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Alvin Fielding and Amelia Smith Letters, Jul 1905 MSS 7952 [notes by transcriber are in brackets; preprinted text is in bold] [ltr. 1, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London/ July 5th 1905 My Own Dear Millie Your most welcome letter of June 19th came monday - and I was pleased indeed to learn that you were all well Say Dearie You dont know how good It makes me feel to get your letters, Well Dearie this is the 5th of July - yesterday we went out to Bushy Park - near the Hampton court, whare we were celebrating in regular American style and this morning I am all done up - I am so lame I can hardly move, we had the warmest game of base ball I ever played and there was more wrangling and quarrelling than I ever heard befor, Big Groesbeck is the noisest, fellow I ever heard and - almost every body was disgusted with his actions He has been trying to win a home at the Tants since Freebairn has been on the coninent - and his actions [ltr. 1, p. 2] with Nannie Tant showed that He was very much smitten on Her - Freebairn was with us but He payed no attention to either of them He said He was disgusted with them both - I told him that He was cut out and it didnt seem to worry him much He said, well I have had a good talk with Mr Tant and I have decided in My own Mind that She dont want me so let Groesbeck have her if He wants her there were about 50 of us out to the park and it is a beautiful place there are 1400 head of Deere in this park and some of them are so tame that they will eat out of your hands, Well Dearie I bid Brother Frewin and Sister Frewin good bye they are going home on the Friday the 7th I gave sister Frewin your address and she may call and see you and tell you all about me I think she is a very nice little woman She is one [ltr. 1, p. 3] of S F Balls Daughters, You know the "Baker" you know Brother Frewins first wife die about a year and a half ago and so He married this woman Well Dearie I went out to see the "Zoo" Monday it was our regular monthly Priesthood meeting and all the Elders were here so some of us went out to see the wild animels and, we enjoyed our selves very much, they have some of the most beautiful parks and flowers in this country that I ever saw and I hope that some day you and I can have the pleasure of seeing them together Well Dearie I made all the boys envey Me this week on the letter racket, I got two from Geo T Odell, one Monday and one Tuesday - the first letter was incomplete - the mail boy only sent half of it and he sent the other half to Ogden and it was returned b[-]y Cretchlow to Mr Odell so He had to send it on to Me and of course he had [ltr. 1, p. 4] to write another letter of apology so that made two from him I got Your letter Monday morning first of all and Tuesday I got one from Mamma, Papa, Hyrum John and Liss - Bro Nelson, I dont know when I will get them answered but they can wait a few days or weeks, Well Dearie I am going to send you the Photos to day I hope you will get them all oK, Now to answer Your letter, You see Dearie I guess the reason I got both of your letters at once is becaus of the boats being late -you see some times it takes three or four days longer for one boat to make the trip than the other and in cases of this kind they both come together but I dont mind this, the more the merrier I can stand any amount of them, and especially from My Own Dear Mamma and baby, Yes Dearie I do get tired of going to Meeting Sunday was fast day again and we had meeting, we were engaged all day and at [ltr. 1, p. 5] 5- night I was done up. I had a bad headache and was tired out, It is hard work for Me Dearie, and tires me out just as much as if I was doing manual labor Well Dearie Mamma Papa Hyrum Liss and John told Me how cute our baby is Liss says I bet you would like to hear your baby say Papa, and Mamma and by, by, and I can tell you Dearie I would nothing would please me more, bless Her little soul and bless Her Mamma Dearie I love you better than anything in this world, and I can tell you that when I get to be an actor, You are the one I want to be the leading Lady, I guess we are very much alike - one Is all I want and I have got that one, and I havent seen anybody overe here that I would care to love so you dont need to worry and I am not going to worry about you in thi[-] regard [ltr. 1, p. 6] No Dearie Hyrum Groesbeck hasnt been realeased yet but if He dont get it pretty soon there will be no living with him of course I would- nt tell his folks this but they will wish he was over here after he gets home if he acts the way He does now at times, I was glad you went to Calders but I guess you did get tired carrying the baby, I wish I could help you on occasi - ons of that kind - Melissa told me how Ruth made a fuss when you took Her baby, She always was jealous of Her Mamma, She is just like Her Papa I guess they will have better order thare at Calders now than they usto, - when you get a chance to compare the assesment notices do so and if they are any more this year than last get David to get after them for you - I will see what I can buy the cloth for first time [ltr. 1, p. 7] I - am downtown, I guess Harry is very buisy - is He doing the painting at home - I am glad if you can weigh 126 lbs - I believe I am a little lighter than I was - I thought I was going to gain but I guess I wont So the baby still continues to make eyes at the people in the cars, She will have to get over that when she gets older, so old Swenson has finally left Salt Lake - good riddance” I hope He will always be true to his wife Yes Papa told me that He went past and saw you and the baby, He said He was late and didnt have time to call but that He had telephoned You and that you were both well Hyrum says, that Mamies baby is the only kid in the family, according to some of their views, but they cant tell me anything like that, I emagin it is a litt[-]e danish man, and if it resembles its dad - it isnt very [ltr. 1, p. 8] hansome every body tells me that My baby looks just like Her Mother and nothing pleases me more - becaus Her Mother is the prettiest sweetest and best woman in the world and I guess Ruth is just like you becaus I have always said this about you both but you always try to make out that I am jollying you but Dearie it is no jolly with Me, Well My own Dear Mamma I didnt get a chance to write to You Yesterday or Monday and it is almost time that this was posted so I will try and make up for it being short next time, give My love to all the folks and kiss our precious baby for Me and tell her that papa cant see enough of her picture and with lots of love kisses and hugs for you both I remain your Loving and effectionate Husband and Papa Alvin xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [ltr. 2, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London July 18th 1905 My Own Dear Millie I have just been looking at My Photos, those of My Mamma and baby, Say Dearie you cant emagin how good they look to Me and they almost make Me home sick to see you, I do get lots of comfort out of these pictures they look so natural, that I emagin they can almost speak, You will have received the ones of My Self by the time you get this letter, I hope you will like them, pictures like those cost $500 Dozzen, I only ordered one Dozzen and, almost every body that has seen them wants one, I have given all the buss style away and I have got to go and have one more finish- ed so as I can send one to Mamma, I had to give the boys one who had given Me theirs and I only had 6 in the first place so You can see they wouldnt last very long among 24 Elders, but I have given away [ltr. 2, p. 2] all I expect to - for present - I havent Sent the folks any yet but I will about next wednesday Tell Me which you like the best this is the last picture I expect to have taken for years to come so you must save those so You will know what your old man looked like when He was on his first Mission I think they flatter the Subject considerable, but then it is for this reason that we have our pictures taken, Well Dearie we have, finally got summur weather, it is as hot as blazes and has been for the past three days, how is the weather at home, and how is our precious little baby getting along with her teeth, and how is Your Mamma and how are You, I hope you are not over working these hot days, and you havent told me yet how your eyers are and about that lump in your nose, I want you to tell mee just how you feel, Some times I emagine you are not as well as you say [ltr. 2, p. 3] You are, but maby this is caused by slight worry on My part, but I cant help but think about these things at times and I dream of you folks once in a while and I thought the other night that I went home and when You saw Me You were not at all pleased and neither was I becaus I thou -ght you were back at Your old profession and that you were almost worn out with work, now Dearie I woke up before I saw any more, but I dont want you making dresses for every tom, dick and harry, and I hope that this was only a dream, I worry more or less about this becaus - You had so many friends who were so disapointed when you quit making dresses and and I know how pers - istent some of them are and they, some of them havent sense enough to take no for an answer, now Dearie I want You for My sake to tell them “No” and [ltr. 2, p. 4] let it end thar, You have enough sewing to do with out - doing it outside of your own family, I havent had time to go down town yet but when I do I will see what I can buy Cloth like the babys coat for I went to the big market place Yesterday, Friday is the big market day, and every thing imaginable is sold thare I would give anything if You could see these things - it is impossible to describe what it is like, and talk about bargains I never saw anything like it I came very near buying some lace curtains - 12 ft long and nice patterns any whare from 60¢ to $800 per pair and some at a $100 that were fine wait until you come over “if you do “- becaus I want You to come and go home with Me and then we will see these things to gether and and You well know if they are bargains, the curtains they offered at 100 I emagin would cost about 300 at home, Maby I am no judge but if you would [ltr. 2, p. 5] 5 - like a pair for you Mamma’s bed room I can get one and maby send them by some of the Elders, and you can see what they are like, then if thye dont suit your folks there wont be much lost at $100 a pair I do enjoy seeing these sights and I can spend hours just looking arround - at the bargains - and July is the big Sale month Well Dearie when you do come we will have a buisy time seeing the sights - Only about two Years more, will it ever go past - Brother Malcom McCallister has been re-leased and expects to sail next Wednesday He has promissed to call and see you He tried to console Me by telling Me that two years would pass before I knew it, He cant realize that He has been away 28 Months it seems almost that long all- ready since I left you, but I hope the time will go rapidly, Groesbeck has’nt been realeased yet, but He is anciously looking for it Well Dearie I went, swimming yesterday I got weighed again [ltr. 2, p. 6] I tipped the scale at 148 lbs 3 lbs more than You and Ruth I dont get fat very fast - I guess I am not the fat kind - You aught to have a photo of Me stripped to see just how fat I am - I envy some of the boys - nearly all of them are fat - and all of them have gotten this way since they came over, they have been trying to coax me to raise whiskers - this is the country to make them grow I have to shave three and four times each week, it is a bad place for the hair, Mine still comes out, as bad as ever I am giving it a good - massage every morning, I am going to keep this up until it either kills or cures, Maby I will be wear - ing a wig befor I come home - wig you know are quiet fashionable over here both among Men and women, and especially among the women hundreds of them wear wigs, maby by letting it get long enough I can keep my head covered by combing it like Alfred Peterson [ltr. 2, p. 7] does, but I have, a little more than he has - at present Say Dearie what size gloves do you wear and what color would you like, and would You like me to get you a nice plume if so what color artifical flowers for trimming your hat - these things can be bought for ½ what they can home and one of the boys has promissed to take anything home for Me that I want so if you need anything let me know, I saw some very pretty brown dress goods, I will try and get some samples and prices and send them to you this Month you can get it for about 50¢ per yard double width and how much does it take for a dress, I haven’t written to the folks for about two weeks - so you can say hello to them for me over the phone I am well as usual and hope I [ltr. 2, p. 8] can continue - this way I do hope and pray that you are both well and want you to take good care of your self, Dearie I love you both - best of anything in the world - how I would like a big hug and kiss from you both - Well Dearie give My Love to your Mamma Papa, Al Alice Nell Henry and all the folks and May the Lord bless you and watch over you is the wish and prayer of your loving husband and Papa Alvin Kisses and hugs for Mamma and Ruth xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [ltr. 3, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London July 11 - 05 My Own Dear Millie Yesterday morning I I received your letter # 6 - written on June 24th and last night after I got home from street meeting I found another await- ing Me, your #7 - which was written on the 27 - this makes one letter last week and two this week and you dont know how pleased I am to get your letters, they give me lots of comfort, even tho I do get the blues as you call it I will try and answer them both in turn so I will answer the questions in Your letter #6 first, regarding the two comforts - they didnt give Me any when I came and I was obliged to buy them for the other fellows after their arrival no I didnt use them to comfort My [ltr. 3, p. 2] self in times of the blues in fact I havent had any thing at those particular -times to comfort Me, they would have to gradually work off them selves, and true it is as you say I have been a hard baby to wea[-]n and I far from it Yet, and I sometimes wonder if I ever will be, regarding the old married women, and me sparking them, it all depends on what you call sparking, I dont do it the way I did You - and I quiet agree with You that I wouldnt do it if you were over here, I wou- ld soon forget every thing but you, in fact it is hard for me to think of anything else but You and you dont need to bother about hunting up an old married man [ltr. 3, p. 3] becaus, I couldnt even stand a married man I believe I would be the most jelous person on earth if I had any occas - sion to be, I couldnt stand it no way, just the tho - ughts make tremble, so I guess you had better not bother, You can just wait until I come home and then you can sparke me all you please, So You have had our baby out to the lake - how I wish I could have been with you, So you think She is going to be a dancer I guess she get that from Her “Papa?” I saw by the paper that Miss Calder had given Miss Hudsen a handkercheif shower and I thought probably You were thare, So Ruth has five teeth good for Her I am so glad she keeps [ltr. 3, p. 4] well - and She always the cutest baby in the world I would like to hear her try to talk, and she has begun to climb up, O bless her you cant emagin how I long to see you both but I have to be conted with looking at your pictures, they will be worn out befor I have the orrigin - als to look at, unless I am careful You say that every body thinks she is lovely - but nobody knows that as much as us, I can just see how prowd you are of Her and you know how prow[-] I am of her, and of you also, You are more to me than anything else in this world Yes Dearie I have finally had the pictuers of My self and they are now on the way to you I hope You will like them, but [ltr. 3, p. 5] 5 I am afraid you will decide I look like I said I did, but I want you to be honest in telling me just what You think of them, even if it might hurt My feelings they look just like me and it is impossible to take a good - or pretty picture from a homly subject - but if it hadnt been for you and you alone I never should have had them taken but if You dont like them do with them as I said give them to our baby to play with - I would infer from Your letter that Lyman Hudson is wearing a wig, I do hope that I will never come to this but there is no telling becaus My hair still comes out by the handful - So You think You would’nt have a hard job to jerk me bald, if I had a wig - maby [ltr. 3, p. 6] not but I hope you will never have this chance - I havent had the nose bleed since I left home I am still wearing the beeds and will do as long as they will act as a preventative - We are now having real summer weather it dont get so warm here as it does at home - at least I dont notice it so much although a great many - pro - trations have been recorded here the past week on acco - unt of the heat I try to take care of My self and wont catch cold if I can he[-]p it you havent had such good luck with your chickens this year, I wish you could have gotten more eggs from Ida, Say Dearie I will write to Hyrum and get him to try and get Geo A Davis to take the calf and raise it from now on maby [ltr. 3, p. 7] He will do it for us reasonable, but if not you had better sell Her, I dont want you bothering with it any longer, have you still got the old cow and is she still giving milk, I wish you didnt have to bother with the cow at all and I am sorry that she didnt catch when I took her away this makes it bad again for you - I am glad you got your rent money - be sure and give them a receipt each time so there will be no mistakes made Hyrum Groesbeck has'nt been released yet and we make lots of fun of him - becaus he is so ancious for it, - I believe this answers the first letter now for #7 - So you think I was out of sorts maby I was Dearie but at times it dos'nt take [ltr. 3, p. 8] very much to make me that way, I didnt exactly remember what had made write to you so that you would say this, so I just looked up the letter and I guess it was becaus you inferred that you were sick of writing to me all ready, maby that isnt the way you meant it but that is the way it sou - nded to Me. I havent felt this way yet. I enjoy getting your letters too much, and I like to answer them, You say I aught to be usto it by this time, I dont know that I had I have'nt had so much of it as all that - but I guess I could stand it better if I was home, then I could turn you over My knee and spank you if you said those sarcastic things to Me, - about being a wrestler no Dearie I am no wrestler [ltr. 3, p. 9] -9- a person dont have to be, to hold his own with some of these fellows, now about convincing you that I love You, I some times think that if I had you whare I could get hold of you that maby I could, at least I could make a grand dem - onstration, of My feelings - but if you dont know that I love You already, I dont suppose future attempts at trying to convince you would be of any avail, maby I am a softy, but I cant help it and besides I dont want too, - I have received the babys picture and I have told you what I think of them you havent told me what they cost you and how many you ordered - Now you talk about Me being easy to cook for - 'Y" Dearie you wont have to cook any more, we had "Farce" [ltr. 3, p. 10] for breakfast - and I cant go "Farce" You know the Story about Sunny Jim and farce, it may have been good for him, but I cant go it, it is to much like eating bran, besides. I am in a diferent position to what Sunny Jim was and dont need the same strength and if I did I dont believe it could be gained from that stuff I had a slice of bread and butter and syrup for My breakfast, we have just had dinner and it was a little better, we had some roast mutton and new potatoes, we dont have to do the cooking they have a woman here at the Miss - ion house who does that I usually have one good meal a week with Sister Everard, I was thare Sunday She had a nice roast Duck [ltr. 3, p. 11] and only she and I to eat it and after dinner we went for a buggy ride She is very good to Me - Say Dearie I got a letter from Willard this morning I will copy whet he says to Me so You can see how he is getti ing along - this is what He Says - "Say Alvin You would enjoy laboring here - there is all kinds of fish, Besides Human fish" some of then two feet long and mountain trout by the thousands - more plentiful than suckers at home - Nothing grows here but, children and grass. and children grow almost as rapidly as grass and quiet as plentiful - we have no fruit or vegetables - nothing Fish, Horse Meat, and Cheese - We have bread and cheese, Horse meat and cheese, Fish and Cheese, mush and cheese, Mormon tea and cheese, Cheese and cheese, and when we want a change we have more cheese - I have gained 15 lbs since I got here and dont be surprised if you read about - a fat boy of Trondhjim befor I come home - - and He goes on to compare himself with a very fat negro boy we saw in Chicago - and He recomends the above for [ltr. 3, p. 12] fatening Me it is very strange that I dont pick up - every body els seems too - and Willard says give My Love to Millie and Ruth the next time you write home - Say Dearie it isnt so easy to keep from scratch ing flee bites - but I will be careful, So Ruth get struck on the car Men and Post man I guess she is just as attractive as as somebody else I know - She is the sweetest baby becaus She looks like her Mother and maby these fellows like to take her on this account this is very likely you know - I was sorry to hear of Hens Uncle’s accident, I will write to the New Castle boys to call on his folks - Did Hen Sell at the offer - I wish some one would offer us 4000.00 for our place or even 300000 I would sell it and then we would Have one that suited us, maby 13 - we will have anyhow some day - Good for Alice tell her, I say it is about time, - Yes Dearie I thought you knew that Williams was married He showed Me her picture coming across - She looked like just a kid of a girl So you think if you were Eva Hudson you would I dont doubt but what you would - but I am glad we didnt go to live with our folks after we were married I dont think I would like to do as You say they are going to - I would sooner rent for a month or two whare is He going to build - Say Dearie give Ruth all the milk she wants it wont hurt her a bit let her have My share I guess that is one liking she gets from Her Papa Yes Dearie I thought of [ltr. 3, p. 14] 14 our wedding day and I think I wrote to you about it, it does seem a long time, but let us hope that it will hurry past I see that Uncle Sam is going down, only worth 30¢ now, have you seen Nelson lately, ask him what he thinks of it next time you see him, I read of the way they served Geo Morris and his bride and that Man Gates of Forest Dale I guess we got off easy Well Dearie give My love to Your Papa Mamma and all the folks and May the Lord bless You and our precious darling Ruth and with lots and lots of kisses, loves and hugs for you both from Your loving Husband and Papa Alvin x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xx x [ltr. 4, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London July 13 - My Own Dear Millie We are first through with our Thursday evening cottage meeting and I have come up to bed and I thoug -ht I would begin a letter to you and finish it tomo - rrow ,We had Brother Grant with us to night he is just back from visiting several of the conferences on the continent and we have had a nice time visiting with him to day and He Spoke fine in meeting this evening, and He told Me about his wife who is now in Salt Lake having written to him, telling that Aunt J. had told Her that poor George had such a hard mission, in fact Aunt J. told Sister Grant that George had the hardest [ltr. 4, p. 2] mission in these parts Brother Grant was very much surprised and wondered whare She got Her information He says George has the best and easiest mission in Sweeden, So the two reports dont agree, Some people, and some peoples children are terribly abused - I havent got what you can call a hard mission but the missionary work is very hard for me and am quiet sure that we meet with just as much opposition and abuse, and I will warrant You the people here are as bad as almost anywhare - I have almost come to the conclusion that a mission is what You make it, I find that a person must not consider him self and his own feelings very much, we must learn [ltr. 4, p. 3] to take the insults of the people and not resent them in the least, “Y” Dearie I was mad enough last Tuesday after tracting to fight a buzzsaw merely on account of the treatment I had received and the man - - ner, that I was insulted and once I almost came choaking one fellow and if ever a fellow deserved it he did, almost every body on one block turned Me down, it seemed as thou -gh the Devil had put it into their hearts to watch for Me. You will under stand it was my second time arround, they had read the first message and didnt seem to like it very much, and when I got to the door whare I met this fellow, the women came in answer to My knock she Saw Me through the window [ltr. 4, p. 4] in the doar, most all of the houses here have glass doors - well she went back with out opening the doar and I heard her tell her husband that, that fellow was here again well he came to the doar and I told him what I had and he just went mad and if ever a person was possessed of the imps of hell this one was - He started on the dirty morm ons and what a list of who - rmasters we were and I butted in and told him that he was crazy and didnt know what he was talking about but He was clear off from his nut and wouldnt give me a chance to say anything but said dont you come here again and slamed the door, well Dearie I expect to call on him [ltr. 4, p. 5] 5 again in about a month and I will tell you what happens - I dont know how much of this George gets but I dont think this part of his labors can be much worse, Well you can emagin how I felt going out Yesterday I expected to receive the same treatment but I didnt, I had several turn downs but the people did it in a more decent way, and again to day – I felt from the time that I left the house until I got almost to the first door like I wish I didnt have to go, something trying to discourage Me and It got so bad that I finally begin to think that I was a coward, and why I sho - uld be afraid to do the Lords work, and I decided it was the Devil that was trying to discourage me so I just got up courage [ltr. 4, p. 6] and went ahead and I had one of the best times I have had yet - of course none of my tracting has been very much pleasure but to day I had four good conversations and sold one book, So you see we are easely discourag - ed if we allow ourselves to be, I believe this is the case whare ever we are and we can give the devil credit for trying to dishearten us and when he cant do it He stirs up some one else to oppose and slander us, but such is mission ary life, if You are repres - enting the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints but It happens with this church only, others are not bothered, they are of the devil most of them and old Satan has no occasion [ltr. 4, p. 7] to disturbing them, well Dearie, here it is eleven oclock, and only 4 at home I am wondering what You are doing, bed time is when My thoughts wander home - of course they wander home often enough other times, but not always so much so as at this particular time, becaus I try not to allow them, but I often lay for hours and think of you both and wish that I could see you and finally go to sleep hoping that I might have a nice dream of home and in this way see You, I am not the only one who gets home sick, Elder Jones of Ogden who came one month later than me, had a good case of the blues the other night He has seven children [ltr. 4, p. 8] and hadnt had a letter for a week and a half, and He came over here to 97 from his lodge and the first thing He saw was Sister Grants two little girls who are about the age of his and it was to much for him, he had to cry a little and I felt sorry for him, becaus I knew just how he felt I guess we are great big babys, at times but we cant help it, the President Said this morning, that He believed if Smith didnt get a letter every week I would be worse than any of them but, I believe they are jealous becaus I get more from My wife than they do, Well Dearie it’s the best comfort I have, to get letters from home “Summer has came” talk about heat, I am glad You are not here right now, the weather we are having [ltr. 4, p. 9] - 9 - is worse than anything You have had at home - I dont kick very often about the heat, but this at present is a corker, I have almost sweat to death the last three or four days, it is just like being in a Steamy room very close and sufficating cant hardly breathe, we had a terrible thunder storm last Sunday, several places were set on fire by lighten - ing and two persons were killed - and I never saw it rain harder in my in my life but it didnt cool the atmosphere any Well Dearie I had a pretty good night's rest and will finish this letter I am going to Sister Everards again Sunday, I wish you were here to go with Me how I would like to take dinner with You, wouldnt it be nice [ltr. 4, p. 10] when I think of the tims when we usto be all alone on Sunday it makes me long for that time to Come again - when we can be united with each other and our preci - ous baby Ruth, She will be a big girl then - wont She, bless her little soul every body that sees Your pictures think I aught to be a proud fellow and I can assure You that I am - Well Dearie how are you both and how are all the folks - and is Your mamma's eyes any better, and how are your eyes, have You got You some glasses yet, and have You been to the Dentist Yet - You said You were going befor I came away and I havent heard that You have yet - dont [ltr. 4, p. 11] neglect these things and write and answer all these questions becaus I want to know - I guess You think I cam ask more questions than anything else but I like to ask them becaus I like to know all about You and why shouldnt I - You are My very own and I love You more than I can tell and I often think of the times when I usto manage to miss the last can and how hard it was for Me to break away from you, and do You remember the time when you phoned me to go with You to Nells - and how I told You I had been wishing all day that I could see you and how pleased I was when you did ask Me [ltr. 4, p. 12] to go with you and do you remember, what I asked You when we got back to Your mammas, and how prowd and good I felt when you answered Me and then after we were married how we usto enjoy ourselves, when we usto sit in our dining room befor going to bed and enjoy one anothers company - do you ever think of these things, I do, and quiet often too well Dearie I will be glad when we can again sit by our fire side and enjoy one anothers company again as we usto and our precious baby will be so that she can run around by that time, Well Dearie may the Lord bless you both and give My love to all the folks and with lots of love kisses and hugs for you both I remain your effectionate husband Alvin xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [along left side of page] xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [ltr. 5, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London July 19 -05 My Own Dear Millie Monday morning I went out to Watford with Elder Freeba- irn this place is about 25 - or 30 miles from here, and we did'nt return until last night reaching home about 1230 we spent a very enjoyable time with the people, Freebairn usto labor over thare and He went out to bid them good bye befor leaving for home - He expects to sail on Aug - 11 - but is going to Scotland to visit some of his relatives for a week befor doing so He will leave here tomorrow and it will be the last time that I will see him, I guess until we meet in Salt Lake, He and I have been together since He returned from the Continent and He is my favorite of all the Elders I have met, I expect him to call and see [ltr. 5, p. 2] You after he get home, Well My Own Dear Millie I went to bed at 130 and I am up early this morning writing this to you while the other boys are Sleeping - Monday morning befor leaving here I received your letter # 8 - seventeen pages it is just the kind I like - and I will be satisfied with one a week like that becaus I know it requires considerable of your time and when they are big fat ones like this I will be satisfied, but emagine how pleased I was, if you can, when I got home last night to find another letter from you "#9" containing 12 more pages then it was so full of news that I begin to think how much better two letters were each week than one - you wrote one of them on the 3rd of July and the other on the 6th and they reached me as I have said only one day between each other and I [ltr. 5, p. 3] am going to answer them both becaus to day is mail day I have to get it off to day, "this morning" or it wont go for three days you see it is as I told you once before, You cant tell any - thing about when the boats will arrive - some times I go one week and then the next week I get the as I did these. I am glad you dont have to go clear down town, when you go to the Post office I didnt like to hear that Rutha darling was getting thinner, but I guess it is the weather, I am glad you keep her as cool as you can I can tell you Dearie if it keeps on here like it has been the last f[-]ew days I too will be thiner it has been awful. Yes Dearie Sister Everard has been very sick again, and she telegraphed me Saturday that she was so bad she wouldnt be able to have me to dinner I was over to see her Friday and she was in bed but she thought [ltr. 5, p. 4] She would be enough better So that she could have me but she was not, I am going over to day and see her, Yes Dearie Miss Clark is a fine Singer and so is Willard Andelin and I guess these two will some day make a match and be one, becaus they are very spoony, You know Sister Clark has been engaged once or twice - once to Hugh Dougall and once to a Mr Eccles but they fell out some how and since then Mrs Dougall has told lots of false storys about Sister Clarks character Bro H. J. Grant wrote home and told them they had lied about her and since then I guess they have stopped, but Bro Grant is trying to make a match between Her and Andelin Dont worry about the Kodak I guess it will come but if It dont I will write to the New York office and ask them about it - I have told you [ltr. 5, p. 5] 5 about George - so will skip this part of your letter - was sorry to hear of Bro Mc Intyres accident I am afraid it will be his end and I am afriad that his folks dont care much if it is - they certainly dont and havent treated him very good - I do hope you wont have to wean the bbaby until Cooler weather - and I wish You didnt have to milk the cow, how I wish I could do it for you and I am so glad our little darling likes milk - this will be a help for her when you do have to wean her - No Dearie I dont think it would improve me to raise a beard, but you dont know what a bother it is to shave so often, and as to making a mash on the girls of this part dont fear, I havent seen any yet that I would have for a "second" if I was after a wife and wasnt married I would move out of old England to find her, but I am glad I am married and that I got You when I did mary [ltr. 5, p. 6] it was a case of love at first sight with Me and I couldnt help showing it you remember how I acted, dont You - You think the only reason I say, lovely things about you is so you wont get jealous of Ruth Ha Ha Ha I didnt think of that, the Idea of Mamma getting jealous of Her baby - no your are both the same to Me - I love You both alike - and when I speak of one I mean both - I guess you have received My Photos by this time so You can see if I look as good as Stratford - and you dont know what kind of a beard I could raise - you aught to see My shiskers they seem much thicker and darker maby I am - bleached out, so they show worse since I came over here but if I dont shave every other day I look awful, so Joe looped the loope did he well I wouldnt let you do it if you wanted to it is a fool thing to do and the more I think of it the more I think so, - So you are going to have all the folks up for the 4th never mind Dearie you wont [ltr. 5, p. 7] always be the odd sheep - So you think I wont be able to kiss our baby - becaus she dont like to be Kissed, never mind all the more for you and I think You had better try and teach her to like it she usto like to be kissed when I was home, how do you ma - nage - I guess she dont mind if her mamma kisses her I never did mind when Her mother usto kiss me although I had to make wagers with her in order to get them. Yes Dearie I remembered our wedding day and I believe I wrote to You about it, I often think of it and how long I have got to remain here - but it is as you say no longer for Me than You so let us both try and stand it and hope that the time may speedily pass - I have now received 21 letters from You - so You see that is more than when I last told you - and almost an average of two a week so [ltr. 5, p. 8] I feel that I havent been slighted only once in a while I get lonesome and maby I think at times that I have been slighted, you know it depends a great deal upon how a person feels I was glad to hear that you had received a divident on Uncle Sam I do wish it would go to $100 maby it will, especially if it keeps on payind dividends Brother Nelson told Me he expected to buy a home but I didnt know he had, it must be a dandy and I am glad he has becaus He needed it, I like Bro Nelson very much becaus - of course He is my brother in Law. and also becaus He has been very good to Me and you can tell him that I will answer his letter shortly - So twins have been disc overed to run in Your family well Dearie if that is the case there is still hopes for us - getting the noumber I have spoken of that I would like to have So Emily will come in again about September 1st [ltr. 5, p. 9] 9 I guess they will have to send David on a mission - So Liss is awful skinny - I emagin she is if she is any worse than when I left home - there wasnt anything to her then I guess it takes all her fat for the baby, every body says He is such a big fellow, I am glad your Mammas eyes are some better and I want you to be very careful of Yours - Well Dearie when You find out about Joe’s insurance premium, let Me know becaus I would like to know when it is coming off, I guess Bertha is too much like Her sister to do like Miss Hudson, so Joe will have to hurry up his house. So He has quit the fish business well it is a stinking business you aught to see the fish shops over here and then you would think so, I would like to strike a job with short hours when I come home. I would like to hear our baby call the chickens [ltr. 5, p. 10] I emagin it is cute - and there is nothing I would enjoy more than to hear and see her do these cute things, I hope too Deary that You may have the chance to see a street meeting at least I live in hopes, maby You will be like nearly all the women folks, once will be sufficent, I imagin I can see you trying to write with the baby on your lap, bliss you both I would like to drop in and See Her on your lap - Well Dearie I have been out to winsor Castle we went out last Saturday - we took the train from here and came back by boat on the Tames River I had a lovely time, it is a beautiful place, I havent room in this letter to tell you all all we saw so I will send you a little information pamplet which will explain what we saw, In some of the rooms - there is <107 Million dollars worth of oil paintings [ltr. 5, p. 11] and every thing is grand some day I hope to take you to see it some day, then the lovely trip back on the river it is holliday time and thousands and hundred of thousands of people have their little cottages along strung along the Rivers banks and enjoy them selves boat riding and Ect, I never saw anything like it befor I thought how I wished you were along - we met some people on the boat from Amer- ica - from Wheeling West Virginia and they recognized us as yankees and finally I got in conversation with the Man and He asked Me what part of the country I was from I told him Utah and that I was a Mormon and that the other four were also mormons and every body on the boat looked our way - we had quiet a long talk with him and of course polygamy was the first question, I answered [ltr. 5, p. 12] this question and then we started on religion and Freebairn got him in such a tight box He was glad to quit - He bid us good bye befor we left and He invited us to look him up if we ever came to his home or “Virginia” Well Dearie I have used up the last sheet of paper I have, and havent started to answer your letter #9 - and It is almost time to post this becaus I have been - interrupted several times since I started it and have had breakfast in between, so will let this “suffice this time - I am well and trust You and Ruth are also - give My love to Your Papa Mamma, and all - and May the Lord continue to bless you - and protect you is the wish and prayer of your Loving and effectionate Husband and Papa Alvin xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [ltr. 6, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London July 22 - 05 My Own Dear Millie This is Saturday mor ning and I have been busy with one thing and another and I have only got about 15 minutes to get this letter off - I know how, disapointed I am when I dont get a letter So if this one isnt very lengthy dont be disapointed and I will make up for it next time, we are having beastly hot weather now days and I am not getting very fat the last week or two on that account, I am going to Sister Everards tomorrow and after dinner for another buggy ride, President Grand and Sister Grant are also going She has been very sick again but is now better [ltr. 6, p. 2] I was glad You went down home and looked around and I hope it wont be necessary to cut down the Elm trees have them sprayed with some strong paris green and I believe they will be alright, So You payed Mrs Pack the 15¢ what did she say - they are having an awful time have Wilkinsons got a hedge fence all around their place - So Old Man James has been house cleaning, Well something is going to happen, I was sorry Ashtons in forest dale had such a bad fire did they have any Insurance Say Dearie Elder Winder left here Yesterday on his way home, I sent a little piece of white Japanees silk for a dress for Ruth also a collar for Your Mamma [ltr. 6, p. 3] and a piece of embrodery that I bought for 30¢ I dont know if it is any good but it will do for a petty coat - and you can tell Me if it is worth that much - if it isnt there wont be much lost, and I would like you to tell me what size gloves you wear and color you like and how many you need and I will get them for you and if there is any little things that your mamma or Bertha want that I can send in a news Paper just tell me what it is and I will see if I can get it for you and if you would like anything and will just say what it is I will try and get it for you and send it home with some of the Elders, I didnt know [ltr. 6, p. 4] Bro Winder was going home so soon so I didnt have time to go down town and look arround but I bought the silk here by the house I under stand that it can be had in remnants pieces for less money down town the piece cost me $120 for 2½ yards if you want enough for a dress like it tell Me how many Yards it takes and I will get it for you Well Dearie how is our Precious baby and how does she stand the warm weather - I will send you a big fat letter next mail May the Lord bless you both and all the folks with love to all I remain Your effectoinate Husband and Papa Alvin xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [ltr. 7, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London July 25 - 1905 My Own Dear Millie I expected a letter this morning, but It did’nt come, it is one week to day since I received your last, so I will have to read the ones I received last Monday and Tuesday and emagin that they came to day, I guess the boat is late so will expect one the middle of the week Well Dearie I went out to Earls Court last Saturday and we didnt go until late in the after noon it is just such another place as the Crystal Palace, we road the Ferris Wheel, shot the schutes and visited the hall of mirrors and several other things, we are as bad as a crowd of kids when we get together it was almost twelve oclock when we got home I guess you will think I dont do any thing els but have a good time [ltr. 7, p. 2] but, Saturday is a holloday with us and we usually go some place to spend the afternoon, well Dearie - next Month is our babys Birth Day - on the 3rd of August - just think, She will be one year Old, bless her little darling self how I would like to see her but I have the photo’s and I can tell you that I do get lots of comfort looking at them, I have yours and Hers on the table in front of Me now and it alm - ost makes me home sick to see You, and when I think how long it will be, before I do have this privelege - Well I cant tell you how I do feel, maby You know, I try not to think think of these things but, in spite of all I can do My mind will wander back home even when I try to study, I will catch My self drifting away from the subject and I will have to begin over again becaus I dont know what I have read maby I will get over this some day - but I dont know how long it is going to take then again here at the mission house there are so many people coming and going all the time that it is a hard place to do any studying, last night I went down town with President Hoopes while He did some shopping, and I wished You could have been with [ltr. 7, p. 3] me, and again it is only an agrovation to see all the nice things and nothing to buy them with, Well Dearie I have made up My mind to have you come over here after I have been here about 20 months, and then[-] we will have a chance to see these things together, I want you to spend, three or 4 months with Me here befor I am released and we will just keep this Idea to our selves until about that time and then I will make some arrange ments so you can do so this would be a fine place if it was inhabited by Americans, as far as the country is concerned it is beautiful, every thing is so green and pretty, but the people spoil, even the beauty of the country, but there are so many places of interest to be seen, that a person should see as many of them as possible while He has the chance and I dont expect to get another chance so I want you to have it also So let us live in hopes - and maby the Lord will open up the way so that we can acomplish this end - Pay Your tithing Dearie on all the rent money and any other income that You may have and the Lord will bless Your means so that it will go farther and last longer than if you use what belongs to Him I have always payed My Tithing [ltr. 7, p. 4] and I know that I have been blessed and each year I have been able to pay more tithing than before so pay your offerings Dearie and I know that your means will be increased, and You will then be entitled to all the blessings which come from obedience to this law, - we have several examples of non Tith payers in this conference, for example take the Taut family they are all blessed with good voices - and they can make as high as 7500 in one evening, but they are very ambitious and want to get rich, yet all of his girls have been very sick, two of them have been layed up for some time, having had oppera - tions of some kind on their throat’s whis has cost Mr Taut over $100000 and Nanny and Maggie havent been able to sing for two months, and they can hardly make both ends meet, yet they wont pay their tithing and I would’nt be surprised if they were to loose their voices all together Mr Taut had to send home and borrow $100000 to help pay the doctor bills yet He dont stop to think that it is a gift from God that his daug- hter have these talents, and what the Lord giveth He can take away and I am satisfied that if they would live up to this law they [ltr. 7, p. 5] 5 live as they should they would'nt have so much trouble, but Brother Taut filled a mission over her and He thinks that is all He owes the Lord Well Dearie let us pay our donations and especially our tithing no matter what others do and I know we will be blessed, Say Dearie yesterday I found a lady - while out tracking who had a brother go to Utah and join the in the early days and when I asked Her who it was She said William Binder, and I happened to Know Brother Binder He worked in Z.C. M. I. when I did, but He is now dead and when I told her that I had worked for the same Instution she envited Me in the house and we had a long talk, and She asked Me if I would come and take dinner with Her Wednesday, I told Her that I would be pleased to and I asked Her if I could bring one of the other Elders with Me and she said yes, So President Hoopes and My self are going tomorrow at 5 oclock She is an elderly lady and has some grown Sons. So I will tell You what kind of a time have She seems a very nice lady and told Me how her brother tired to get her to listen to him befor He [ltr. 7, p. 6] died, but she hadnt heard from the mormons or her releatives for several years, this is the first time I have been invited in a house since I have been tracting, I have had some very good conversations but I haven't been able to get nearer than the door step, so I hope to make a friend of this lady even though I cant do more I try to do this much whare ever I am, Well Dearie we are hav ing summer weather still and I can tell you that this heat over here is more oppressing than it is at home, we have had extra good weather since I came over and I hope it will continue, but I could stand it better if it wasnt so hot, but I hadn't ought to kick becaus I usto almost freeze at first and now I almost roast, we cant be suited all the time so I guess the best way is to make the best of it Well My own Dear Mamma - I will look over your letter #9 and see if I answered it all last time I only had such a few minutes to write it and mail it that I have been wondering, every since if You would be able to read it - but I thought you would sooner get a few lines ever tho it was scribbled than to not get a letter at all, I know [ltr. 7, p. 7] this is the way I feel - you say You wonder what the people would say if they were to see Me in My old yellow uniform - I dont know but I guess they would think I was a beggar, I would certainly look the opposite to what I do in My long tail, I had a compliment last Sunday, Sister Clark tryed to flatter Me by saying I looked better in my long tail suit than any of them but I felt sorry for the other fellows to think that they didnt look any better than I emagin I do, but maby I will get usto it, I hope you will not be disapointed when you see My Photo, becaus it looks like me I guess, every body says it is good so I guess it is, but they all like the buss picture the best I haven’t sent Mamma one of the buss style yet but I am going to have another finished especially for her, You ask if Miss Grant is studying Music Yes she takes lessons from Miss Clark She is also studying German and She has a Sister in Germany who stays with Miss Reed I believe She is also studying Music and German, I under stand Miss Reed is coming home this fall - Yes Dearie we had quiet a few Straw [ltr. 7, p. 8] berries this season but I didnt enjoy them like I usto at home becaus we didnt have cream to go with them we dont have very much fruit especially fresh fruit we do have all the jam we want and the kind we live on is made from mango and beets and only flovered slightly with the real fruit - while we were down town yesterday we saw peaches marked 75¢ each - about what we usto grow on our lot and grapes $1.20 per lb I understand that the grapes will get cheaper after while, if they dont, I am quiet sure I wont but very many lbs. we havent had any raspberries yet but red currants we have on the table every day or two, but they never pick them off from the stem so I would rather go with out than eat them like english peo -ple do - by merly dipping them in sugar holding by the stem and eat them, and half the time they arent washed extra clean, but this is the kind of grub that makes us fat - You say you hope I wont get to fighting - I believe if I had not been dressed up Sunday or if I [ltr. 7, p. 9] - 9 - had of had some one to hold my top hat I would have made it interest ing for 3 english men they havent a bit of sense but they aught to have some manners - and they know us fellows, and theses three fellows, began to make remarks at me when I was coming from Sister Everards - and I was never so tempted to call acrowd of them dow as I was then but after I passed them I was glad I didnt pay any attention to them but I am much diferent in this regard since I left home I can stand any old thing, only once in a while I feel like I would like to hoist the american flag for a few minutes by letting some of them know whare I am from, they are the bigest cowards I ever saw, but there is no honor in slapping a cowards face so you dont need to worry, I wont get into any trouble, Mamma told Me she called to see You and that she had such a nice dish of sherbert and cake and it fairly made My mouth water when I read the letter they dont know what sherbert is over here and talk about Ice cream the looks alone are enough for me and it is impossible to get any decent candy without going down [ltr. 7, p. 10] going down town a distance of 4 miles and then it costs about twice as much as it does at home I guess I had better shut up or you will think I am predujiced So Mrs Wilkinson is about ready to pop and Emily and Louise are due the same day, it would almost look as though they had agreed between them selves or let one another know what the other was doing I guess they will both have one or two more each before we do, but David is a corker, just think Dearie, what a lot of relatives I will have befor I come home Alice, Emily, Lillian, Minerva, and there has already been two since I left home, and no telling how many more after these, Well I am glad of it - I will be glad when we have half dozen, only I hope they wont come as fast and as many at once as emily has had, You ask how I get along with My mending, I havent had to do any yet, but I have several pair of sox that need darning and I have got to do that befor long, I have to throw My collars and cuffs away about the second time they are laundryed becaus of the way they do it, they can spoil [ltr. 7, p. 11] starched clothes in about twice doing up - and you aught to see My garm - ents, they simply wrince them out and dont half Iron them in fact they only mangle them Say Dearie, you will think I dont do anything but complain, but when I have been here a few Months longer I guess I will get so usto it that I will forget that it was ever otherwise, do you think I will - I would just like to be whare I could watch our baby when you begin to get ready to go out, I will bet she Is cute, She will make her Mamma toe the mark one of these days I would like to have seen how She acted when she saw the dogs She always did like Her Moke and I am glad He likes her, So you think our baby is a winner - and I know she is, but she comes honestly by it, She gets it all from her Mother Her Mother is the Sweetest and best woman in the world, and the baby looks like her, so how else could she be I am glad Mrs Field is some better give Her My best wishes when you write to her and tell her that I hope She can come to visit You this fall - I wonder if the old man will [ltr. 7, p. 12] [page has a border of written x’s on all 4 sides] will let her stay this time with out coming after her I dont blame him for wanting his wife with him but I guess it does get lonsome for Her, and I believe she loves you more than she does him anyway, She told Me you were the best friend She had is she trou bled with that cancer, now days or dont it bother her, dont you think she worrys about that, if She does You aught to try and comfort her and tell her not to warry I believe if she would have some of the Elders administer to her that if she had faith sufficient it could be cured, does Annie, ever attend our services in Los Angelous or dont she bother about religion and how is her hearing does she get any worse, I think she is to good for such a fellow as him, but I wish them happiness and give my regards to Mrs Bill when you see her and give My Love to Your Mamma and Papa and all the folks and kiss our precio us baby for Me for a birthday present and let her kiss her Mother for Me I am well and hope and pray that You are also and May the Lord bless You both is the Prayer of your Loving Husband and Papa Alvin [ltr. 7, p. 13] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington July 26th 05 My Own Dear Mamma I find that there is room for a few more sheets in this envelope and I held the letter until to day thinking probably I would get a letter from home either last night or this morni -ng, but It didnt come we are obliged to post our letters befor 1130 on Wednesdays and Thursdays in order for them to get the boat, Elder Groesbeck leaves this evening for Paris, and several other places on the Continent and expect to sail early in September, for home there will be about three [ltr. 7, p. 14] more Septembers befor I sail, when I stop to think of it I wonder if the time ever will go but when ever I mention it the other boys console Me by saying, it will pass befor I know it, but it has’nt done so thus far, becaus the time hasnt gone very fast to Me, It seems an awful long time since I left home, So you have developed quiet a muscle since I left home. Well Dearie I wish You didnt have to milk the cow - I would like to be whare I could do it for you I hate to have you doing it and maby you had better turn her out this winter, or sell Her I would rather see her turned out [ltr. 7, p. 15] if you do either - but I am satisfied that we could’nt sell her for what she is worth but I dont like you doing barn choirs, it isnt a womans work, maby some of the folks would take her and milk her in the winter probably David would be willing to do it and as to the calf you can do as you think best with her, I guess the best thing to do will be to sell her I was glad you found every thing down home as we left it and I hope you can get some one to spray the Elm trees I would hate to have them die or have to chop them down, is there going to be any friut this year on our trees, I guess they aught to be sprayed but I dont want you to bother [ltr. 7, p. 16] about them becaus they can wait until we go home I don want you to bother further than the Elm trees, I feel like I want spraying, fleas are playing hob with me I would rather have a dozen mosquito’s than one flea, Well Dearie write and tell Me just how You are getting along with everything and how you and he baby are and all about your selves I dont care hoow many pages it takes the more the better, and tell Papa’s baby how He would like to see her, and her Mamma – Dearie I love you better than anything in this world and I do hope and pray that you are well and that you may always continue this way say Hello to Bertha, Joe, Al, Alice, Henry, Nell, your Mamma and Papa and all with lots of love kisses and Hugs for you both I remain your loving and affectionate husband Alvin [ltr. 8, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London England July 27 - 1905 My Own Dear Millie I was very happily surprised this mor[-]ning to receive two letters from You I see from Your letter #10 that I must have ruffled your feelings in asking you not to neglect our baby, I am sorry but I didnt mean anything out of the way, You now better when say that I always did think you neglected Ruth I know you never have, but I dont know why I have kept telling you not to, but I cant help worry about you both at times, and maby this is the reason I have put this request in My former letters, I am quiet satisfied in writing to you alone without bothering the neighbors I dont know just how I worded My letter but I didnt mean it the way you have interp reted - it I do hope you will soon have a change in the [ltr. 8, p. 2] weather I know how you dread the heat and just how it effects you the heat has been very oppressing here of late but it is much cooler this morning, we had a fine rain storm last night which seems to have brought about the change I will be so glad when our baby darling gets through with her teeth but I pray continually for you both becaus your wellfare is mine and I do hope you will both keep well, Yes Dearie I do want you to tell me just how you are always, I had a mean dream last night which woke Me up and I cant forget it but I am glad it was only a dream I am glad you go for a drive once in a while, and how I would like to see our baby and the way she acts, I know just how cute She is, but I would like to see her do some of the things you mention She dont like rainy weather when it prevents her from going out doors, when she [ltr. 8, p. 3] gets so she can run about She will keep you buisy Thank the Tuddenhams for Me, for their kindnesses to you, and tell Joe that some day I may have a cha - nce to return the compliment I guess we will have to have a horse and buggy ours - elves some day, So Ruth enj - oyed the ducks at the park, bless her I wish I could see Her and I am so glad she does enjoy everything like that what kind of a kid is Mamies out side of his black wig nobody has told Me yet is he a pretty baby, So You think the proofs of My pictures are good, I am glad you like them, so you think the one with the top hat is the best I didnt think so, I think the buss style finished up the best but you can tell better when you get then and I can assure you that the Orriginal of those pictures will also be pleased when he can come back, I do enjoy looking at My pictures of you and the baby, I was under [ltr. 8, p. 4] the impression that I had deposited 200 with Savage however if you got a dozen photos including the large ones for $400 I think that very reasonable, I am well satisfied with the ones you Sent Me although I do like the dark finish the best but I have both kinds so am perfectly satisfied - I think you had better take your Mamma in hand and make Her mind the Doctor, you know Dearie She cant afford to neglect Her eyes, and she aught to do as the physician tell Her - So You think I should take the air cushion to church with me how do you know but what I am lots fatter now, I wouldnt mind howev -er an upholstered seat to sit on, I wouldn’t like to be the only one with a cushion maby I could fasten it in the seat of My trousers some way, especially when I wear My long tail coat becaus it would be hid from view I might as well confess that [ltr. 8, p. 5] My “set Me Down” dont seem to be any fatter, especially when I have to remain perched on it for any length of time but maby I will be a fatty befor I come home. So you celebrated our Wedding Day by washing, I hope you wont have to celebrate them all in that way, It does seem a long time since we were married and to think that it will be that much longer befor we can enjoy one anothers company again, Well Dearie it makes me sick when I stop to think of it, So you[-] think there is no occasion loss of sleep on my part on account of Bro Groesbeck - I haven’t lost any yet, and dont expect to, Yes his son is blessed with considerable conceit and in addition to this a hansome face to go along with it and he carries himself so gracefully too all of which makes him stuck on himself wait until you see him I am glad they have started to send you the National Magazine how do you like [ltr. 8, p. 6] it, is it worth $100 per year I wish I could hear the baby scold you when you clean her nose and wash Her face it must be cute - she dont to very much crying does she, I am glad she can make you understand Her, So you think we might have a kiss over the brook dont I wish we could I am afraid I wouldnt stop at one besides if the brook wasnt any wider than that one I am afraid I would - - ‘nt stay on the opposite side very long, Yes Dearie I am a B e a u t i f u l singer “? you aught to hear me, I do wish I had you to help Me do it maby you can have a chance some day - at least I hope so, Say Dearie what about that secret - You dont mean it? Well I would like to see Eva marry some good fellow congratulate Her for me, Say Dearie You must look out for that old game hen you speak about, she aught to have her [ltr. 8, p. 7] head chopped off befor she picks some ones eyes out, she must be a terror, I would like a snap shot of our precious baby loving her doll - bless her little darling self - and bless you too I wish I could get a hold of you both for a minute I am afraid it would take more than one minute to seperate us - I agree with you and think that there are others besides McEwan who aught to be sent on a mission, these Men are terrors, they are all very much alike, and I think their wives are too good to them, I am pretty bad My self but some times I think there are some worse than me, Well Dearie we went and had tea with that lady I told you about and we had a lovely time she treated us royally, She is quiet an elderly woman and three or four grown sons she has invited Me to call anytime I like so you see I have made one friend I have loaned her the book of Mormon [ltr. 8, p. 8] to read and several other little pamplets Her name is Rachel Brown and she is a sister to Willson L.S. Binder a man I usto work with in the Z. C. M. I. - he is dead but I believe his wife lives at 445 West 2nd South she hasnt heard from any of her realetaves since her Brother died, I wish the first time you go down near Fox and Symons you would go in and ask brother Symons if he knew Brother Binder and if he has a photo of him becaus I would like to get one for tis Mrs Brown and give My regards to Bro Symons and tell him that Sister Everard wished to be remembered to him Well Dearie this letter will reach you soon after your old man is 31 years old just think of it and a few days after our baby is one year old did you get that money from the bank and buy something for Ruth for her Birth Day You might as well have it as to leave it thare, I havent written to Nelson yet but am [ltr. 8, p. 9] 9 - goind to some day, I owe several letters but dont know when I will pay them the 7th day of August is a holliday, here in England Bank Holliday, I guess we will go out to Chuckford Forest you know that is whare we went befor, when we saw so many slum people and they say August is the big day if we do go we are going to try and get some photos of the crowd Well Dearie I believe I have told you about all I can think of I am well and hope and pray that You and Ruth are also well and give My love to Your Mamma, papa, Bertha, Joe, Al Alice Henry Nell, Lon Harry and all enquiring friends, and kiss our precious little darling for Me and let her kiss her Mother for Me and when I come home I will relieve you both of performing this task if you think it such - it was never [ltr. 8, p. 10] was never any trouble or task for Me when I usto be home, and I feel certan that it wont be when I return, does Harry ever go fishing, and did you hear him say that his relatives here in New Castle got My letter I wrote to them also the President of branch in which they live Well Dearie May the Lord bless and protect You both from all harm, danger and sickness is the wish and prayer of your Loving Husband and papa Alvin F Smith xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ooooooooooooooo xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx oooooooooooooooo The abve hugs and Kisses are for My baby and Her Mamma from Papa