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, Sep 1905 MSS 7952 [notes by transcriber are in brackets; preprinted text is in bold] [ltr. 1, p. 1] [following letterhead is noted as “The London Conference letterhead” on following pages] THE LONDON CONFERENCE. 97, Farleigh Road, LATTER-DAY SAINTS. Stoke Newington, N. My Own Dear Sweet Millie London,...Sept 1...................1905 I was delighted to receive your letter #19 - It came Wednesday evening President Hoopes and Elder Young - happened to be down Stairs, pretty soon Elder Young came up and divided the letters among the boys, all of them receiving a letter but Me, I said whare is Mine He said there isnt any for You, I said dont lie to Me, whare is the President, He said down stairs, So I went down thare he sat reading some local letters, I asked him what he did with My letter, of course He said I have not got any for you but I nailed hold of him and search him finding Your letter, then I shook him up a bit and come up stairs and read it - the other fellows thought, I was left for once until I came in with it in My hand, the President didn't get any from his wife so we had the laugh on him, so You felt disapointed when you did’nt get Your letter, I guess it was caused by the same trouble that delays them on this end at times becaus I have not failed to write twice aweek, it is better however to get them regular, rather than wait several days longer and then get two but they are all welcome at this end no matter when they come, So You think it was the thoughts of the old maid leaving Me that made me have the blues, maby so it dont take very much, at times but I am getting hardened to it, and I believe [ltr. 1, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 1, p. 3] 2 [The London Conference letterhead] 2 I am not so bad as I usto be, yes Dearies four months on the sixth of this one since
I landed here in England, the time is beginning to go a little faster than it did at first, but as You say It seems about one Year since I left My loving Mamma and baby, Yes I had three children to look after for a few days, has Miss Wells been to call on You yet ? yes I have heard considerable about Fred Smith and his action since he has been in Salt Lake and Papa tells Me that Furious, Judas Cannon, is worse if anything, than ever, Papa said He met him the other day and he slunk off like a whipped curr, So Ruth knows her Papas picture good for her, yes I would like to see her loveing her Mamma and better than all - would I like to have her love me a minute or two, So she is not much of a kisser well she will have to get over that, in respect to Me when I come home, or else You will have to put up with what She should have I would like to see her love her dolls, I bet she is cute, well she always did like her dolls, It seems strange that she isnt more loving with You when She loves her dolls so much, So you spent the 17th day of August at Liberty Park - I am glad You had a nice time. I am glad the baby enjoyes her self so much, when she goes pleasuring, I will be glad when she gets all of her teeth, it would be nice to [ltr. 1, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 1, p. 5] [The London Conference letterhead] 3 it would be nice to hear her say tat, ta? it is quiet a fine description You give Me of all the kids, it is the first time I have heard what they were all like, I guess every body thinks theirs is the best, but we know ours is, So Brother Nelson Got some additional stock for us, that was very kind of him, Say Dearie do You expect to sell all the stock, or do You expect to keep some of it, Maby if ther is going to be some chance to make three or four dollars her share Maby brother Nelson had better sell enough to clear up both notes then we will have all of our stock paid for, three or four dollars is pretty good profit I think but You and Brother Nelson use Your judgement, what ever You do will be satisfactory with Me, Say Dearie how does it seem to have your name signed to a note for $137000 You are getting to be quiet a bond holder, I do hope You May be able to make something out of the Uncle Sam Stock, would'nt it be nice if You could sell that at $100 per share Say Dearie, when You get those beeds I sent home dont forget to give Bro Nelson little Alice a string So Fanny is having More trouble with Athuly It is about time She quit him, I met a man over here who is acquainted with him, and he tells Me that if the girl could see him arround home she would soon fire him, he gave Me this infor- mation freely without being asked for it - he said he has seen him knock his sister down more than once, and now when he accuses her [ltr. 1, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 1, p. 7] [The London Conference letterhead] 4 of such a thing as You say he has, it is about time She did give him his ring back and have nothing more to do with him - I read President Hoopes what you said and he said He was, going write You a note and enclose it with My letter one of these days, I am glad the weather at home is cooler and that You are feeling better It is rather cold over here now - and I guess winter is coming, I am glad you had a nice time at Helen Baurns, So Mrs Owen is beginning to look as though she was badly stayed with - Maby she has been? - who on earth is going to Marry Miss Owen -So Will Murdock takes his Fathers place - I think He was very fortunate to rent his house for $1400 evidently we are not getting enough for ours but never mind - so long as the bargain is made and they take good care of it and we are sure of the rent money we won’t worry, that was a dirty trick, that Gim served You or tried to serve You You did exactly right I am sorry You have to bother with such things, but dont You pay him anything, He is a dirty low down good for nothing scrub, and isnt fit to work for decent people, I wish I had been home I would - have fixed him, but I guess You can tell him what You think of him, if he does have the nerve to call for his pay - his price was outrageous, and I would rather cut the trees down rather than have them infect the other trees but would much rather save the trees if we can do so by spraying - I should [ltr. 1, p. 8: blank page] [ltr. 1, p. 9] [The London Conference letterhead] 5 think that man Johnson could have those trees tended too, I wish You would ask him if he could not get it done, I am sorry that darn fool Gimm spoiled that tree on the east Well Dearie dont worry about, the trees or Gimm either, if they get much worse maby we had better chop them down, and burn them up, I noticed by the paper, that the Uintah Reservation had been opened but I did not see Harrys name, as being among the lucky - ones, as yet I hope he will get, a change to locate, on a nice piece of land out thare, I understand some of those who have been fortunate in drawing the first noumbers have been offered good prices for their chances, I was glad that Utah people were the most fortunate thus far in the drawing I would not mind having a nice farme Some place, but I would rather have some one else run it for Me tell Nell, we will come out and visit her when She gets located on their ranch, I hope they may be fortunate in drawing Something good-how do they decide on the land after they draw a chance do they have to go out and seclect the piece of ground or do they, Seclect it from the map I have not been able as yet to find any account of how this is done - I have looked through the papers every week, I like to read the News we have two papers a week - as a rule and in this way find out what is doing at home, I received a nice letter from Willard [ltr. 1, p. 10: blank page] [ltr. 1, p. 11] [The London Conference letterhead] 6 this week - He wished Me to give You his love and he says tell Millie to kiss Ruth for him - Bill is alright, kid - wish he was here in England with Me - Well Dearie I am well still doctoring flee bites, I caught a great big fat one crawling on Me this afternoon, and I murdered him in cold blood, they are beastly little venomus animels, they don bother Some of the boys they seem to like me pretty well, Well Dearie give My love to Your Mamma and Papa Bertha and Joe, Al, Alice Henry and Nell and the boys - and kiss Ruth for Me - and let her give You one of those big hugs for Me - May the Lord Continue to bless You both and protect You from all harm, danger and sickness - is the prayer continually of Your loving and effectionate husband Alvin F Smith PS Remember? lots and lots of hugs kisses and Loves for You both from Papa xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [ltr. 1, p. 12: blank page] [ltr. 2, p. 1] [The London Conference letterhead] Sept 5th 1905 My Own Dear Sweet Millie I received Your most welcome letter of Aug 21st last Saturday evening I had been down town with Elder Jones, in the afternoon we came home about 8 oclock, and on our way home we, bought a nice beef steak, and when we got here we went down stairs by our selves, and cooked it - we fried some potatoes and made some homade gravy and had a regular feast, it tasted fine We have a Young fellow by the name of Robert Price, from Heber City, he came over with Bro Murdock and will labor here in London Bro Murdock has been sent to Scotland Bro Price is just a kid, he got married six weeks befor he left, and he said his wife was acquainted with you, her name was Elexander, and He is a relative of the Snyders next to Your Mammas, he told Me that Miss Snyder told him, if He saw Me to tell Me that I had the sweetest baby in town, this however was no news to Me, becaus I have known that all along I called him up to speak in the hall Sunday evening and it like to have scared him to death, but we all expect these things so we might as well get usto it first as last, I believe he will make a good missionary, I got a nice letter from Papa to day - it came this morning he also told Me about, the trip the folks took to the Park, how was it that [ltr. 2, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 2, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] 2 - Miss Ina, did not go, according to Papa there was about 68 - of you out thare I do wish I could have been thare also, I am so glad that You and the baby are well, I am feeling pretty well I have had queit a bad cold last two or three days but it is almost better now, I have tried to be very careful but some how or other - I caught cold, but last night I doctored up and am better this morning, the weather is very changeable one day it is very cold and the next day quiet warm, one hardly knows how to prepare for it, but I am very careful, My flee bites are getting better slowly, but they have been very sore, Papa tells me that You have had a nice rain storm which did considerable good I guess it has been an awful hot dry summer from what You say, two days a week and from 7 until 10PM is not very much time to sprinkle, and I guess the force of watter is not anything to brag on, especially when it will hardly force it’s way through the pipes, So the tribune has began to call Papa a water thief, it is to bad that they cant find something else to howl about, the news paper clipping You were going to send Me did not come, I looked through the papers we had but could not find anything, Papa tells Me that, Fred M Smith, has written to him and wants, admittance and the privelege to speak or preach in all of our meeting houses how is that for unadulterated Fall - damed if [ltr. 2, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 2, p. 5] [The London Conference letterhead] 3 - that man isn’t the worst I ever saw what does he take our people for any way, I would like to tell him what I think of him, it wouldnt be very complimentry, but I guess they will tell him to do his preaching from his own church So Make likes to see You preparing to take the baby out, it is becaus he wants to go with You, he dont like to hear baby cry, well he never did, he always took Ruth’s part and I am glad he likes her, I would like to hear our baby try to talk, it is about time She was beginning to walk, how is She progressing in this regard, She likes to feed the chickens does She, how I would like to have a chance to tend her a few minutes, or hours, She will be large enough to tend her self, I guess befor I have this chance, I hope You will have no more bother with the cow, I guess that old cow of Your mammas is not very hot, there must be something wrong with her, She is so diferent to animels as a general rule, becaus they usually let You know when they want anything like that, Nell must have had quiet an exciting time with harry, maby a farm would do him good he never was a very strong boy but he usually looked healthy, have they cons- ulted any physician regarding him I should think they would have him thouroghly exam- ined, and try and find out what ails him, how is Lon”, ask him if he is as slepy [ltr. 2, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 2, p. 7] [The London Conference letterhead] 4 head as he usto be I was glad to hear that Mrs Field is some better remember Me to her when You write, tell her I wish I was whare I could spoil some of her crop for her. the grapes are not as good over here as what we have at home I hope Bro Symons will be able to get Me a photo of Bro Binder, Mrs Brown treats me very good when ever I call on her, and I would like to get her a picture of her Brother, I am glad Joe is going to begin building, hope it wont take as long to finish it as It took our neighbors - Some day I hope we can have a new home I hope the Lord will bless to that extent that we can have and I believe He will Well Dearie I do enjoy Your letters so much it does make me feel good to know that You are both well, I drempt I was with You the other night, I thought we were - talking about the things of the past, and how glad I was to again be home and You seemed just as pleased as I did, the worst of it all was, it was only a dream, however I like to dream of You especially when they are good ones, and I will be very pleased when such a dream as the above can be realized, I can tell You, Dearie I love You and Ruth better than anything else in this world, and some times I almost get home sick of course, I never allow My self to get this way, becaus You tell Me I must not [ltr. 2, p. 8: blank page] [ltr. 2, p. 9] [The London Conference letterhead] xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [text upside-down] For Ruth and You xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx3xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and I try to do everything You tell Me to but just the same I think of You, and home, and in a while, and often ponder over the happy times we usto have and how diferent things are at present, never the less I get lots of comfort out of thinking about these times and things and look forward with a longing desire, for the time to come when we can live them over again, and how glad I am that My Baby and her mamma are well good health My Dear isone of the greatest of all blessings, it is worth more than all other riches, this then above all should we desire most, “ with out it what can we do, but with it what can’t we do, Well Dearie Say hello to all for Me, give My love to Your Mamma Papa and Bertha and all the folks and kiss our precious baby for Me - and let her hug You once or twice for Me, May the Lord continue to bless You and protect You from all harm and sickness how I would like to be with You for a short time, I would like to hug and kiss You both for My self - Well Dearie Papa has lots of Loves hugs and kisses for You and they are drawing compound interest the longer I keep them so you will have a whole pile saved up for You when I do come home, tell Ruth how much Papa loves her, and tell her Mother I love her just the same May the Lord bless You both is my prayer for You Lovingly Yours Alvin xxxxxxxxxx [ltr. 2, p. 10: blank page] [ltr. 3, p. 1] [The London Conference letterhead] Sept 8 1905 My Own Dear Sweet Millie I have been lazy to day, it was stormy this morning, and we had several Elders from other Branches here visiting so I spent the time talking with them, it cleared up this afternoon so Elder Cummings and I went tracting, to Make up for time wasted this morning, and since I returned I have been studying My lesson for morning we have a class every morning there are four of us, we are studying the book of Mormon and new Testiment, one morning Elder Cummings and I have the lesson next morning President Hoopes and Elder young, when it is their turn to give the lesson, we ask the questions, and when it us to give the lesson they ask the questions, we take lesson about Testiment one morning and Book of Mormon the next, so this is how My time has been spent to day and as it is mail day tomarrow, I am writing to You befor I go to bed, I am almost over My cold I can breathe feely now, and sleep without any trouble now, Elder Young and Cummings are also writing, to their folks they want Me to tell them something to say, they are in the same fix as Me, I told them I couldnt think of anything to tell You, only that I love you more and more every day, Say Dearie the Little German Girl, got her money, the Old bay sent it to her and wrote her a letter also so she is happy at last, She cant sail befor the 6th of October - now becaus there is no accomidations to be [ltr. 3, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 3, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] 2- can be had befor that time on account of the great many people who have engaged their berths Months ahead, So she will be obliged to wait until then unless something, turns up, and some one does not sail on that date who have engaged befor hand She is living in hopes of having - some one fall out so she can take their place, becaus She is very ancious to get to Salt Lake, Well Dearie how are You and our precious darling Baby, how I would like to see you both for a short time, I think of You and dream of You continually - I was looking at Your pictures again last night befor I went to bed I can tell you they do look good to Me. I will have them worn out befor I get home if I keep on and I can assure You that I am not going to spare them as long as they last, I do love My Momma and our Precious Darling Baby, and it will be a happy time when I can again have the pleasure of their company, and I pray continially for Your well fare and if the Lord will only bless You with good health and preserve You from all harm, I will be willing to work for him as long as he wishes Me too. I will expect some letters tomorrow although there has not been any boats reported as yet - I received one letter this week from home, that was the one that Papa wrote Me, I believe I mentioned, this to You when I wrote to You last Tuesday, I have just read Your letter #20 over again, I think I answered everything in it the last time I wrote, there has not been anything very exciting happen with us the last few days [ltr. 3, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 3, p. 5] [The London Conference letterhead] 3 we have not held any street meetings lately on account of the stormy weather, these kind of meetings usually Caus more excitement than any thing else -it is very seldome we get through with an out door meeting with out some kind of trouble, they dont like us very much in these parts, and this one fact encourages us and is a testimony to us and I guess we can a few persecutions, for the Truth, the True Church has met with persecutions every since it was established, here on earth by the Saviar him self, He was put to death and likewise his apostles, anciently, until the true church was destr oyed from the face of the earth and as soon as the Lord was fit to re - establish his church in this day and age. - old Satan through his ministers began again to hound the true servants of God, succeeding in Martyring the Prophet Joseph and Grand Father Hyrum Smith, with the hope that, this work which they established in this our day might be destroyed, many others to have met death - for the Gospel yet it continues to go and will do so, it is Gods work and He told the Prophet that it would never again be taken from the earth, so let them fight us, they may destroy individualls but but they cant destroy the work of God truth must and will conquor, and we have the truth so let us put our trust in the Lord - and He will bring us and victorious in the end, Well Dearie I dont know why I started to write in this style, but now that it is down I will let it go - give My Love to Your Papa and Mamma, Berth and Joe and all the folks, May the Lord ever bless My Mamma and Baby and all the folks is the prayer of Your Loving and effectionate Husband and Papa xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Alvin xxxxxxx [ltr. 3, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 1] [The London Conference letterhead] P. S. I got the news paper clipping Sept 11 1905 My Own Dear Sweet Millie I got Your letter Saturday Night - and was delighted to hear from You, and had it not of come I would have been very much disaponited, So you did not like the typewritten letter I sent You, from the sound of Your letter, I am led to bleieve that You think I had some body write it for Me, becaus You say, You would rather have one letter a week and had it written by Me but I can assure You, they were both written by Me, and I did not do it to insult you, neither was it to save time I thought You would be delighted to see what an expert I was-on the typewriter, but I will pen all letters to You from now on. I have once or twice, while looking over My letters wondered if you would be able to read them, - a, o, "i, e", n, u" all look alike, but maby this is becaus I don't take pains enough with them, I will try from now on to do better becaus, as the old maxim goes what ever is worth doing, is worth doing well, so from now on, all My letters will be written with pen or pencil, I have not had a letter from home except Yours and Papas for about three weeks I guess the folks think if You and Papa write to Me that is sufficient, and maby it is becaus I am so slow to answer their letters but, just so I hear from You each week I guess I will try and be satisfied, So You have been dreaming about Me, I was cross as an old bear, well Dearie, I hope I wont be that way when I come home, I dont think I will be I am, I may have been [ltr. 4, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] 2 been a disagreeable fellow at times, but I hope with the help of the Lord to overcome these weeknesses I think, I am getting better controll of My self day by day, becaus I have seen the time that I could not have stood while at home what I have had too since I have been here, not that I am complaining, about having a hard time, becaus I am not, but only to show You that, I hope to be better after this mission than I was befor, I am learning a few things as I become acquainted with the Gosepl, which I hope will help Me to be better from now on, So You think You will hold Me to My word regarding the sugar stock. that is all right, You are welcome to do so, just as long as You invest the profit in sugar stock as you did befor, I hope some day to see My Baby and her Mamma, have something to their names as well as Me, we are a company as it were, and equal stock holders, what is Mine is Yours and what is Yours is Your own, is not that You usto tell Me, Well I am perfectly willing that it should be so, even though You would not have it the other way about, I hope that You can continue to add something to our present holdings from time to time, You must be sure and pay Your "Tithing" on all of Your increase becaus it is a commandment of God and the Church and I know from past experiance that I have been bless, through living up to this principle of the Gospel, let us try and remember that the Lord is the giver of all good gifts, and if will do not forget him He will not forget his, He has prom- issed us blessings if we will thus remember Him [ltr. 4, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 5] [The London Conference letterhead] thare for let us do so, I was glad to hear that Gates found his watch, it was to bad it was so badly damaged, Hen must be bending the Sabbath quiet often, tell him he better cut it out and fish through the leaves of his “Bible” becaus he is apt to be just like Me, when they call him on a mission and I can tell you, this is what brings a fellow to his senses, and shows him, just how ignorant He is, and I dont think Hen knows any more about the Bible than I did, I dont have to tell You any more becaus You know how much I know, but some of us have to learn by ecperiance and are not willing to take the advice of those who have been through the Mill, so tell him to look out, becaus he dont know what minute hin turn will come, and tell him he wants to come out knowing more than I do. I believe I told You all about Hens relatives I got all the information I could for her, it has been about two weeks since I wrote to her I told her if at any time I could furnish her any information, not to hesitate about asking Me, I am Sorry hens uncle’s arm - is so poorly I hope he wont loose the use of it, I am glad Mrs Field continues to improve, give her my best regards when You write to her, So your Friend Ella likes Los Angeles, I am glad she has found something she likes, that makes two things in her life she has found that she likes -, I guess Zion dont miss her very much, and she is welcome to stay as long as she wants to for all I care - I never think of her very often, in fact [ltr. 4, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 7] [The London Conference letterhead] 4 I never do unless some one speaks of her think of it Dearie, It was Her I usto go to see when when I went up to Your house, and do You remember how she usto act befor us when - Hart was arround, I guess those are the reasons I never liked her, I guess I am funny, but I cant help it. But She would never have done for Me, and You had the pleasure of seeing an old sweet heart of Mine, at Miss Bournes -Sweet heart of mine You say, did she say so, ask her when it was, I believe she would liked to have been, but she was to much like Mrs Hart - She is the girl that I usto tell You about, She is the girl that usto invite me to call on her every time she met Me, She asked Me if I would come u[-]p and see her just befor we were married and, after she heard that I was married, then she never spoke to Me again, now was not that sad of course it almost broke My “heart”, Next time You see her, ask her how many times I went to see her, and ask her how many times she invited Me to come, and if I always kept My word just to see what she will say, I was never in Her house in My life, I feel sorry for girls like her that are so stuck on all the boys and cant get any one to have them, - I am afraid You have made a mistake when You say there is a Jack for every Jill. Maby there is but they are diferent, Jacks to Me. - I am glad You go to the Theatre now and again, Say Dearie I guess You emagined, that You told Me about Richard [ltr. 4, p. 8: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 9] [The London Conference letterhead] 5 and Miss Horn, the first and last was what Mamma told Me and about what I wrote You the things You hint about I have never heard I understood that Nephi Morris, cut Bud out so he quit, now You mention just enough to caus Me to think that Richard quit her, I guess Bud will be like I was, some of these days he will find the one he wants, - Say Dearie do You mean to tell Me that Emily has another baby boy and that David had to wait on her, By cracky he has missed his vacation he aught to be a “midwife”- that beats all I ever heard, but I am glad he managed it alright, So You are still having hot weather not so with us - it is cold and wet over here So they had a terrible storm at the Lake, did it do any damage, Say Dearie about that boy who got killed I read about it in the News, is he a step son of that Man that is janitor at the High School, I thought his wife was a crowton, I didnt did not know that she had been married befor, Maby I am mistaken in the ones, do you mean those people who were at Your Mammas the night I went to Montpelier - was not their name Phillips, It was an awful thing anyway. He must have been terribly mangled. Evidently I said something about Emily and her kids that You disagree with Me on, I know she has some mighty nice babys, and she may get along just as well and probably better than some who are diferent, never the less, she would be thought better of by one, at least if she was cleaner about her place, we all have a right to our own [ltr. 4, p. 10: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 11] [The London Conference letterhead] 6 opinions, regards these matters, and mine May differ to some others, and as to our baby being a “Lazy Kid” as You call her, never mind you just continue to take good care of her and I will give you “Tuppence” when I get home. So people think You are looking better since You began to get thin, I do hope You are no thinner than You were when I left home, if You are then those people dont know what they are talking about I am glad You have not been sick, and I know just how hot weather effects You and I pitty You I do hope there will soon be a change, in the weather, I am sorry that poor old Moke hurt him silf, I do hope he will get over it. You need never worry about Me finding it necessary to read your letters on the instalment plan, on account of their length. I have not found it neccessary thus far. So Ruth would nt kiss her mother for Me, I guess Your prophecy is coming true, Well Dearie You can kiss her for Me and I will save Yours until I can give them to You My self, give My Love to Your Papa Mamma Bertha Joe Henry, Nell, Al, Alice and the kids and May the Lord Bless You continually is the prayer of Your Loving Husband and Papa Alvin F Smith PS Lots of Hugs Kisses & Loves for You both from Me xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [ltr. 4, p. 12: blank page] [ltr. 5, p. 1] [The London Conference letterhead] Sept 15 1905 My Own Dear Sweet Millie I wrote to You last Monday morning in reply to the letter I received Saturday night again Monday evening I got another letter, which came very unexpected, tharefore making it all the more pleasing to Me, I was so glad You were all well, I am feeling fine again, have recovered from My cold, Several of the other boys however are suffering from the same complaint at present we have all had it now, and I hope we are over it for good, at least I hope I am, Well Dearie Miss Groesbeck thinks She will have some body to take her out when Hiley gets home - maby so, providing that girl whose picture he usto carry next to his heart, has gone back on him, He was badly gone on a Badger girl and has carried her picture with him for two Years, She is a half Sister to Lousie Ashton, - it is almost five months since I left home, when I look bacck to the day I left You, it seems like a year - but the time has begun to go faster and it cant go to fast for Me, the last two or three days have been beautiful just like “Autumn” and You know how I like the fall season, to Me it is the nicest season of the Year, I dont know how long it will last but the longer the better for Me, we sleep with two blankets and a sheet over us and I am wearing one of My heavy night gowns, So You think I should not brag on Your cooking, I dont know why I should’nt -, I would like to have some of it for a change, I have not seen any good cooking except at Sister Everards - since I got here, I have one good [ltr. 5, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 5, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] 2 meal a week becaus I go thare every sunday to dinner You ask Me if the fogs have started, No not yet - but I guess we will have them befor long Say Dearie I received a letter last night from Mr Charles E. Blake He is the agent for the Walter A Woods Mower and Reaper Mch Co for the United Kingdom, You know He is the man I told You about calling on when I first landed over here, He is a fine fellow and he wants to know why I have not called on him again so he has invited Me to come to his Office tomarrow at 2 oclock and He will show Me a good time I am going down and I will tell You what kind of a time I have with him the next time I write, You know I got acqua - inted with him when I first went to work for the Con Wagon and MchCo and I got another letter from Mrs Carmen, She is going to sail with our people on October the 6th she could not book earlier on account of so many being ahead of her She told Me since I wrote to them to call on her, and she thinks they are very fine Men, I was glad to hear that She had made arrangements to go with our people this little German girl that is here is going with the same company and I will send You another pair of gloves I was over town the other day and found a nice pair of brown gloves with snaps instead of buttons so I bought them for you, they are Dents best and the kind you wanted I believe, - I sent one pair of curtains home with an Elder - by the name of Parkinson, they cost $105 You can see if they are good enough for aKitchen when you get them You [ltr. 5, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 5, p. 5] 3 You can also tell Me if they are worth what I paid for them, I would like You to show them to Mamma and see if she would like Me to get her some, if she would, I can send them home with Elders the same as I have done these, So You liked those cards - how did Ruth like hers - Say Dearie give those to Joe and first time I am down town will get You two more I am glad Joe and Bertha have decided on their new home - good luck to them” Joe has an eye to business, I am sure he could not have given Bertha anything nicer, we aught to begin saving up to buy a craddle, high chair or something of the kind, becaus they will sure need it - ask her which She would rather have, I was glad Papa and Mamma called to see you, and I was glad you had another nice buggy ride, tell Emily and David hello for Me the next time You see them, I am glad that Moke is getting better, Say hello to Well Davis for Me the next time You see him, also remember Me to Ed Ashton, and Robert Sant and Allie - when You see them again, what is the matter of Ed - has he got so many game chickens that he can not tend his lawn, Say Dearie I have been talking with Elder Charles H Smith, who is laboring here in this conference, he owns the best Nursery in Utah and he says if our elm trees were sprayed with coal oil saloution I have forgotten what he called it, that all those insects could be killed, So I wish You would have Harry see if he could’nt get some body to do the job, providing the people who are living thare wont do it, but they aught to be willing to spray all the trees especially if they have [ltr. 5, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 5, p. 7] [The London Conference letterhead] 4 the benefit of them, Well My own Dear sweet heart, I love you more and more every day - I would like to hug You a few minutes and I would like to see our baby and hear her say “tat ta” - So She would sooner go, ‘tat ta” than go to sleep - that card reminded Me so Much of the way Ruth usto love her doll, that I had to buy one when I saw them, I guess You would have a nice time at the lake, I guess the season will be over by the time You get this letter , have You been out many times this Summer, Well Dearie I cant think of anything else to tell You, I am well and hope this will find You the same give My love to Your Papa Mamma Bertha, and tell “Bertha I will answer her letter some day” - say hello to Joe and Harry Nell, Al, Alice and and Mrs Adams - kiss Ruth for Me, and remember what I said about Your - share, I am saving them May the Lord Bless You both - and perserve You from all harm accident and sickness is My prayer for you always - with lots and lots of hugs, kisses and loves for You both I remain as ever Your loving husband and Papa A.F. Smith xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [ltr. 5, p. 8: blank page] [ltr. 6, p. 1] [The London Conference letterhead] Sept 18th 1905 My Own Dear Sweet Millie I received Your lovely letter #23 Saturday about noon, I say lovely letter, but they are all lovely and the most welcome things I get, they are a great comfort to Me, especially when they convey the good news that You are both well, and I dont mind being home sick once in a while, in fact I do enjoy Your letters, and You can write about the good times we usto have just as often as You please So You have not seen any of the Elders or other people yet who have promissed to call on You well, I believe I wrote and told You some time ago that I did not know whether they would call or not they soon forget the promisses they make after they leave here I dont intend to make any then I will not break any, I should think however that those who have taken things home for Me, would at least call and see you becaus they all voulenteered to take the little packages with out me asking them, and since I wrote You last, I have learned that Brother Wilcox is going home this week, he is not an Elder he has been studying Music over here he usto be in Germany but they banished him from thare so he came to London, He is a violinist, Maby Joe will know him, however he is a very nice man He is from Nevada, he is Married and has a family He came up to Me in Mailing last night, to bd Me good bye - and wanted to know if I would like to send anything home by him so I told him that, I would like to send you a pair of Gloves, the ones I mentioned [ltr. 6, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 6, p. 3] 2 in My last letter, I believe he will call and see You becaus he has not promissed that he would, he said that he would mail them to you after he got in Salt Lake providing he could not take them to You so if he does call tell him hello for Me, and ask him to have dinner with you, I dont know whether, Bro Nibley will call on you or not thye said they would but I hope they mail you the package, in case they dont call, it is about time that Hyrum Groesbeck had been to see you, I should think he would call seeing that he has such a short way to go, however we wont loose anysleep over them, Well Dearie I went down town to call on Mr Blake - I went out and had dinner or Lunch with him then we went out to Hyde Park, whare we spent the afternoon looking arround, we visited the Albert Memorial, and hall and then we visited the dog cemetery, I tell you the people over here bury their dogs in style, any old thing is good enough for human beings, but dogs, must have the best, there are also cats among some of these graves - I believe I told you how they buried people over here ten and twelve in a hole, packed in like bricks one upon another until the hole is ful, but the card I am enclosing will show You how the dogs are cared for, and nearly all of the graves are covered with beautiful flowers,, they have coffins, and carriages to carry them to the grave yard, it beats anything I ever Saw befor, Now I will finish the account of My afternoon after this we went and had supper, then we sat and talked over old times, and parted and he told Me that he did not want it to be so long again befor I called on him [ltr. 6, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 6, p. 5] [The London Conference letterhead] 3 So You see I am gradually finding friends, Well Deaire now for Your letter, You ask what I paid for the gloves I dont remember what it was, now, but never mind, they were not as much as what You would have had to pay at home, and three pair of them are supposed to be the very best, this pair I am going to send with Bro Willcox is also one of the best, and I guess this will be enou -gh to last you for a year and maby longer, So Ruth does not eat much as yet bless her I am glad she has such good nanna, I know that she does have good "nanna", and I am glad you still have it for her So you she is apt to turn Groesbeck down, well I wont blame her if she does I dont think I would want to kiss him either, She is a little scolder is she, who does She get that from? I would like to hear her, She would not evin make friends with Richard, in this court You can depend upon it that She wont have anything to do with "Hiley" When Emily told you that Ruth was the sweetest Grand baby Aunt Ninny had why did not You tell her that You could go her one better than that, and say that She was the prettiest and sweetest Grand Baby President Jos F Smith had, that is what I would have done. I am glad the weather is cooler, I hope you will feel better from now on, it must have been a corker if it was the hotest Summer in 20 years. - Say Dearie how is Eva Tud getting along with her Scout heart, is she going to wim out. Just remember Me to all of them when You see them again, how does Flora feel about her beand going on a mission, So am I glad Dearie that it is not Me that as just going, it is five [ltr. 6, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 6, p. 7] [The London Conference letterhead] 4 Months past since I left home - that is something You bet every little counts " and four and a half months in the field is something, I may see him becaus he will very likely come to London, Say Dearie I am going to bid one of the Sants have My beeds, he is going to raise some on shares, and when I come home I will bring them with Me, now about our taxes I wish You would have David ask the reason our taxes should be any more this year than last and also have him look up the notives of the other two lots and you must keep the interest on the Sugar Stock, I mean on My portion to help pay the taxes, there is no reason why the taxes should be more this year, if I remember correctly the taxes on the Turest Dale propurty last year wer about $275, if you dont care to do down to Alders Office to pay the insurabne, if you will phone him he will send up after it. Well Dearie I am well and pigging along - about as usual. I would like to see My Mamma and baby, I love you better than any thing in this world, give My Love to Your Papa Mamma Bertha, Joe, Henry Nell, and all the folks and May the Lord Bless you - and watch over you always- is My prayer for You - and with Lots and Lots of Love Hugs and Kisses for You both I remain Your Loving and Effectionate Husband and Papa A. F. Smith xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [ltr. 6, p. 8: blank page] [ltr. 7, p. 1] [The London Conference letterhead] Sept 22nd 1905 My Own Dear Millie I have been looking for a letter from home for a couple of days, there must be something wrong with the mail, becaus I have not received any word from home since last Saturday morning - seven days to day. I guess maby I will get a letter tomarrow I am over in Kentish Town, now visiting with Elders Stephens and Jones, they invite Me over quiet often to give Me a good feed their land Lady is a very good cooke, for an English man - or woman, they are trying to fatten Me up, Elder Jones says if He had Me with him for a while He bets he would have Me looking diferent, not that I am looking bad - only - they all think I aught to get fat, I believe I am gaining some only I have not been weighed for some time at least I have had several people tell Me that I am looking better than I was, I feel fine, and I don't care about the fat part so long as I keep well, Well Dearie how are You and our precious little darling Ruth, are You well and how is every thing at home I wish I could drop in and see You think of it Dearie four month and a half since I left home, the time is going, it is slowly shorten - ing up although , there is a long time before Me yet - it is not so bad if I dont look back to the times that I left home - when I do it seems about a year - goodness it does seem a long time, since I saw you - I keep Your pictures whare I can see them, and I often undo My locket when I am away from the house, so You can see that I get lots [ltr. 7, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 7, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] 2 of comfort out of them, I tell You I have not seen any thing like My Mamma and Baby since I got in this big country, in fact there is none in the world so nice as My own, and I look at all the babys I pass but no they dont look like mine, I would give a penny to be whare I could hug My Mamma and baby for a few minutes, I still get that far away look once in a while, I can not help it, I got a letter from George this morning he is well and wishes to be rememb - ered to you and Ruth, He says he is getting along pretty well, and will be glad when he can again return to Zion, and wont I - will I guess, "not" they wont find Me asking far an extension of time - unless You are here with Me, Say Dearie Sister Everard has Moold she lives at #55 Pitherton Road now I am going thare to dinner again Sunday, She is very good to Me and she feeds Me well, when I am thare She wishes to be remembered to You and Mamma I have not had any letters from the folks for so long that I have forgotten when I did get the last one, what has become of them, tell them they dont need to quit writing to Me just becaus I dont write to them, I would like to get a letter from them at least once a month if they can possibly find time to waste a few minutes on Me, Well Dearie I am pegging along our street work is about over we have not held any street meetings for some time, becaus it is most to cold, but it will be Conference in two weeks so we have got to get out and advertise it, so this means several meetings every evening for a couple of weeks it is a job I dont like but then we have [ltr. 7, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 7, p. 5] [The London Conference letterhead] 3 lots of things we do not like in this life, but I hope to get usto it befor I come home, I am getting along pretty well, I need Your blessings in My behalf and I feel that I am sustained by Your blessings I tell You Dearie this is the job that makes a person humble, I tell You we cant do much with out the help of the Lord, and I hope that I may always have it, Say Dearie I got a letter from Grant Hampton He tells Me he is a Papa to the sweetest baby girl in the world, he is just as conceited as as all the rest of course he has that privilege of thinking so but we know that ours beats them all, he says she is a cry baby, but she has not been sick yet, I am not surprised at it being cross, its Mother is an old Maid and its dad was an old batchelor that is enough to make a cross kid dont You think so, Say Dearie I went to the Theatre the other night to see Oliver Twist, it was fine, I enjoyed it very much - we had to stand in line two hours, in order to get a decent seat but by so doing we were the first to get inside of what is called the pet, which is just under the gallery, back of what we would call the parquet, 60¢ is what it costs - and seats just in front of the ones we got are worth $200 up to $250 so You see it pays to go earley, only it is awfully tireing to stand so long, we dont go very after becaus it breakes into our work and the President thinks it sets a bad example, to the visiting Elders and saints, we have some saints, in this branch who would have a fit if they knew that the Elders went to the Theatre, So in order to keep peace we have [ltr. 7, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 7, p. 7] [The London Conference letterhead] 4 to be careful not to let them know that we go, if I had My way they would know it becaus I dont believe in making them believe that I dont go when I do, besides if they they cant stand that they had better be put to the test befor they join the church, becaus they will sure find it out some day, and they had better know in the beginning It seems to Me that some of the saints are too good to keep, the most of them are very much opposed to any kind of amusements, but they are good to gas they would give us the last morsel of food they had while their children went hungry, and some of them are distitute, Dearie we dont know what it is to be poor, we are the most blessed people on earth if the Lord will only provide for Me in the picture as as well as he has in the past I will try and not complain, and how thankful I am that I was born in America ,, in Utah if You please" away if one such misery as can be found in this land,- when You visit one of our poor saints, and take dinner with them, and they give you a slice of bread thinly covered with butter and about a tea spoonful of Jam while the little children have nothing but a slice of bread covered with grease, obtained from frying some fat pork, and maby a small boiled potato, this is the breakfast, and maby for dinner they will have either a small piece of pork boiled, or a fat piece of Mutton with dry bread, - this is what they live on and there are hundreds who dont have as good as this and - thousands of men out of work - and groops of four can be seen coming up the streets singing a song of poverty - telling how they are out of work and then [ltr. 7, p. 8: blank page] [ltr. 7, p. 9] [The London Conference letterhead] children are starving asking that You give them a few pennys to help them, while on the other hand you can find professional beggers who pose as being blend or lame, and this way make a living - you do not know who to help - and the rich people are of the richest and have everything they want, Oh such a contrast never befor in My life did I ever see anything like it Dearie, I never was much of a hand to complain of what I had to eat, at home, but we usto live like princes compared with what the majority of these people have and when small children are brought up - almost starved to death poarly clothed, we can not wonder at so many cripples, of which, I believe this country has more than any other in the world, winter is coming on work is getting scarce, many thousands will be thrown out of work, and the government is now wondering, what they are going to do with them - Dearie I have just watched from the window this minute that I am writing a poor Man, his wif and two children, passing by singing Anna Laurie, - and asking for "alms" it is dreadful and a short time ago King Edward - gave £50 - for the poar and a few days later he payed £1000 for a horse, that is the diference, the dogs are of greater importance in this country than human beings, Well Dearie the question is how long will the Lord - stand such conditions, the time is nearing fast - when the prophecies Spoken of by the prophets shall be fulfilled, when the disobedient nations with be visited by his wrath, and destroyed from the face of there after it can plainly be seen that many thousands [ltr. 7, p. 10: blank page] [ltr. 7, p. 11] [The London Conference letterhead] 6 are traveling that side road which leads to everla - sting destruction, while but few are are following on that narrow road which leads back into his presence - there is in the world to day something like 665 diferent denominations, which are followed by all the world, except those of our faith - all these churches claim to be right, yet all of them teach contrary doctrines and none of them are teaching the true Gospel as it was taught by the Savior and his Apostles what broder way could there be - to destruction than this - a road with 665 diferent trails leading to it well this is the way of the world in this day in which we live, and I can see that it stands us in hand to look to our selves and see that we are not going wrong - Say Dearie I have just been reading this letter, I dont know what You will think of Me for this preaching, but I happened to be thinking dont stop pretty soon you are liable to have to read it more and more I hope You are well kiss our darling baby for Me - and let her kiss her Mamma for Me if she will - give My love to Your Papa and Mamma Bertha Joe Al, Alice, Henry Nell and the Kids May the Lord Bless You both and protect You continially is the wish and Prayer of Your Loving and Effectionate Husband and Papa Alvin F Smith xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [ltr. 7, p. 12: blank page] [ltr. 8, p. 1] [The London Conference letterhead] Sept 26th 1905 My Own Dear Millie I received Your letter #24 - Saturday last it came shortly after I had posted my letter to You according to Your letter it had been a week since You heard from Me, this is accounted for by Your receiving the other two or three days befor the usual time, and probably something got wrong with the boat, You cant tell always but I have written twice a week with out an exception, You are worrying about My flee bites, I guess I had'nt aught to have told You about them, never mind Dearie they are all better now, and I am feeling fine we are having some miserable weather I guess the bad season has started, and we have to keep a fire in the fire place in order to keep warm I wrote to Mrs Carmen to day bidding her farwell, She intends to sail on the 6th of next month, we have our Conference on the 8th of October and we are going to have a fine Concert on the 7th, We have in addition to the Tant girls and several other fine musicians Miss Mattie Read. She is expected here in London this week, they are not sure that she will stay until after Conference- but they put Her name down anyway, She is going home I understand, and I she will stop a few days here befor she goes, Yes Dearie that little German girl is happy now, no there is not much danger of her falling in love with Me, I guess [ltr. 8, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 8, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] 2 I am a rather cold blooded mortal, the girls dont bother Me, and I am quiet sure they would not hang onto Me like that Schwester girl does to Joe, and if I was him I would fire her bodily. Ask Bertha if She expects to be in her new home by "Xmas" Say Dearie I am so glad You and Ruth are well and I am glad You are beginning to pick up in flesh, I believe I am gaining a little everybody tells Me I am looking better than I did, and Ruth can walk Yet she is a little dumpling, it is about time she began to go alone, Say Dearie about that calf, You say he will keep her until She comes in for $2000 -first thing is he a good reliable fellow, next thing the calf is about six months old, Jerseys will come in when they are 18 months old if allowed to run with a Bull, and some times Younger in this event $2000 is rather high price, but if You can get him to take her with a guarantee against loss at $100 per month with the understand ing that he return her with calf within twenty months I think it would be all right the reason I say this I have spoken to several of the Elders who are farmers and they say that 100 per month is a good fee for pasturage and that is about all She would get, and but even if you had to pay 2000 for her keep, I would rather do that than have You bother with her and I am satisfied You could not sell her for what she is worth and if she will make as good cow as her mother she is worth investing 2000 dollars [ltr. 8, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 8, p. 5] [The London Conference letterhead] 3 on You might toy him on a proposition of this kind, and see how it works even if You have to pay the $2000 let her go rather than tend her this winter, I wish I could relieve You of the chairs, You can but I would not let You do them if I was whare I could do them for You Say Dearie speaking about that Man Bramwell I don’t know whether he is as old as Me or not I forget I am getting to be an old Man, but this fellow name is Lester H Bramwell, he has been here about two Years and lives in Oregon, he may be the same fellow, but he said he did not know Your folks, he is a nice fellow and a good talker - So Ruth wont kiss her mother for Me, what is the matter, dont she ever kiss her mamma I guess You have marked her” -“You know how much you used to kiss Me befor she was born I got a letter Saturday afternoon from mamma So you wont have to ell her what I said - She also told Me You had been down, but neither of You told Me how You got those bottles home She also told Me about the folks going to Oregon You Speaking about Paulton kissing Ruth reminds Me, we have a Paulton here in London visiting, he arrived this morning, He is the one You wrote about, who said he would like to stay here in England, He must have changed his mind becaus he is ancious for his time to go, he seems to want to get home, I dont know what kind of a preacher he is but if he stays until Sunday I will find out, becaus I will call [ltr. 8, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 8, p. 7] [The London Conference letterhead]
 4 on him to preach. I would like some of those peaches You speak of but I guess I wont get any - no peaches don’t get cheap over here other fruit is quiet reasonable - we get fine bananas at 1¢ each or sixpence a dozen and we have plenty of good tomatoes- they are about $125 per bushel over here they are all Sold by the pound - do You think Bertha’s kids will be as fond of catsup as Nells - I agree with You there is liable to be something doing - about the first of the year dont You think, say Dearie I hope you will be able to read this I have written it in about 15 min - utes, give My love to Your Papa mamma - Bertha Joe - Nell Hen, Al Alice and all - and kiss our doll baby for Me - I love You with all of My soul, wish I could drop in and see You about the time You were putting up peaches just eat a mice big sweet one for Me I am still saving Your kisses - Well My own precious folks may the Lord bless and protect You from all harm and danger is the prayer or Your Loving husband and Papa Alvin F Smith xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [ltr. 8, p. 8: blank page] [ltr. 9, p. 1] [The London Conference letterhead] Spt 29th 1905 My Own Dear Millie I was delighted when I received Your Your letter Thursday - or Yesterday morning - what a comfort it is for Me to get Your letters and learn that You are both well, "oh" if you can only continue So. How thankful we should be when we have good health, I can tell You Dearie I am thankful and I don't forget to thank our heavnily Father far this blessing, becaus He is the giver of all good gifts, and the one we should always remember, Well Dearie now for Your letter, I see You are still worrying about My flee bites, don't worry any more becaus they are all better now and I have not been bothered lately, and I hope I wont be any more, after reading Your letter, I saw by the paper that two of Utahs prominent Young ladies had been visiting in New York - Miss Wells and Miss Edwards, this accounts for Miss wells not calling on You sooner - think of it - Young ladies - they are both about 60 - and old maids, which makes it that much worse, Well Dearie She is liable to talk You to death when she does come, becaus she is a corker I saw by the same Paper that Jos Nibley and Wife were also visiting friends in New York, I thought they would have reached home befor now - So Ruth wanted to go with Your Papa, what happened when, She found She could not go did She Jaw You, I would like to hear her talk I bet it is cute, she tries to make sentences it wont be long befor she can talk - everything [ltr. 9, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 9, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] She does not learn to walk very fast -, She aught to be going all alone by now, but I guess it will not be long until She can toddle alone I was glad to hear that You had been down to Nannies and that You had a good time, Emily is certainly a corker, she is built like an Indian squaw in this respect, we will hear of her waiting on her self one of these days: she certainly gets out at an early date, I am glad she has such a nice baby, Sister McIntyre was here Yesterday with her baby it is three months it is quiet a nice baby, and she keeps it clean I tended it for her part of the afternoon, So Mamies youngster is an odd looking chap a regular little danish man I guess, I think David was hard up for a name for his kid it is a pitty they cant find a name out side of the family - maby the Smith generation is getting so large they have used up all the names and have started over again, You speak of George Davises wife, You meant Burt Davises wife, I thought I read of him being made counceler to the Bishop -, Yes I heard that Miss Cook had left Hyrums - one of the Elders who is laboring near her folks told Me about it, So Ida is going to have Maggie Anderson, that is liable to caus feelings is it not, So You think there would be no joke, about signing a note if You, were in doubt about paying it no that would not be much of a joke but [ltr. 9, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 9, p. 5] [The London Conference letterhead] 3 I hope You Can make something out of Your speculations, - Yes Dearie this is the same Hoopes, and that is the same girl the same one that was at Aunt Sarahs and also at Nannies. He has a wife who lives in Brigham City and a baby boy two Years old say Dearie he is bound I shall give him this dull finish picture of Ruth and he wants Me to get him one of You, I told him I could not part with these, and that I did not think You had any more, but he says if I dont get him one each he will call and see You when he comes home and beg one for him self, So Calson has been released, good for him do You suppose he will meet Papa in Calif - ornia, I guess not, but just give My love to him when You see him, So Miss Wimberg called You up, You know I sent them all a post card, but Grant Hampton was the only one that acknowledged it So the Tribune made a stink about Papa taking aunt Mary with him, we could not expect much else from the dirty block -gards, So the Owen girl made it stick with the Roberts fellow, I have almost come to the conclusion that You were right, there must - be a Jack for every Jill, I guess Gim won’t call arround - turn him down if he does. So lots of people are disgusted with the reservation maby they are afraid of work, that is what discourages lots of people - I see by the paper that Ray [ltr. 9, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 9, p. 7] [The London Conference letterhead] 4 Naylor gives it a fine send off - evidently he got a good piece of land. I read that part of Your about flees to Elder Young and the other boys, the President says he is to much like park and flees dont like things to fat, Well Dearie I am well - and still pegging along as usual, it is fast day tomorrow, which means meetings all day long, and conference next Sunday week and I will be glad when it is all over, we are buisy distributing Conference notices and Etc. , I will send You one in a news paper so You can see what we give the people for sixpence and a shilling, Well My own Dear sweet heart I love You more and more, I wish I had You whare I could get hold of You a few minutes I am afraid I would hug You to death, well Dearie take good care of Your selves - and kiss our precious little darling for Me and tell her papa will teach her to kiss when he comes home, Well Dearie give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks, and may the Lord bless You and protect You from all harm and danger and sickness is Papas prayer for you at all times, with lots and lots of kisses hugs and loves for you both I remain Your effectionate husband and Papa Alvin F Smith [ltr. 9, p. 8: blank page]