decided that it would be necessary to speak to them, there was My self, Brother George Smith who is an eldery gentlemen and one of the High Council of Wasatch Stake and resides In Park City, Brother Condie of Salt Lake, Brother Williams of Salt Lake Brother Hansen of Brigham City and one or two others who spoke to the boys so I guess from now on they will try and behave them selves, I have been in My room almost all day by Myself, Brother L M Howell, son of Representative [ltr. 1, p. 3] Howell of Utah is one of the party and a very nice Young man He keeps company or at least is engaged to one of Brother Nibleys daughters He has as bad a case as I had - and He brought the Ladies picture down to show me and has been telling me all about his love affairs - She is a very nice looking Girl from the photo, well after we had been here a while the other boys came in and we all began to talk about our sweet hearts and so on one of the boys asked George how many children He had and He told him, one and a half, as He expected an increase befor He got home, and of course Chase had to fess up also but I told them I didnt exp - ect any more in family until about 18 months after I got home, Willard spoke up and said “Good for You Alvin” I changed the subject [ltr. 1, p. 4] as quick as I could, I didnt tell them how we had been blessed, but I did say that Men were, brutes, and didnt have any consideration for for their wives, O’ Deary You cant emagin how thankful I am that the Lord answered our prayers and that You are all right, but when I think of how careful You were and how careless I was it makes Me think just what I have said about Men, up a few lines in this letter Well Deary how is all at home tell Me about everything, It will be interesting to Me and I would like to know, tell Me if You have received all My letters, and tell Me everything You can think of, I will write again tomorrow, we went May walking up and down the deck, saw several schools of Porpus - jumping out of the water to day, we are all well and will say night night, and God bless You and Ruth with lots of love and kisses for You both I am Yours for ever & ever Alvin [ltr. 2, p. 1] [S. S. Arabic letterhead] On The Briney Deep May 2nd 05 My Own Dear Millie here it is, bed time and another day passed, I am still a good sailor, I have gotten onto the motion of the boat, until it is quiet natural to Me I dont notice it now, only when I begin writing, then of course I am reminded of the fact, I hope You will be able to read all that I have written. just think Deary here I have four letters, consisting of four pages each - this one making five I dont know what all I have written but I hope You will not get tired reading it I hope there will be as much awaiting [ltr. 2, p. 2] me when I get in Liverpool - of course there will not be this many letters but I mean in volume, well Deary the people in charge of the boat think we will arrive in Queens Town Friday night, so I will have to get all My mail together so it can be posted from thare, this is Wednesday that means two more days And we will arrive in Liverpool Saturday night at midnight, that is if all goes well, we have had a very pleasant voyage so far but I wont be sorry when it is over, and then of course our labor begins I tell You Deary it makes me have cold chills but I am going to make the best of it, and I hope You will not forget to pray for me, becaus I feel My weakness, and will [ltr. 2, p. 3] have to depend upon the Lord for his help, Well my Own Dear Mamma how are You and how is our precious little Ruth, kiss Her for [-]Me, how I would like to do it My self and how I would like to get hold of You a little while O - it seems an awful long time since I left home - when I look back over My journey to the day we left it seems an age, but it will be a long, long time be for I have the privelege of turning my face homeward, and I hope the Lord will bless me that I may get interested in My labors, so as the time will pass rapidly and not drag, but how I do long to see My loved ones and I wonder if they are well, and I pray continually that this might be the case dont forget to tell Me how You both are and also how all the [ltr. 2, p. 4] folks are, I dont want You to tell Me anything but the Truth in this matter, Well Millie Dear, the Smith boys are a pecular lot, we have to be just so, do just so, and watch our selves, becaus we are watched, people have learned what we are Sons of the President, and this makes us a little more consp - icuous than the the others those who I am not so well acquainted with, think I think My self better than them so I, think I will have to go around through the crowd and introduce Myself to each indiv idui[--] individual, and I will be glad when I get out of the company of some of then well Deary it is quiet late I will write another short note tomorrow remember Me to Your Mamma and Papa and all the folks - and kiss our sweet baby for me, - with lots and lots of love and kisses for You both I am as ever Yours Lovingly Alvin [ltr. 3, p. 1] [S. S. Arabic letterhead] On The Briney Deep May 3rd 1905 My Own Dear Millie we have spent another very ple - asant day, good weather only cloudy, we have'nt had a bit of rough weather since since we started, probably this is the reason for our good sailorship - well My own sweet Millie we have made the acquaintance of a very nice Young fellow by the name of Chapple, who is taking this voyage for His Health He with three other brothers are in the magazine business, and of course has been trying to find out what He can about us and our people, we have had Him in our state room several times, visit <-ing> us, and He says until He [ltr. 3, p. 2] came on this boat, He had a deferent idea of Mormon Missionaries, having alwa - ys pictured them with long beards, He seems a very nice jolly fellow He 28 Years old and on account of us being President Smiths boys, is what, makes it all the more interesting He wanted to send His magazine to me, claiming it was non partican and non sectarian I told Him no I didnt want it, but I gave Him a dollar and told him to mail it to You He is also going to mail You a small book on the life of Wm McKinley and He is going the Morm - ons a write up, and use us four boys as the central figure describing us as He found us, how defer - ent we are to what He had always pictured us It will be worth the price of His magazine to know [ltr. 3, p. 3] just what He will say so I thought I would subscribe we have had a fine time with Him, and He insists on having a picture of us 4 boys if only a kodak one so Willard is going to fix him up with some snap shots, to be used as illust - rations in the magazine so if He is sincere, which I believe He is after the trou - ble He has gone too He says Says Boys every body on this boat would like to get acq - uinted with You fellows only they are afraid You will convert them, I told Him to tell them not to be afraid, becaus we were particular as to the kind of people, we convert He of course as a fellow who can take a joke so and knows when a fellow is joking, well Deary we will wait and see what He has to say about us [ltr. 3, p. 4] it is the same old thing from day to day, we all rest splendid at night and some times take a nap in the afternoon it is the laziest time I ever spent, and the time drags along so slow we passed another boat in the night, it was quiet fogy so we couldnt see it. but we could her the fog horn, blowing at inter vels of about 5 minutes until they got past, well Deary I guess, I will only write You one more letter while on the boat as we expect to reach Queens Town tomorrow evening, and Liverpool in the morning following so will say Night Night for this time with lots of love and kisses and big hugs for My precious Mamma and Ruth and may the Lord bless You both as the prayer of Your loving husband Alvin [ltr. 4, p. 1] [preprinted letterhead text is in bold font and is noted as “European Printing letterhead” on following pages] Latter-day Saints European Printing Publishing and Emigration Office. W Holly Road Fairfield Liverpool, May 6 - 1905 My Own Dear Millie We arrived here in Liverpool at 9 PM last night Brother Grant was at the Docks to meet the party, and He had several Elders along to take care of us, after landing we were obliged to go to the station and hunt up our trunks and wait for the custom office to check us up, I only had to open my small hand grip, we then went, in comp - any with a Brother Thomas to the Taylors Temperance Hotel whare we loddged for the night, even though it was after 10 PM when we were going through the streets we were pointed out as Yankees” there are thousands of urchins roaming the streets we havent had time to see Liverpool, will look around this afternoon and I will tell You about it later on, Well Deary - no letters for me I guess they are still on the way, but I was hungry for some word from Home we Met Brother Malcom McAllister He works here in the office, we have also received our appointments, Chase goes to Bristol Conference and I go to London, in company with Brother Hansen of Brigham City and a Brother Howell from Salt Lake and a native of Wales. [ltr. 4, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 3] [European Printing letterhead] we passed the old Mission Head quarters #42 Islington - they have a new home now and it is a lovely place, Well Deary we boys only have until Monday next together then we will part, and maby not see one another again until we get home and it seems as though I was leaving the last Friends on earth but I will make the best of it, I still have the satisfaction of knowing that I have some one at home who thinks of Me - and I assure You that that it will be a happy time I can return to My loved ones at home - Millie Dear My address, until further notified will be # 97 Farleigh, Road Stoke Newington London England I will write to You again befor I leave Liverpool it is now Mail time this will go out to day God Bless You and our precious baby and with kind regards to all and lots and lots of love for You both and xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx by the hundreds I remain Yous lovingly # 97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington Alvin London England [ltr. 4, p. 4 : blank page] [ltr. 5, p. 1] [European Printing letterhead] ——— I have lost all track of the date but it was May 7 instead of april when this was written May 7 - 1905 April 7 - 1905 My Own Dear Millie Here we are still in Liverpool It is a most beautiful place we did'nt get up until 1130 this morning so we missed Sunday school, we got here in time however to take part in the afternoon services, and will remain here until after meeting this evening, we have enjoyed ourselves very much eating our meals with Sister Grant, we have eaten with them 4 times and it was just like eating at home, both Brother and Sister Grant have treated us royally, they took us to the Olymphia last night it is the largest and finest Theatre I was ev[-]r in, very finely furnished and, the show was on the order of the Hippodrome, consisting of juggling, Bicycle Riding - hoop rolling performing bears in which they had 4 large black bears and one pollar bear all of which were well trained, and performed many tricks, some fine Tumblers, moving pictures, and to finish up with - a regular english fox hunt, in which they had about 1 Doz horses - 1 fox and some 20 fox hounds it was the mostxciting thing I ever saw after all these crossed the stage two or three times, jumping fences, and so on the stage was drawn back and thare was a large [ltr. 5, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 5, p. 3] [European Printing letterhead] (1) May 8th 05 My Own Dear Millie We leave here to day - and I expect to be in that great city, London this evening, George was the only one who received a letter to day, it seems an age since I had one and I thought sure this mail would bring one for me, but I will try and have patience maby mine will come with the next boat how I would like to hear from home are You all well, "Well Dearie we have just been, out seeing the sights with Brother Grants girls, We went out to Sefton Park, it is a very beautiful place, and one could spend a hole day thare and then not be satisfied, then we went over through the Main Street from thare we went over to the art Galery whare we saw some of the most beautiful paintings I ever saw then we came back to the mission house, here we are, and Brother Grant has brought, us boys some letters one from Hyrum and one from Papa so will read them and then finish this letter May 9th Well Dearie Hyrum says He called You May 9th [ltr. 5, p. 4: blank page] [European Printing letterhead] [ltr. 5, p. 5] (2) May 9th - 05 up and that You were all well for which I am very thankful Papa also says He He telephoned You and that You were well and that Rutha had a tooth. this news however was contained in Your letter which reached Me at Boston, both Papas and Hyrums letter was addressed to me at Boston and should have reached Me thare but I missed them so they were forwarded to Brother Grant. and got in Liverpool yesterday Well Dearie we had to leave Liverpool befor I could answer Your letter, and I also have one that I wrote a few days ago which I will mail with this, Well Mamma Dear we left George and Willard at 230 and we Chase and I, left at 330 with some of the other boys, Chase changed cars at Manchester and we continued on to London reaching here at 8 P.M. we took a buss as far as it went then we walked a mile asking every policeman we met to direct us to #97 Farfield Stoke Newington we finally found the place with out going out of the way any, Brother Hoopes who is in charge met us at the door and here we are . We spent a pleasant evening and rested well last night, London [ltr. 5, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 5, p. 7] [European Printing letterhead] 3 beats them all, it is only 35 miles across and only have 7,000,000 people, Well Dearie, I got Your letter this morning, it came to Liverpool after I left and was forwarded to Me here I also got one from Mamma, I was glad to hear that FJ Cannon had skipped, but I learned when I reached here that, He and Mrs Cannon were on Germany, I guess I better tell You now that I am well so as I wont forget, later on, we have made the best of our time and have seen all the sights we could but never this less, it seems to Me also, a long time since I left home, sight seeing dos'nt change this fact, Well Dearie, I would like to know for a certainy how many there are in the Far Family, there is no telling, how many, they must have to bunk two or three in a bed, I gave the letter to Miss Wells, and the Insurance report You can burn up, and the State bank check You can deposit, with the Zions savings bank, by endors - my[--] name, "by You" and then You can draw it out and use it as You need, say Dearie I came away with out telling the Insurance people whare to come to collect so I will enclose a note to them and You can re[-]mail it. I was glad the folks called to see You, Mamma told Me how sweet and clean the baby was, and how she entertained [ltr. 5, p. 9] [European Printing letterhead] then while they were thare, every body thinks I have a mighty fine Wife and baby and, I will take good care, about who I kiss Well Deary talk about poverty this is the place to see it, it would make You sick I never saw anything like it that is in Liverpool, but they say London is worse so, You would have to see it before You could form any idea of what it is like I hope that some day You You can come over and see this country, Maby when they send "Hyrum over to preside" if anything like this should happen befor I come home I want You to come. Well Dearie I am going to see Sister Everard to day then I guess I will be sent out some whare to make friends, among a people who havent any use for mormons, so You must pray for Me becaus I feel My weakness and without the help of the Lord will be unable to do very much, I hope You wont get tired reading these long letters, but I can assure You the longer the better when they are coming this way - give My love to Your Mamma, Papa, Bertha, Al, Alice over [ltr. 5, p. 10] Orvil, Henry Harry Lon and Nell, and all enquiring friends and with lots and lots of love and kisses for You and our precious baby Ruth I remain as ever Your loving husband Alvin PS Millie Dear address the enclosed as follows Geo D Alder M C Carmick City____ "Later' on encloese it becaus it makes the letter weigh too much will send it next time [ltr. 5, p. 11] [pages 11 & 13 not in chronological order] [European Printing letterhead] <830> 830 making one and a half hours of continual fun we have visited the Botanical Gardens whare they have some of prettiest flowers I ever saw and this hole country reminds one of reading a English novel - whare You picture in Your mind the beautiful secluded residences they are mostly all fenced in with high brick walls for blocks & Blocks and on the inside every things is green with large trees and flowers & shrubbery I could spend a month looking at these things, but we leave tomorrow, for our diferent places, so cant satisfy our wants in this regard, well Deary tomorrow is mail day and I hope to get a letter from You it is almost meeting time so will say night night and God bless You and our precious baby, and write and tell Me how You are, we manage to keep well, remember Me to all the folks - with lots and lots of love and kisses for You both I am as ever Your loving husband Alvin [ltr. 5, p. 12] Read this one first it was written first [ltr. 5, p. 13] [European Printing letterhead] river with the real stuff, and the road leading down to [-]t. pretty soon the fox came in sight, plunged into the watter and swam through, next came the dogs, and through they wind and then came the riders and in they went, some fell off their horses, while some went right through and they were all soaked, and after them came the old woman on her way to market with her ducks, and through she went, the ducks leaving the cart and remaining in the water, it was the finest thing I ever saw the best eats in the house cost one & six or about 36 ¢ the seats we had were fine and cost 1 shilling or 24 ¢ while they had seats at 4 cents 6 cents and so on up to 36¢ this being the far the best, the only objec - tions I had was that they smoke continually while the show goes on, the roof has a large ventilating hole which is opened to allow the the smoke to pass out, the floors are covered with fine velvet carpets, and it is certainly grand - we also had dancing and singing, - it has a seating capacity of about 4000 - people and they give two performances each evening, and people stand 4 abreast in a line 4 blocks long awaiting their turn to get tickets, the blocks however are short about like whare You are living on, the first performance starts at 7 P M and the next at 9 P. M. we went at 7 and came out at [ltr. 6, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London England May 11 - 1905 My Own Dear Millie, I am here all alone at the conference house, and My thoughts are of You at home, there will be a boat leave Saturday morning so I thought I would write to You, and tell You that I am well, only lonesome, I went out on the street last evening to watch the boys hold street meeting Elder Winder, sone of Brother JRWinder and Elder, Stevenson, were the speakers Brother Winder has been released, to return home and, will leave here in about one week, He expects to travel some before going home, He is a very good talker, Brother Stevens is only a new Elder having only been in the field about a month, so it rested on Brother Windel to do the talking [ltr. 6, p. 2] there was one other Elder with us, by the name of Belnap who has been laboring in Germany, He would take no part however and stood out in the crowd, I had the chance to dismiss one of the meetings and tryed to talk a few minutes at the other, they held two meetings on deferent corners, I tell You Dearie, it is a pretty tough prop - osition, it is the hardest thing I ever tried to do and I am afraid it will be some time befor I will be able to do much pre - aching, however I expect to have another chance tomorrow evening, just imagin going down town, stepping out into the road, whare thousands of people are passing continu ally -, walking up to the curb, and removing Your hat and start to talk to a people, who [ltr. 6, p. 3] hate the mormons like poison some stop and listen a few minuts while others, hoot and hollar, from the minute they learn that we are mormons, I stepped up to one pretty well dressed Man about 45 years old and asked him if He would accept of one of our Gospel tracts, He reached out his hand to take it and at the same time exclaimed Dirty Mormons, I spoke up and said, That sir is what some People call us, He then He said what about Polygamy? I said Polygamy sir is a thing of the past and is no longer practised by the Latter Day Saints, He said Its a good job and He said I read some of Smiths testimony at the investigation whare He claimed it was a thing of the past, Then I told Him that I was the Son of that man He was very much surprised and I told him that Brother Winder, or the Gentlemen who was preaching was a son of the First Counselor to my Father, He then asked Me if I was going to stay over here and I told him yes, He took our tracts and I got him to give Me his [ltr. 6, p. 4] name and address which He did - it is J. C. King - I expect to mail him some some more, of our tracts - He Shook hands with Me befor leaving - “thus” ended ourmy first Street meeting, Well Mamma, I have been appointed to labour right here at the conf - erence house and will start on My first house to house canvas Monday, I am very timid, and hate the thoughts of it, but I have got to begin some time, so it might just as well be now President Grant and Daughters come down here Tuesday - Brother Grant went home or back to Liverpool this mor - ning, the Girls remained and Sister Grant is coming down in a day or two to see London, I went swiming with the boys yesterday, and caught a bit of cold - their Plunge baths are all cold, but we enjoyed our selves, say Dearie what do You think I weigh there were four of us and we all got weighed, stark naked - Hyrum Groesbeck, one of the boys here weighed 203 lbs another of the boys weighed [ltr. 6, p. 5] 5 185 - lbs this one was brother Freebairm - the Elder whos place I am to take, then brother Hansen of Brigham City who came over here with Me got on the scale He is a small man and only weighed 124 lbs then it was My turn and guess what I weighed, we were all naked not a stitch on becaus we wanted to get it accurate - Well Dearie I weighed 133 lbs, how is that for a fatty, dont think that I am getting any thinner, becaus I am not, becaus I got weighed after I got dressed and tipped the scale at 147lbs, which makes the clothes I wear weigh 14 lbs - I called on Sister Everard, but she was nt at home, she has moved fron whare she usto live and is now at #13 Pyrland Road Stoke Newington - so You can tell Mamma if You will we have visited several of the swimming pools this morning hunting a place to baptize - it is a custome here to take all the boys from - each school every day to these pools to swim this is one of their lessons and we saw 126 boys in one pool and 41 in another the teacher acompanys then and the, district [ltr. 6, p. 6] pays the bath house people we also visited one of the reservoirs - which furnishes water for one section of the city and President Hoopes told Me that they cleaned it out two years ago and found the bodies of 150 small babys in the bottom just think of that and people drinking the watter but it is not to be wondered at when You see the actions of the Young girls - they are a thousand times worse than animals if You go through the parks of an evening, and they have them all over the city, You can see hundreds of men women, Girls and boys laying on top of one another and if You are not careful You will stumble over then they dont care - a particul they are the beastliest people I ever saw, they talk about america being tough, maby it is but they do things on a higher scale over thare [ltr. 6, p. 7] than the people do here, and talk about poverty, I never saw anything like it in My life Women with little babys, going along the streets, bare footed only half clad, and that in rags and there are thousands of them in this condition this, although the biggest city in the World dont begin to compare with New York in being up to date they, are still using horse cars - double deckers at that, they are however chan - ging thise condition as fast as the Franchises of the horse car people run out but it will be many years before they arrive at the point at which New York has already reached Well Dearie, I met Howard Garretts brother Earl the other day he stayed here a few days but leaves for home on the “arabia” tomorrow the same boat we came over on Russell Rossiter also left here this morning on his way home he will go on the same boat - and several other Elders how I wish My turn had [ltr. 6, p. 8] had come, it seems like six months since I left home, how are You and how Is My precious baby tell Ruthy Papa has mailed Her a pretty card - with a little girl on it - tell her it is all for Her and Her loving Papa sent it" Millie Dear have You had Her Picture taken if not do so becaus I want one - have Yours taken with Her, get a nice cute one stand her up on something and You stand by Her Say Dearie FJ Cannon will be here in London to day dont know whether I will get the chance to see him or not I would like to beat the dirty curr to death, well Dearie - I got a letter from Chase, He reached his destination oK and says He was pretty home sick - Brother Grand gave us a recipe for Home sickness it was this - Work Work Work Do It Now He says it will cure every time but Chase said it would'nt work on him the first night that [ltr. 6, p. 9] -9- reached Chiltenham Well Millie Dear I hope You are well and I want You to be careful, take care of Your self and also of our precious baby Ruth, and be carefree. while doing the chairs, and dont let the cow hook or kick You, Is the cow alright, You know what I mean and how is Moca, is he contented with his new home tell Me all the news, tell Me everything whether You think it interres ting or not, tell Bertha and Joe that I would like to see them over here on a honey moon, how about them is it settling yet as to the date what have they done about the sugar stock, are we going to make enough on uncle sam, to pay Your expenses over here befor I come home tell Me all the news, has Harry don anything with the lot by ashtons, Say Dearie Brother Larsons son who lives by us will be home shortly He leaves on the Arabic, maby He will call on You I have [ltr. 6, p. 10] given him Your address Well My own Dear Mamma I do hope You are well remember Me to Your Papa Mamma and all the folks and also Mrs Adams, tell Ruth Papa loves her with all his soul and tell, Her Mamma that she is dearer to Me than all My life - and I send lots and lots of love to You both with kisses too may the Lord bless You both is the prayer of Your loving Husband Alvin [ltr. 7, p. 1] May 15th 1905 # 97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London N My Own Dear Millie, I received Your letter this morning, dated May 2nd and You dont know glad I was to hear from You and to learn that You are all well, I think You will have received the letters which I wrote while on the boat about the same time that I received this one of Yours, I was not surprised at the news paper clippings, becaus FJ Cannon is here in London now and we expect him to start on a trade here befor he goes back his son is here with him I havent seen F. J. yet but his son attended Sunday school yesterday, I understand that Mrs Cannon, sticks up for F. J. and thinks that the position he has taken is all right, and with such influen -ces as these, the question is can, F.J. son, refrain from [ltr. 7, p. 2] partaking of their influeances He seems to be a very fine Young man and it is to be hoped that he can withstand such an influance, Well Dearie, when I read Your letter it gives Me courage and makes Me feel like the time will pass rapidly if I do My duty, although only about one month has passed since I left home it seems like six, they are ropping me in and they make me talk every time we have a meeting, Friday night we held two street meetings and I had to say something both times and dismiss once, I fear the thoughts of being called upon, and it seems as though the devil tryes to dishearten me, but each time that I have done My part, the Lord has done his - Well Dearie the boys want Me to go sight seeing so will finish this when I come back [ltr. 7, p. 3] 3 May 16th - 1905 Well Dearie I didnt get home in time to finish this letter yesterday, I was gone all day and until 12 oclock last night I was tired out when I got back, will answer Your letter and then I will try and tell You whare I went - Yes Dearie it does get lone - some at times, and I know how it is with You, but as You says we must make the best of it, So our precious baby has two teeth how I would like to see her, and hear her say "Nau Nau Nau" I know she is cute, bless her darling little soul - I am glad Joe takes You for a drive now and again thank him for Me and tell him I will be good to his wife when He goes on his next mission [ltr. 7, p. 4] 4 and our baby, she still likes to go out "doors" well take her out when ever You can, especially when it is good weather, I have shown the folks here, Yours and the babys picture and they think You are lovely, and they have said "it must have been pretty hard to leave them," of course there is nobody knows any about this part of it - then I do, but when I think of You I always see You at Your Mammas, whare I left You and know You are in a good place so this is a great relief to me, I am glad You didnt go to the station to see Me off besides I dont think I could have stood it, had You done so, it was hard enough as it was, So You are going to have the [ltr. 7, p. 5] 5 babys picture taken, I am so glad; I have had mine taken and will send You one by this mail, I took the boys and we had out pictures taken befor we left Liverpool, the fellow who took them is sup - posed to be a good photog rapher, but he wouldnt do in our country, we didnt have time to look around much, and as he had done considerable work for the missionaries we patronized him, it is better than nothing however, even if it is’nt very good, and it was the last time we would have a chance to have it taken together I hope You receive it alright, and I will be on the lookout for one from You, of the baby and I hope, You have [ltr. 7, p. 6] 6 Yours taken with her I bet She is getting to be a big Girl, bless Her how I would like to see Her.” You can bet I would be willing to have her as my bed fellow even if she is a kicker, I can just emagin seeing Her in bed She could kick the covers off, befor I came away and I can see the little darling laying in bed, talking to her self as she usto and how she would raise up if any one went in the room, and I think of how She usto romp with me, and I long to play with Her, but she will be a big girl when Papa comes home and I often wonder if she will know me and then I think of course she will, and when I got Your letter, and saw [ltr. 7, p. 7] 7 - that she has My photo to play with and knowing as I do that You are ever telling her about me, I again wonder why I should ever think of Such things but Dearie You know how it is. My thoughts are of My own dear Mamma and baby Ruth continually, and their wellfare is My wellfare. and they “ or “You are” the most precious, of anything in this world to me, well Dearie I guess I had better begin again answering Your letter, You see my mind wanders on to these things, so I tell them to You, but If You are any thing like Me You wont mind it, Your letter just suited me, that is the way I like to have You write You got the dividends on the Sugar stock, I was surprised, or sorry that [ltr. 7, p. 8] - 8 - You did’nt keep more of it than You did - the ammount was 16.95 - 175 was the interest - 1500 You applied on the principle and You only kept 20 ¢ - Dearie I want You to keep just as much of it as You want, and all if You need it as long as the interest is paid we are alright Brother Nelson will trust us, But I dont know whether or not I can trust him - that is, if He is going to talk to You over the phone like You say He did You just tell him that You dont need loving and You must not love anybody but the old, old, wimen, unless it be our precious little Ruth, She is the exception always,” I am glad - Nelson is going to fix Nonnie up - He would [ltr. 7, p. 9] 9 have done it long ago only You know what she is like, She never would, as long as I have known Her, wear anything but a Mother Hubbard - I dont want You going into the dress making business, only for My Sake I guess You should help them out a little, becaus Brother Nelson has been very good to Me Say Dearie while I think of it, I dont think I have told You befor but I have intended to a hundred times, and that was that Your Mam - ma gave Me $500 when we got to the Depot, I dont suppose she said any thing to You about it but I intended to only it seemed to slip My mind until after I sealed my letters, Jos F Smith Jr also handed Me 50, ¢ and every [ltr. 7, p. 10] body was good to me and I appreciate it and I want You to always give My best - regards to all enquiring Friends - well I guess I had better go back again to answering Your letter, if I dont, with all I have to tell You, I am liable to run out of paper I am glad You went to the Theatre but when You and Your Mamma both go who tends Ruthy - does Bertha” I guess she must, well it is good practice for Her, a good thing for Her to get Her hand in “ You can tell Her and Joe that I said so if You like, Well Dearie I have been to two theatres since I lande[-] here in London, one was an opera it has been running something over 300 times but, I didnt like it, in [ltr. 7, p. 11] 11 fact I thought it was a bum show, but last night we went to see Henry Irving - He is at the Drury Lane Theatre - one of the oldest and nicest houses in London, London only has 65 Theatres, the piece Irving is playing is one of Alfred Lord Tennyson’s called “Becket” it was fine, well now to tell You whare I went yesterday, seeing that I am on this subject, Well first we went through the old London Tower, Dearie I am unable to describe it to You several of the towers the public are not allow to go through but we had a permit and we had a guide to 
show us all the horrible dungeons in the large tower, it is situated on thames River and we started, whare the River [ltr. 7, p. 12] 12 usto, run right into the tower, showing the passage way with the big Iron gates opening up, at one time right in to the water - whare the many prisoners were brought and cast into the dungeons, and left to die, while the Kings would then confiscate their property, Thousands of such were Jews while many, wer Englishmen and of other nationalities when You go over these premisses and see whare the, queens and Kings and others were beheaded and see the axes and blocks and the places in their churches whare these people are burried with the inscriptions on the floors denoting the place whare this one and that one’s remains l[-]y it makes You shudder - We were [ltr. 7, p. 13] 13 - taken through those dark dungeons whare not a ray of light could get - walls 30 ft thick and in some places even thicker than that and and emagin hundreds of people at a time con - fined thare and left to starve to death, and emagin if You can crawling about in the dark coming in contact with, dead and mad people - and they being in a place with walls so thick, that their shriaks and cries could not be heard only by those who were in the dungeons we went through the diferent rooms - with the large doors with the same old bolts and Iron fasteners, and as these were opened, and the rattle of the heavey things sounded, like what You have heard in the Theatre [ltr. 7, p. 14] only much worse, I tell You Dearie it makes one, shudder, and we saw whare the people in their madness had kicked the large doors until they had worn deep grooves in them It is the most horrible thing I ever saw, when when You see and hear of the horrible things that were commited in those places, Say Dearie the horrible sceans, that You have seen at the Theatre dont begin to compare with these, if once taken thare escape was imp ossible - we als saw, all the diferent crown jewels the diferent crowns, swords and Etc belonging to the diferent Kings including the present King Edward they are certainly Magni - ficent, set with all kinds [ltr. 7, p. 15] 15 of precious jewels, Well sone day I hope to go through these places with You from the Tower we went down to Kew Gardens - the finest park in London and claimed by some to be nicer than Golden Gate Park in California, as to this however I cant say only it is the finest that ever I saw, from thare we went to the show it cost us two shillings and 6 pence or 60 ¢ but we were obliged to stand in line ¾ of an hour they only reserve the very best seats and hundreds of people line up and wait for hours to get in, this is the custome here - Well we saw Henry Irving, as Becket or high lord chancellor of England during the reighn of [ltr. 7, p. 16] King Henry the 4th and I enjoyed the play very much especially after going through the tower well Deary this is only an outline of what I saw, but it will give You an Idea of what it was like - I havent answered all Your letter yet and this makes about 26 pages - Now about the excursion, I wish You were going with the folks too, how many went, You can tell me next time You write but maby some day You and I can go together, and see California - I hope some day to be bless with - suf - ficent means, to show You some of the world I feel sometimes while seeing all these things that I am selfish but Dearie I am not, there [ltr. 7, p. 17] - 17 - is nothing I would begrudege My folks and I would sooner go with out My self, if by so doing You could see what I - am seeing, so You have received the Picture from Mrs Field, but I cant make out what You say You are goind to do with it, Yes Papa told me they had heard from Calvin. I hope they will be able to get him to come home, Lillian is getting extravagant isnt she how can she afford it - I am Glad Joe has Swenson job - I havent much faith in that fellow Swenson but You know I never had, I thought Mrs Roberts was going to remain in Salt Lake I guessed it was about time for Her to drop what is it going to “be” will it be marked with small Pox do You think [ltr. 7, p. 18] Well Dearie I think I have told You about all there is to tell and I hope that You are well and I guess by this time You have had a chance to look over the things at Mam - mas I hope You find them all right did You find Your perfume - You didnt tell me, Well Deary may the Lord bless You and Ruth and all the folks and Papa sends lots and lots of love and xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx to You both - and I remain as ever Your loving and Effectionate husband Alvin we have the sum Weekly news here [ltr. 8, p. 1] # 97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London, N May 18th 1905 My Own Dear Millie Your letter # 6 of May 5th arrived this morning I was, glad to get it, so much so that I had to go to My room to read it I like to be alone when[-] I get Your letters, You will no doubt know the reason, I tell You Dearie they are the most welcome things I have since I left home, I thought You would be on the look out for word that the Arabic, had landed, and You have received my letters telling You about it by this time, yes I was glad when we sighted land, and You cant emagin how it made Me feel, If ever [ltr. 8, p. 2] I wanted to cry, it was then, Well Dearie regarding the Sugar Stock get Bro Nelson to take it up for us the stock will pay the interest, on the money necessary to pay for it and we can no doubt sell the extra stock later on for at least 1200 and maby more, It may be necessary for You to Sign a note at the bank leaving the stock for Security, or if Brother Nelson would rather I signed them, if He will find out when the new stock is to be issued and will send Me a note to cover the amount we are entitled to I will sign it and return it to Him, We want the Stock our selves becaus I believe we can make something out of it, You can talk to Brother Nelson [ltr. 8, p. 3] about it and I believe He will fix it for You. You Should receive 133 Shares of new stock 10 Shares of which should be made out in Your name, 10 shares in Ruths and 113 shares in mine and the new stock can be made out to You if You sign the note or to Me maby it had better be made out to You and You can endorse it, and have it with the bank as security for the new loan, whoever signs the note, I will leave it to Your good judgement and Brother Nelsons, but if the stock is made out in Your name there will be no question when the time comes to sell it, so I believe this will be the better plan, So this letter will be Your authority to have [ltr. 8, p. 4] it all issued to You - I really believe You will be able to sell the new stock for 1200 which will be 200 profit, and we might as well have it as anybody else dont You think so Now regarding the State Bank check I believe I told You how to handle that, all that is necess - ary for You to do is to Indorse the check in My name and sign per Amelia A Smith - if You deposit the check put it in Zions savings Bank, and after it is once in the Bank You can draw it out to suit Your convenience the Bank will never question Your right to deposit that check or any check made out to me, if they do just [ltr. 8, p. 5] - 5 - show this part of this letter to Brother Cannon, the cashier and tell him I want Him to allow You to do this, and I believe it will be alri - ght, it is’nt necessary for the checks to come over here to Me Now about the accident Insurance You did right by letting it lapse, I have’nt lost anything, by so doing only the protection and I am now in the service of Him who is able to take care of Me if I trust in Him, and I am going to try and do my part so I believe all will be well with Me - I had it paid for up until May 1st so I had the protection while I was traveling part of the way, I believe this will answer the questions, You [ltr. 8, p. 6] have asked me, So Ella was up to see You, Well Dearie excuse Me from moving 6 times in 6 months, 1 once in a life time is enough for me, Yes Dearie I had warm clothes enough I put on a pair of those New Unions the first night on the boat and I got My big over coat out of My trunk in case of emergancy, I also used My rug at night so You will see I took Your advice, I have got over My cold and feel fine, we have the finest kind of weather since I landed and the president told me He guessed I brought it with Me becaus it is something very unusual Well Millie Dear I went to See Sister Everard first [ltr. 8, p. 7] the first time I called she wasnt home this was a week ago yesterday not yesterday, but Tuesday You see we landed here on the 8th in the evening and I went to see Her the next day, Her servant Girl told Her a Gentlemen had called so she stayed home the next three days waiting for Me to call again, so I got around thare again the following Friday - She made Me stay and have lunch with Her and befor I left she She got another lunch and envited Me to dinner Sunday following, and I went, she had a fine Dinner, after which she took Me for a two hour drive around London then we went to Church and they made Me talk and after meeting the [ltr. 8, p. 8] President and I went back with Her and had supper and she told Me when ever I got hungry to come and see Her, Well Millie Yesterday a party of us consisting of the following went down to the Buckingham Palace and went through the Kings stables - Miss Wells three Grant Girls, Elder Groesbeck FJ Cannons Son, Elders Mc Alister, McCarty, Richardson , and by the way FJ Cannon has gone back home, well We saw some of the most beautiful horses I ever did see and also harness and carriages, We also saw the State Coach which was built for King George III - and used by him in 1761 and it has been used for the coronation of diferent Kings and Queens every since King [ltr. 8, p. 9] - 9 - George III - Well Mamma I have had My Prince Willie suit made it makes me look like a bean pole it cost Me 4 lbs and 4 shilling or about 2100 now I have got to buy a hat to match and then I will try and get some body to take a snap shot at Me - so I can send You one Well Dearie I have been tracting this morning for that first time I am going through the district close to the mission quarters whare the Elders are known and hated - and this part hasnt been gone over for 5 years, I had one door slammed in my face - and 5 others refuse tracts, this in a distance of two blocks I got rid of 50 and it took two hours I expect to visit about 700 places by the [ltr. 8, p. 10] end of the month this is what they want me to do so I will have to get buisy, I am located here at the mission house and it costs me 10 shillings a week or 10 dollars a month - or thare abouts " I have eaten better meals than they serve here, but there is one consolation it dont take much for me, in addition to this we buy our own tracts and Etc so I dont know yet how much I am going to be able to get along with yet but dont You worry about me I will do the best I can and make what I have go as far as it will, when I have to have more I will let You know so dont, worry I have about 7000 after my clothes are paid for [ltr. 8, p. 11] and this well last me Some time yet, Well Dearie I cant think of any thing else to tell You just now so will say night, night, to You and our precious baby Ruth Dearie I do love love You with all my soul and I pray the Lord to bless and protect You and kiss our baby for Me and tell her how Papa loves her and give my love to Your Papa and Mamma, also Berth, Joe, Al, Alice, Hen, and Nell, and all with lots and lots of love and xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxx and hugs for You both I remain as ever Your very own loving Husband and Papa Alvin [ltr. 8, p. 12: blank page] [ltr. 8, insert 1, front] [dried ferns & leaves enclosed in insert] P.S. Dearie I dont think it matters much whether You put [-]Via N. Y. or not - they take the first boat either leaving either Boston or New York maby You had better leave it off and address me as follows in the future # 97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London England Yours with Love Alvin ———————— These are ferns from Kew Gardens ———— [ltr. 8, insert 1, back: blank page] [ltr. 9, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road (#1) Stoke Newington London N May 24th - 1905 My Own Dear Millie it is now 9 oclock and I just received Your letter of May 5th You cant emagin how pleased I was to get it, all the boys got their letters Monday they tried to make Me believe that I would'nt get one but I knew there was one on the way for Me You see it takes one day longer whare they have to go to Liverpool and the people dont always readdress them to Me the same day they reach thare and in this way it delayes two days, I intended to write to You to day becaus to day is mail day we have two days a week, Wednesday and Saturday, I was very much surprised when You [ltr. 9, p. 2] said You hadnt had a letter for a week and half Dearie there is something wrong becaus I have written twice a week every since I arrived and when, I begin to think that You havent received as yet, the letters which I wrote while on the boat I know there is something wrong I sent You a letter from Queenstown which contained Five I believe all seperate and enclosed in an envelope by its self being written each day while we were on the boat and up until we arrived at Queens town, what has become of these letters, it took 10¢ to mail them, and to be sure that I was safe I had the steward weigh the envelope and tell Me what it would cost, I enclosed them in one envelope, becaus by so doing I saved about 15¢ we arrived at Liverpool [ltr. 9, p. 3] on the 5th of May - at about 8 oclock in the evening, and the first thing I did the next morn - ing was to write and tell You of our safe arrival I think I wrote to You twice or three times from Liverpool, You should have received these letters also by now, and again I wrote to You just as soon as I arrived here in London what can be the matter I know how lonesome You are and how much worse it is when You dont get a letter each week, Dearie Your letters have been the greatest comfort to Me of anything since I left home and this one makes the sixth that I have received, and the seventh that You have written I believe although You didnt noumber this one, You know I never got the one You sent c/o of the boat I guess that one has been returned [ltr. 9, p. 4] to You by this time, I want You to write and tell me how many letters You have received, when You get this one, and as to that registered letter at the post office for Me I cant emagin what it is unless it might be that package of letters which I have referred to maby they think I am trying to smuggle, through the mails and think there is something else in the envelope besides letters, but then this cant be becaus the letter is addressed to You and they would notify You and not me, but go to Kesler he is the assistant Post Master, and can no doubt arrange to let You have the letter without My Signature besides this will be Your Authority to receipt for any registered mail or other matter for me, I do hope by this time You have received [ltr. 9, p. 5] - 5 - all the letters which I have written since I left home and from this letter on I will keep track by noumbering each letter and the date I write them, when, You say that You have just put the baby to bed it makes Me feel like - well I dont know what I do feel like I have to go to My room whare I can be by My self for a few minutes - how I would like to see Her and romp a few minutes with Her befor she goes to sleep and You Dearie, You cant emagin how I long to see You both, and when You tell Me what a big Girl our precious baby is getting to be I try to emagin what she is like, but I only see Her as I left Her, that sweet lovely little soul that that She is and was when I left her, and how I would like to hear Her say Papa and dad, dad. Mamma Dear [ltr. 9, p. 6] there is none other like Her She always was the cutest bays in the world, not excepting any, and I can imagin Her sitting in Her new chair with Her play things and how proud shes is, bless Her, tell Her Papa loves his baby Ruth and Her Mamma better than any thing in the big world, and when You tell me about cleaning house I wish I was thare to help You, I am glad You You get a chance to go to the Theatre once in a while, how were You treated by the Beehive People, good I guess, especially if Papa was thare, I went and told them all good bye becaus I thought I couldnt afford not to, no matter what they think of Me I guess I should treat them well You must have been tired after wheeling the baby [ltr. 9, p. 7] all that distance, I guess she takes after Her Mamma when it comes to going out although for the past two Years Her Mamma hasn't had very much chance and no doubt it is my fault - I feel that I have been, to blame and should have been better than I was especially since I have been traveling, seeing the many wonders and sights of this world, it makes me feel selfish, but Dearie may the Lord open up the way some day so that I can give You the privelege of seeing as much as I have seen, I noticed by the paper that David and Wife and Wesley were among the party who went down to California, I like to read the paper we have two aweek so, we are not with some news of home, I was also Glad You had him down [ltr. 9, p. 8] to Mammas, how are the things did You find Your "perfume" so Lisses baby is a cross patch, I will have to send her a postal card like one I saw down town the other day showing, how the old man had to walk the floor at night with their baby while the women sleeps it will just suit and if they dont mention it to You or show You the card You ask them the next time You see them, I will send it to day, You say it is very stormy, quiet deferent to what we are having we have certainly had fine weather since I landed only it seems, so cold to me I can barely keep warm but they say it serves every body a like until they get usto it - I am taking good care of my self becaus I dont want to get like one of the boys here [ltr. 9, p. 9] - 9 - by the name of Young He has been suffering from a bad cold and on account of being so fat he is troubled teribly with his throat when He starts to cough his wind shuts off and over he will t[-]mble - and some times he will slobber at the mouth and almost choke to death the first time I saw him do it but I have been nursing him for a week now and he has one of these fits about every three hours so I am getting usto it, this is a bad place for colds and I dont want one, I take good care to dress warm, I still have my winter underware on You ask Me if I have got my top hat yet, "now" but I expect to get it befor long and I will send You a photo of the suit as it looks with Me inside of it I wore My long coat Sunday [ltr. 9, p. 10] it seems very odd, but I was complimented on the fine appearance it gave me, You see this is a case whare the clothes make the Man I was glad You visited all the folks how is Mamie, is she going to have more than one I can emagin what she looks like, worse than Emily did, there will be quiet an increase in Dr Richards family, yes it does make a deference whos ox is gored - but I dont blame Him, how is Lillian an[-] Minerva and Louise Ashton and Davids Emily - O what cha - nge - just give My regards to the Ashtons when You see them, Well it is about time that Rulan and Miss Hudson were doing something You ask about My partner I havent one I am right here at the mission house [ltr. 9, p. 11] and have to go tracting by my self, I presume Bro Groesbeck will be My pard ner for a short time but his time is about up and he expects to be rele - ased next month, I will keep You posted on all that happens - and I also think when I look forward that two years is a long time and we must pray for the time to swiftly pass, it drags with me but they say when I get usto it then ther time will fl[-]y, and it cant go by too fast for me there is no place like Home Well Dearie, I believe I have told You about every thing I can think of I want You to ask lots of questions and tell Me all the news and I will try and tell You about the experiances I have I have spent both Sundays with Sister Everard, she feeds [ltr. 9, p. 12] three good meals on Sunday and I am going to Her house next Sunday Again She took the President and my Self and Elder Cottrell for a nice drive again last Sunday, Well Dearie I am getting broken at tracting although it is a job I will never like it takes nerve until You get usto it. Well Dearie I hope You have received all My letters by this time and I will look for a big long one from You describing them and remember Me to all the Folks - and kiss our precious baby for Me and may the Lord watch over and bless You both continually is My prayer with lots and lots of Love, hugs, and kisses for You both I remain as ever Your Loving husband Alvin [ltr. 10, p. 1] (1) #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington, London N May 24 - 1905 My Own Dear Mamma I have had a touch of the blues to day and have been trying to over come them by writing letters I try to put My mind on other things but You are foremost in My thoughts how I would like to see You and our precious little Ruth, how are You, although I got a letter last Wednesday saying You were all well, I cant help but wonder these things, yet I know You are in good care and shouldnt worry, once in a while I cant help it, I went down town this after noon to look around but didnt stay long, Say Dearie You can get some bargains over here in dress goods trimmings Etc. just think nice lace collars for about two shillings I am going to send You a collar - just a little neck tie collar and You can tell Me if it is worth 50 ¢ when You get it, I will try and sm[-]ggle it through in a [-]news paper so [ltr. 10, p. 2] (2) be on the look out for it, the collars to which I refer to are those that cover the shoulders, I am not much of a judge but they look cheap to me, table linnen is also cheap and it makes Me wish I could afford to buy a supply befor I come home, well Dearie how is the sugar stock I notice that Uncle Sam has gone up to 40¢ maby we will make something out of it yet, I hope You have received all of the letters I have written to Yo and I am looking for a picture of the baby You didnt say anything about it in Your last letter I hop[e it is on the way over here, did You get the one I sent to You of us boys and how do You like it, I havent got me a top hat yet I hate to get it, but it is the rule over here - thank good - ness we dont have to wear them only on special occasions, maby I will get usto them all the boys say I will, You shall have a photo of me when I do get it, Well Dearie I have been tracting agan to day and we had a street meeting last night and another is booked for this evening, but I dont feel as though [ltr. 10, p. 3] -3- I would ever get usto them but I will keep on and put my trust in the Lord and I know that He will help Me to acom plish the mission I have been sent here to acomplish, we dont realize what a responsible job we have, and it makes a person wish He had fitted himself befor He left home but we have to learn by experiance, and we dont apprec iate the many advantages we have at home until after we come out into the world, then we are brought face to face with those things which we know little about and it requires, humble ness and a person must go to his Father in Heaven and beseech his belessing and spirit to guide us in our labors and when we think how careless we have been how the Lord has blessed us and how inappreciatable we are it makes me wonder that He is as good to us as he is, and Dearie when I see the conditions of the people of this world and see their conditions the great noumber who are drunkards and the way the children are taught [ltr. 10, p. 4] 4 from their unfancy to like liquors and gradually grow up drunkards it makes one wonder what will become of us it is no common thing to see Young girls so intoxicated that they cant walk and when we are confronted with sights of this kind it makes me wish there never was such a thing as beer, whisky, &Etc this is the place to come, to see what it will do for the human race, Dearie, I would sooner die any time than get in the condition of some of these people how thankful I am that I can get along with out these things and with out tobacco, and may the Lord always give Me strength to refrain from ever giving away to such temptations, and I want You to pray for Me becaus I feel that I need Your faith and prayers to help Me in my weak way to try while I am here to better these conditions among those with whom I come in contact - Street meeting now Dearie will answer or finish this when I come back - Well it is [ltr. 10, p. 5] 5 eleven oclock, we held the meeting not much success people would - - n't stop, will have to read this letter over to see whare I was at when I left off - Yes Dearie I hope that Me and mine may always be able to with-stand all temptations let us not taste these things - one might say that one glass wont hurt You " but I know it does and by so doing we are led to take the second one - and third and so on until we have gotten to that point whare we cant refuse - but it is imposible to take or do a thing the second time if we have not done it the first, and by leaving, or breaking down one bar to our fortification it makes it that much easier for our enemy to get at us, and who is our enemy, and who is it that delightes in seeing us negl - - ect our duties and never misses an opportunity to lead us if pos - sible to do those things which will in time ruin our health and make wrecks of us - and [ltr. 10, p. 6] 6 and in this way gain power over us, how thankful we should be for the good health we enjoy, I, Dearie feel to thank the Lord for these blessings and I feel that if I will leave alone those things which He has told us are not good for us I will continue to enjoy the blessing of Health and I feel when I knell at My bed side that I can honestly ask him for a continuation of these blessings I now enjoy becaus I am trying to observe the Word of Wisdom and set a good example befor the people of these parts, we are told that example is better than precept and even though I know but little about the precept, I may do some good by example - Dearie I dont know whether this will interest You or not, but this is the way I feel and it seems that I can tell it to You easier than anybody else, but maby I should'nt even tell You [ltr. 10, p. 7] 7 but I dont want You to worry and dont be afraid to point out any fault You see in me, becaus I know that I have many and maby if I have some one to tell Me of them I can improve, I will not feel affended and if You dont want Me to write to You this way, just tell Me and I will try and comfort Myself in some other way, but Millie Dear I love You and Ruth better than My own life, You are more to Me than anything in this world, and I feel that I have a right to tell these things to You becaus I know that You will help me and it is to You that I look to help comfort me when I think that it is now only about 5 PM whare You are and it is 12 PM here, how I long to see You, I try to picture In My mind our loving baby probably on Your lap and probably in Her chair [ltr. 10, p. 8] (8) while Her Mamma is near by with a watching care I long to see You how nice it would be to drop in and have a romp with that prec - ious little darling and how I would like to take You in My arms as I usto, but I can only emagin these things and go to bed thinking of You hoping that I might have a nice dream whare in I can see those whom I love so much, just as I have pictured them, Well My own Dear Mamma pardon Me for wont You, and give My love to all the folks - and from time to time, I have recomended Elders who are returning home to call and see You, maby they, some of them might call up, if they do, they can tell You how they left me. May the Lord Bless You and our precious baby Ruth and with bushels of love and kisses and Hugs I remain as ever Your effectionate Husband Alvin [ltr. 11, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London May 31 My Own Dear Mamma To day is Wednesday and mail is in but nothing for Me I fully expected a letter last Saturday and when the mail was distributed and there was nothing for me I felt satisfied that it would be here this morning, but I guess I will have to wait until next Saturday and maby until Monday becaus if the the boat doesnt get in early the mail will not be deliver ed until Monday, I got a letter from Chase this morning. He Says He has'nt heard from the other boys yet and that He hasnt had any letters from home for some time and from the sound of his letter He feels lonesome, so I have just written to him, Well Dearie Sunday last I spent with Sister Everard in Company [ltr. 11, p. 2] with President Hoopes and Elder Groesbeck, after dinner we went for another drive and then to church in the evening, it was regular district meeting of this branch London conference is devided into 10 districts, it is the larg - est conference and covers more country than any other branch and they try and have it devided so that, three and four of these districts meet can meet in conference every three months to hold meeting to gether and report on the condition of each district, Well Dearie I was Chosen President of the North London Branch last Sunday. I didnt know athing about it until the President of the London Conference came to me after we had assembled in church and told Me what He was going to do it was a great surprise to me, becaus I am the newest Elder in [ltr. 11, p. 3] in this branch, I have for My councelers - Brother’s Rook as 2nd counseler and I believe the others [-]name was Bruce He wasnt at meeting so I didnt get acquainted with him this means that I have to preside at the deferent meetings both there at the house and also on Sunday evenings and I can assure You Dearie that I feel My weakn - ness, and I want You to pray for Me continually so that I may be able to perf - orme My labors, we held two more street meetings last night, and after we finished the last one a fellow about My age stepped out into the crowd and began to denou - - nce us and warn the people against us, we went away and left him to it they havent got very much use for mormons over here. England has been pretty well gleaned, yet [ltr. 11, p. 4] the “devil” manages to have at least one listener at our meetings to disturbe us Well Dearie how are You and how is our precious little Ruth, how I do long to see You I do hope You are all well and may the Lord watch over You and protect You and with Lots of Love kisses and big hugs for You both and with best regards to Your Mamma Papa and all the folks I remain as ever Your own effectionate husband and Papa Alvin