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, Oct 1905 MSS 7952 [notes by transcriber are in brackets; preprinted text is in bold] [ltr. 1, p. 1] [letterhead is noted as “The London Conference letterhead” on following pages] THE LONDON CONFERENCE. 97, Farleigh Road, LATTER-DAY SAINTS. Stoke Newington, N. London,...Oct 3...................1905 My Own Precious Millie I received a nice letter from you last Saturday evening and another last night I say nice letters, I should have said lovely letters, they are all just as sweet as they can be, and how I do enjoy getting them Well Dearie I will answer them both to day as tomarrow is mail day leaving here Say Millie Dear, I went over to see Sister Everard to day, about Conference and one thing and another, out it was oclock when I got home, all the folks were at dinner when I came in, and Mattie Reed was here, She is the first girl I have seen since I left home that I felt as though I would like to just take in My arms and hug I was real pleased to see her she looked like home, I can tell You it is nice to see somebody once in a while that you usto know at home, She has promissed to come and see You when she gets home I asked her who was going to the depot with her as she expected to leave the house at one thirty, befor she had time to answer Me Prest Hoopes spoke up and said you and I will go with her, You see he was just as ancious as I was, So I hurried up with My dinner and we went to the depot with her, She wanted to know what she should tell You for Me, I told her she - could hug [ltr. 1, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 1, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] 2 You as hard as She could for Me and She said Said She would, the President told her to tell You that I am just as mean as ever, but of course you wont believe that - I have to take him down once in a while and sit on him, but that is becaus I love him not becaus I am mean to him, Dearie I love you with all My soul and It almost made Me home sick to see Mattie Wont I be glad when My turn comes to go home, I told her if she came back in about a year and half to bring you with her, and she Said she would, and she wanted Me to be sure and give you her love I told her I was going to write to You to day and that I would certainly do so, Well Dearie I guess I had better tell you, while I think of it, that I am well, I feel better than I have before since I landed, - I will now answer Your letters, I am all over My flee bites, You think I will be able to do the cooking when I come home, well I think I can do about as good as some of these English women, but I would not try to compete with You, Prices wife is just a kid of a girl, I will jolly him about her when he comes in to Conference, he will be here Saturday,- Yes Dearie that was a very good way you explained Fred M Smiths request - as being his Faith that was very good, He is certainly a fool if ever [ltr. 1, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 1, p. 5] [The London Conference letterhead] 3 there was one, I would like to see Ruth bless her, the cute little doll, why dont you let her send papa a letter, I am glad You still have a chance to go for a ride now and again, I am glad Joe has begun his house Yes Dearie I too wish every body had as good a home as us, and I guess we can make it do until we Can have a new one, maby we can have some day, give My best regards to J.V. Smith next time You see him how is he doing in the Insurance business. So Minerva has a baby girl, just think of it, wont I have lots of new relatives when I come home I guess there will be a new arrival at Al’s by the time You get this letter, well good luck to them it will be our turn some day, I am glad You had a nice time at Tuddenhams - You want to know how I am getting along with the preaching not very well, it is hard work for Me and I have not done any sewing yet when I have anything like that Miss Fam[-]kins does it for Me She is the house keeper, I have not had much mending to do as yet - I had a scrap with the President the other day and tore my trouser pocket and she mended it for Me, they are all good to Me I am so glad You are having cooler weather [ltr. 1, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 1, p. 7] [The London Conference letterhead] 4 it has been very stormy here for the past week, although the sun has been shining almost all day to day, So Elder Groesbecks Mother began to worry about him, well I guess He and all the rest of them are glad he is home, So he called to See You, dont forget to give him that bowl of bread and milk when he comes, and say hello to him for Me, So he has a joke to tell you about Me, maby it is about that far off look I usto get so often , however I am ancious to hear what it is so You must tell Me after You find out - tell him that - his sweet heart is looking fine She has just come in from her tour, and she is fat as a pig, You know Dearie Hiley had a case on Nannie Tant after Freebairn went on the continent, I believe I told You about it, that was when he was so grouchey but after the President counceled him about the way he was acting and treating the Elders he was much better, President told him that Miss Tant would not have him that She only wanted to make a fool out of him as She had done others, so he got over his cross spell, He is all right if he can have his own way, I guess maby this is a fault we all have, but he was very bad for a while, but You must not tell anybody about this, becaus I dont want to hurt [ltr. 1, p. 8: blank page] [ltr. 1, p. 9] [The London Conference letterhead] 5 his feelings - becaus I like him for all that, I was glad to hear that Coulsen had arrived home, remember Me to him when You see him, So you are going over the river to Edna May Davise's - good for you it his been some time since I was over thare give My love to all of them when you see them, and You are going to Idas to help her make mustard pickles, well you are the lady that can make them, we have Cross and blockwells, in the house nearly all the time I am about the only one that eats them, this is whare they are made You know and they are quiet cheap they cost about 35¢ a quart about half what You pay for them at home, I am glad you got Your gloves, and I hope You will be well satisfied with them, So the folks got back from Portland I guess they had a nice time, So Nibleys wife was sick - will I guess maby that is natural, I would however liked to have had them call on You, So the little girls brought Ruth a doll how did she like it, Yes Dearie the little German girl will leave here Thursday She is going to call and see You she will be going on the Same boat as Mattie, Mattie knows her well She usto live with Sister Reed - after her parents turned her out She is a real nice sensible girl not like Joes friend - She is up in her room she has been crying [ltr. 1, p. 10: blank page] [ltr. 1, p. 11] [The London Conference letterhead] 6 this after noon, it made her home sick to see Sister Reed - especially to think she was not ready to go on to Liverpool with her to day, I showed Mattie yours and the babys picture she thought they were just fine So Ruth liked the card I sent her - the little tad there was only one letter in her name that she was familier with - "ted T" let her have warm water and milk if she wants it but cut out the tea - I am sorry the pure milk does not agree with her - but I am glad she has her "nanna" that is the best of all I am so glad she knows her Papa Well Dearie it is almost mutual time so I will have to close for this time, kiss our baby for Me, and say hello to all the folks - give them My love - Dearie I love You more and more every day, I am so glad You are both well and May the Lord you continually and watch over You and protect You from all harm take good care of your self, and baby Bless you both - I do love my mamma and our darling baby - Well Dearie May the Lord bless you both is the wish and prayer of Your loving Husband and papa Alvin F Smith Lots of Love and Kisses for You both xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [ltr. 1, p. 12: blank page] [ltr. 2, p. 1] [The London Conference letterhead] Oct 7th 1905 My Own Dear Sweet Millie Here it is Saturday morning and I am just writing to You I should have done it yesterday, but there is such a big crowd here and so many things to do befor Conference which begins tomorrow that I could not get at it, befor now we held 4 meetings on the street last night, they were all short ones however just announcement meetings of our Conference and concert, I am well and hope this will find My own Dear Mamma and baby enjoying the same blessings, I got a nice letter from Chase this morning, he is well and wants to be remembered to You and Ruth, all the Elders have come in to Conference and Brother Price is here he says his wife is well adn that she is so glad he met Me, this is becaus She is acquainted with You I did not say anything to him about what You told Me I thought it would only make him feel bad if I did. Well Dearie five Months tomarrow since I landed in London wont I be glad when it is 25 months - maby then I will be on My way home, at least I hope So - I am beginning to get old in the field becaus there are several younger than Me Well Dearie what was the joke has Groesbeck been to see You Yet and what do You think of Hiley, ask him for Me if he expects to come back here on his honey moon. Mattie sailed [ltr. 2, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 2, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] 2 - yesterday, so did the little German girl she was tickled to death to start for Utah, people are coming and going all the time, and I can assure You that this old town will not hold Me long when My turn comes, unless I have you over here with Me, how did You come out about the taxes Dearie You must be sure and keep My Sugar divident this time to help pay them, how are all the folks and how are Your Mammas eyes, are they better tell all of them hello for Me I guess you are having a buisy time in Salt Lake this week all Your country cousins will be in to Conference I presume Papa got home, from Mexico I hope he had a nice time, He needs an out once in a while, Well Dearie I will be glad when tomorrow is over I dread it like the tooth ache, three long Meetings - I aught to be usto them by this time but I am not it does not seem like I ever would get to like them but I hope I will some day, I am sending you two more of those Cards - so You can give Joe a couple how are they I guess the house is almost built by this time give My love to them and also all the folks well Dearie it is time for Meeting so I will close for this time asking the Lord to bless you both and protect you from all harm is the prayer of your loving husband and Papa xxxxxxxxxxxx Alvin xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [ltr. 2, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 3, p. 1] [The London Conference letterhead] Octorber 13 1905 My Own Dear Sweet Millie I will now answer Your letter of Sept 28th I had somuch to tell You the last time I wrote that I could not, answer this one, besides You may have gotten tired out, had I done So befor You could have finished reading it So You went to see the Sultan of Su Lu I am glad You enjoyed it Mamma told Me that Ruth came down to meet you after the matinee, how is our little doll is She very hard on shoes, not quiet so bad as Arville I guess I presume Arvill has a little brother or Sister by this time, they will have to watch that little chap, when they do have another baby - there is no telling what he might do, So you have sold your sugar stock and to understand that in addition to <8-> eight shares of stock you made $40400 which ammount You applied on My note, I think that is good, how much do I still owe on that note, about $27500 is it not, Say I better stay away all together dont you think so, You can make more money than I ever dared, but even that wont keep Me away when the time comes for Me to go home, Say Dearie how about your Tithing on all of that money, it should have been paid, You aught to have taken enough out of it to have paid the [ltr. 3, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 3, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] 2 tithing and applied the balance on the note - You know we should have paid our tenth of it, to the Lord, it belonged to him and we must not forget to give him what belongs to him - You had better sell enough of mystock to pay the Tithing, and pay it in Your name and there should be four dollars tithing for Ruth, just as often as she gets her divident you should pay her tithing, so she can have her name on the church records tell Me just what you owe and then I will tell you juts how much of My stock to sell, I dont want You to sell any of your own, becaus I want you and Ruth to keep Yours but what ever we owe on all that you have made, we must pay, I feel that the Lord is blessing us, and I know that he will continue to do so if we will not forget him, So you called to see Papa I am so glad he is looking better, I wrote to him last Tuesday I told him what You said about the way he looked and how glad I was that he had enjoyed his trip, Say Dearie “ Fred Luff - and Wife and little girl are here in London, it is Fred that owns so much real estate in Salt Lake is it not, well it is one of the Luff boys he expects to remain here two and a half or three Years, he is going to get geneology the first year then he expects to Report far missionary work, He said as soon as He [ltr. 3, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 3, p. 5] [The London Conference letterhead] 3 got located he wanted Me to come and see him, So you are having stormy weather - judging from the what you say about the dry season, and dust, You need some rain well we got plenty of rain over here it has been storming all day to day, and we have in addition to the bedding I spoke of befor that big rug of mine, I am a cold blooded mortal, and I will be glad when I can have My old bed fellow back, I speak to sleep in the middle when I do come home, I dont know what I will do if Ruth wont sleep under the covers, She is more like her Mother than Me I guess, in more ways than one, but there is no body I would sooner she would be like than You So she walkes by the chairs, it must be cute when she leads you to the doar and says “tat ta” bless her little soul I would like to hug her and you to, you think I will be so usto getting kisses on paper that I wont’t want any genuine ones dont you ever think so, I will be worse than I ever was, so You must prepare Your self becaus You know what I usto be like, So You don’t do any more cooking, well Dearie I dont think that will make much deference to Me becaus I will be able to eate any old thing when I get home - Yes Sister Everard is [ltr. 3, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 3, p. 7] [The London Conference letterhead] P.S. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 4 and wishes to be remembered to You I did have a nice time with Mr Blake I believe I told you about it, Yes Mrs Carmen has gone to Salt Lake and I guess She will be thare by the time You get this letter the little German Girl and Mattie Reed also sailed on the same boat- I sent that Silk by President Winders son several of the boys sent a package by him and none of them have got them I guess he will take it to you one of these days if He dont take it to You in the near future I will drop him a card, When you tell what a good baby Ruth is to go to be, it reminds me of the way she usto sing her self to sleep when she was a little bit of a tad I would like to lay down with her, bless her little doll self, So She kissed you good night good for her, maby she will have changed before I come home, Say Dearie I tried to find some red gloves up town here but could not I will go down town and try, and if I cant get any I will send one pair of black ones anyway - I am glad the prospects are good for a wedding in December - Well Dearie I love you with all My heart - I love My Mamma and Baby better than anything in this world and May the Lord bless you always is My prayer - give My Love to Your Papa mamma and all the folks - with lots of Love kisses and hugs for You both I remain Your Loving and effectionate husband xxxxxxxxxxxxx Alvin F Smith xxxx [ltr. 3, p. 8: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 1] [10 Oct 1905] # 97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Eng My Own Dear Sweet Millie I was delighted Saturday night upon returning home from the Concert to find a letter awaiting Me, I was not surprised however becaus I expected it I also received one of those small reward pamplets which V.S Pete has issued offering 1300000 reward to any body who will prove the Statements of the lieing Ministers against our people Papa sent it to Me and he wrote on the top of it that all were well at home - this letter is the kind I like it was a dandy long one, - well our Conference is over and we had a fine time, our concert was a success, and So were all of our meetings the next day, Yesterday we all took a holliday and we spent the afternoon at the South Kensington Museum whare we recived the many [ltr. 4, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 3] 2 wonderful things which have existed on the earth many of which are now extinct, and in the evening we went to the Drury Lane Theatre and saw the Prodigal Son it was a fine play, after the theatre whe[-] I got home I found another letter from You, this was some what of a surprise to Me but I can tell You it was a very happy surprise it was like the other one a long fine sweet welcome letter and I did not loose much time reading it, when I got up this morning I had a letter from Mamma, Emma and Martha, and I also received a paper from Papa all awaiting Me, isnt this just fine you do not know how good it Makes Me feel when I learn that you are well, I will answer both of your letters in one, this is the way I get the best of you, but never mind I try to write to You twice a week I will now answer Your letters in their order [ltr. 4, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 5] 3 I am so glad you had such a nice time over the river there must have been quiet a crowd of You there So Sister Everard told Bro Nelson She would take care of Me if I got sick, dont worry Dearie I am not going to get sick, Sister Everard however is very good to Me and does take care of Me, Now about that - Scrap as they call it that somebody has been telling You about, Dearie - somebody has been telling falsehoods just to be talking, There is no use of asking who started the story becaus I dont suppose You know, but who ever did has not told the straight of it So here goes in Brief to tell you just what did happen, I did get mobbed, as I believe I told You, but there is only one person in this world that ever put Alvin F. Smith in a ditch, and it is needless for Me to tell you who that was, You see on about the 20th of August Elder Stephens [ltr. 4, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 7] 4 and I were holding a meeting on High Street about half or three quarters of a mite from here, we were holding just opposite a church, and soon after we begun our meeting a Minister and one or two good Christions, such as the world is full of came up expressily to break up our Meeting, they succeeded in doing so, and after we bid them good night they began to follow us, several hundred of them, we turned up a side street - in hopes the howling crowd would leave us, a portion of them did, but there was Still a big crowd after us - we went quietly along , payed no attention to their insulting remarks, the yelling of this crowd was awful, and many people came to their doors to see what the racket was, and many of them out of curiosity also followed us, soon after we turned on this side street they began to throw rocks, sticks and all manner of filth at us knocking our hats into the [ltr. 4, p. 8: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 9] 5 road hitting us on the head with sticks and hammering us over the backs, calling us “Pigget,” Jesus Christ, and and many other things, well we offered no resistance what ever but just trudged along until we reached home the other boys met us at the doar, they heard us coming we were not surprised at this becaus the noise they made was almost deafening and could have been heard plainly two of our city blocks away, Well Dearie when I got in the house I was the dirtiest looking fellow you ever saw in your life, It would be impossible to describe what I looked like, I was just covered with manure and mud and the such like, Well about two hundred of the mob stood at the gate and threw rocks at the door, it was some time befor they could be made to move away - President Hoopes went out and talked to them they greeted him with - such [ltr. 4, p. 10: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 11] 6 remarks as “knock hm down” stomp on him” & Etc” we had to send for the Police and befor they would come the crowd left, the Police have not much use for us here and it was some time befor they would come, Well Dearie do you remem - ber Me telling You the fore part of August that I had had a miserable dream, Maby I did not tell You but never the less I had it and My dream was fulfilled, this was was what worried Me and the reason I offered no resistance, had I not heeded My dream it may have been fulfilled to the utmost, but I thank the Lord that he knows better how to take care of Me than I do My self, but he certainly did take care of us for not withstanding the fact we were struck many times on all parts of the body head and face we were with out even so much as a scratch after it was all over, think of such conditions existing in a scivilized country, in this part of the world whare [ltr. 4, p. 12: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 13] 7 religeons liberty is supposed to exist, yet we are not allowed the right, which we give to all other people, of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience letting them worship how, whare or what they may, yet we must expect these things, and it only helps us along, and convinces us more day by day that it is us and us alone who have the only true Gospel, all the world fight us, what more could be convincing to us than this fact, Dearie I presume that you have heard of that Man “Pigget” he is the minister here in London who claims to be Jesus Christ, and he is the fellow who’s mistress or maid gave berth to a little girl, which he named “Glory” this is the kind of fellows who can go unhar - med - and free from the law there was considerable talk about him, so the ignorant people called all ministers - Pigget - Yet it was - a minister and some of the deacons of his church who caused this same people [ltr. 4, p. 14: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 15] 8 to mob us, and as far as being put in the ditch this has never happened but once, and you know who put me thare that time, I can stand this peoples insults and they can even throw things at Me, but the first time one or a dozen of them attempt to lay hands on Me, there will be something doing, they must not put their fingers on Me I have not yet seen the cowardly English men that I would run from, but I will not hurt them so long as they keep their claws off from Me, You have not Yet told me the joke that Groesbeck was going to tell you what was it ? Say Dearie you dont have to tell anybody about this, but you can deny anything that you hear that does not agree with what I have told You - Now for the next question in Your letter, So You thought I was cross - when I answered yours about the typewritten one Well Dearie I was not - cross and I dont think You are cranky sometimes we read [ltr. 4, p. 16: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 17] 9 things diferent to what they mean, I do My self sometimes I am glad Mr Carmen got something for his injuries I presume Mrs Carmen will arrive in Salt Lake befor you get this letter, You will also have received letters from Me telling you who took the other gloves to you and I guess you will get this pa[-] befor you get this letter, I have also told You in previous letters about Miss Mattie Reed and the little German girl, You speak of the way Serena tends her baby, I think that is cruelty such treatment would be all right for this country, but not for a scivilized country like ours, I could not stand anything like that, Mamma says in her letter that Your Mamma brought Ruth down to the Matinee to Meet you and this is exactly what she said just as she has written them, Your Baby is a little beauty just as pretty as a picture, She is all thare, and when you ask her to kiss You she will turn [ltr. 4, p. 18: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 19] 10 the back of her head, she is a darling of course I know this, but I like to hear every body tell me just what I think My self, Bro Price is here and he has been telling Me how his girl usto write to him about Ruth befor they were married, He said this wife always did like pretty sweet babys, I asked him if he had any prospects of having any befor he went home. He said no, I told him He had better ask the teachers to go and see his wife, but he said he would wait, how I would like to help teach Ruth to walk I guess it is pretty hard on you - she likes to go tat ta “ bless her little sweet soul, So you helped Ida with her pickles are they as good as what you made for us, it would be impossible for them to be much better So Richard is suffering with his teeth, I too wish that He and our little doll had all their teeth, I would give a penny to see our baby and her Mamma [ltr. 4, p. 20: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 21] 11 and in fact all of the folks and babys - I am glad that Moke is better, So there is no increase up on the hill maby there will be by the time You get this letter, So you have seen Hyrum Groesbeck, Yes he has got large feet, I told President Grant about him being home sick to come back, he happened to be here when I got your letter - but I did nto say anything about Nanny Tant, but President Grant said I guess he is not home sick to come on a mission I dont think he is very ancious - He was trying to stuff You about My preaching - So Miss Cook did not suit Ida, will Dearie I have not seen any of these english girls that would sent Me either they are not up to much - So Geraldine is so she can talk everything, and Ruth loves Joseph, I wish I could see all the little dolls, but I cant so there is no good [ltr. 4, p. 22: blank page] [ltr. 4, p. 23] 12 to worry, so you have had another dividend from Uncle Sam how many does this make? Well Dearie I have only answered one letter so I will keep the one I got last night and answer it it Friday, if I try to answer them both this writing you are apt to get tired of reading this so I will close for this time and give My love to your Papa Mamma Bertha and Joe and all the folks and May the Lord continue to bless you both and protect You from all harm and danger is My prayer for you - with lots and lots of Love and Kisses for you both remain as ever your effectionate Husband and Papa AF Smith xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [ltr. 4, p. 24: blank page] [ltr. 5, p. 1] [The London Conference letterhead] Oct 17 1905 My Own Dear Millie I received two letters from you last night, Elder Jones and My self were the only two who did not get a last Saturday but we had ours Monday evening so it evened it up Dearie I was more than pleased to get them I always am, and how good it makes Me feel when I hear that You are both well this is the greatest comfort to Me emaginable I will try and answer both of Your letters to night it is now twenty minutes of Eleven and if I dont do it to night I am afraid. I wont be able do answer them in the morning So Sister Everard told Mamma I was sick not so I did have a cold but I believe I told Mamma as well as You that I was over it, I am all over it, I am well and feeling good - So You have paid My Insurance $7461 is quiet a pile is it not and there will be another one due in the spring of $2730 You are the best and dearest girl in the world, You can attend to those matters better than I could My self, You are My own precious sweet heart and and I will pay You back in kisses when I come home, I am afraid that will be about the only thing I will have and you will have to be satisfied with that kind of pay until I can give You something better, but Dearie I love you [ltr. 5, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 5, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] 2 and our little precious doll baby better than any thing in this big world - and I do pray all the time that you may keep well, I was so pleased to hear that You had been down home and spent the day with Mamma, I was also glad You had the privelege of riding home - I am glad Minerva has such a nice baby - give My love to her and Aunt Sarah when You See them again in fact remember Me to all the folks, what does Papa think of our doll baby I guess he is just the same with them all I never did see a Man who thanks So much of babys as He does So the Grant girls have called to See You I am glad they did, So they agreed with Me about the baby, well how could they help it - She is the Sweetest little doll in the world Say Dearie what on earth is it and who on earth is it that is telling So many things about Me Maby they think they are pretty well informed, but evidently they do not know what they are talking about - the Grant girls may be right about Me being home sick coming across, I will acknowledge this but what is all that about whiskers and I think I have told You the correct side of the mobbing affray, Groesbeck had left here befor it happened what he knows about it is all second hand, and fan all I know [ltr. 5, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 5, p. 5] he may have added to what he heard - the reason I said nothing about it to you was becaus I thought it would only make You worry, but had I known that - in such a short time, it would be known all over the world, I believe I would have published it in the papers, and have given a correct report of it, I did not tell anybody about it My self until after a noumber of varied storys were being told, and I did not tell You and Mamma about it until you began to tell Me what You had heard - simply becaus I did not want You to worry, but I can see it would have been better had I done so, but I have told you both now so it is up to You to defend Me at that end - it is such a pity that some people cant keep their mouths shut I wish I knew who told it in the first place I believe I would waste "tuppence hapeny " on them and tell them what I thought of them Well Dearie I hope I have said enough about this thing but in the future I will tell You when I get mobbed, that is if any body sees Me who is apt to try and tell the story deferent to what and how it happens, So you are trying to jolly Me again about that far off look that I get on My countinace, the Grant Girls, I should think it was "ha ha' maby it would be better if I said "ha ha ha ha ha ha " [ltr. 5, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 5, p. 7] [The London Conference letterhead] we might as well have a good laugh while we are about it, Yes thank the Lord they did want too long Maby there are some people who are sorry they cant practice polygamy - I actually believe there are more women in in the world to day who are sorry of this than there men, Dearie I got the woman that was intended for Me, and I am not worrying about others, whether married or single - I am perfectly satisfied. - Well Dearie I can see that I must be more brief or I wont get both letters answered - I am glad Hyrum Groesbeck is keeping his promisses, I do not intend to Make any-, So our baby Ruth does not eat very much bless her I am glad she has such good Nanna I will be glad when She can walk all alone - Never mind Deary who you said and who you did'nt say it was, I still think that I am a very good guesser it would not take more than one more guess to tell You who said it, - You You know what I refer to - why did’nt you tell Me who it was and then I should not have tried to guess, but never mind it meets with My views anyway, Mamma has not said anything to Me about what Aunt Julina has said about tending babeys - but I gues the kids are as much Davids as Emilys, You know what I usto tell You about ours, when you usto try and claim her all to Your self, Maby that is what aunt J thinks, speaking about [ltr. 5, p. 8: blank page] [ltr. 5, p. 9] [The London Conference letterhead] My folks telling Me things, and about me not writing to them, I have only had two letters from Mamma in about eight weeks and those came within one week apart and about one week ago, So they dont hurt them selves much, I got the paper two days befor Beehive house, whos things was it they swiped -Say Dearie - that must have been a terrible rain storm You had at home did it wash any gravel down in front of the big gates - Well I guess I will have to saw off and try and answer Your letters the next time I write - give My best regards to Mrs Field and Jesse when You write, and give My love to Your Papa and Mamma, Berthe and all the folks and kiss our doll baby for ME tell her how much Papa loves her and you know how much I love you, I just wish I had hold of You both a few minutes and I would tell You - May the Lord bless and watch over You continually is the prayer of Your loving and Effectionate husband and Papa Alvin F Smith PS xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [ltr. 5, p. 10: blank page] [ltr. 6, p. 1] [The London Conference letterhead] Oct 21 - 1905 My Own Dear Millie I have just read your letters over again, this makes the third time, and each time they were just as interesting as the first if not more so. I usually go over them about that many times befor I am satisfied, well Dearie we are having cold weather although the sun has been shining every day this weeke except to day, it is beginning to get foggy or smoky and I guess it will not be long now befor we begin to have beastly weather, Well Dearie I was pleased to hear of Joes prospects I hope he gets that position I see from the papers You are having quiet a lively time in political circles at home I do hope that that dirty American Party get left So you think Elder Jones will have a hard time fattening Me up - well Dearie I never expect to be very fat, I am no thinner than than I was when I landed and accord - ing to the scales I am no fatter but every body tells Me I am looking better than I did, so this must be proof that I am not worrying So much, I manage to keep well - and strong, and if this condition will continue I will be all right, and so long as You and Ruth keep well I think I can stand it, I do not have a hard time as far as worldly things are concerned, but the missionary work or part [ltr. 6, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 6, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] 2 of it is the only hard part but even that is getting somewhat easier, I had a nice letter from Willard the other day he wants to be remembered to You and Ruth - he says he is getting along fine and that he is learning the language, I am glad You like the beeds I have almost forgotten what they looked like but they will no doubt please the kids and I am glad You are going to save them until Xmas, Tell John that it was my fault about in not answering his letter, I did answer it a month ago but I put it in My pocket with some other letters and did not post it until the other day but it is now on the way So tell him he can spare the old Rooster's life this time, So you had an invitation to the BeeHive, to an entertainment in honor of Miss Lucy Gates, well I believe I would rather have done as You did too Elder Price was tickled to death when he heard that You took his wife to the theatre, he is a good kid and is going to make a good missionary - Say Dearie some time ago You sent Me a post card and asked me if I looked like picture on it, No I dont travel that way, we usually take a penny ride when we travel, those fellows h travel on a “tie pass” Yes Dearie I feel someth - ing like those fellows in the show when it comes to London. if You were to stretch a tent over the you would have one big whore house and room [ltr. 6, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 6, p. 5] [The London Conference letterhead] 3 - shop there is only about <900,000> nine hundred thousand prostitutes in this city - that is what I was told by Mr. Blake so you can judge what this part of the world is coming to - I feel just like those fellows in the show if the town was mine I would rent it or burn it up I was sorry to hear that Mammie and her baby are not well I hope it is nothing serious So Freebairn is coming to see you - no it was not him that had the silk - it was Elder Winder who went home with him, maby you will get it in time for next year it was only a little piece of thin white silk for a summer dress I thought it would be nice and cool for her after it was made up, but it seems strange you have not received it becaus it would be no trouble for him to send it to the temple with Sister Winder or Brother Winder could take it to the office and in that way either Mamma or Papa could send it to you but I guess you will get it Some day, Say Dearie I saw the King and Queen last Wednesday, I will enclose you a programme of the do[-]ings we had here at which he was the chief mogull, there is not much to them they are only ordinary looking people but I can say that I have seen them and that is all I wanted - Well Dearie, it is time this letter was posted so I will close for this time I am feeling fine and I can asure you that I would have more kisses than that if I was home [ltr. 6, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 6, p. 7] [The London Conference letterhead] 4 and I would not bother about the philippine I think you would be willing to let me have them would’nt You. Well Dearie give My love to Your Papa and mamma and Bertha, Joe, Al, Alice, Henry and Nell and the boys and kiss our precious little doll baby for Me and tell her how much her Papa loves her and let her hug and kiss You a few times for Me with lots and lots of hugs and kisses and loves for you and May the Lord bless You and protect You continually is the prayer and desire of your Loving and effectionate husband and Papa Alvin F Smith [ltr. 6, p. 8: blank page] [ltr. 7, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London N. Oct 24th 05 My Own Dear Millie I have been looking for a letter from you last Saturday, but it has not yet come - it was seven days yesterday since I got the last ones, Thursday is our next mail day, So I will continue to wait and hope, I got a nice letter from Mamma Saturday, and she told Me that you and Ruth had been down and spent the day with her She told Me what a well attended and fine Conference you had, and I have since read the report of it as it was given in the Des News, She also told me that it was Papas watch and purse that the burgelars got away with. She said that Bowmans had also been visited by burgelar, what is the matter with Salt Lake City I guess those fellows think it a good place to work, especially when such fellows as that man Shockley can, still, murder, and then get off - with only a life sentance, and whare there is life there is hope, and I expect to live to see the day when that fellow will be a free man, when if he had got his just dues he would have been hanged- Well I was glad to hear that Brother Harrison gave Papa a new watch it was very kind of him and I guess from now on they will keep the windows locked, we usually lock [ltr. 7, p. 2] the barn doar after the horse is stolen well I am am glad they did not get any more than they did, well Dearie I see by by the Paper that Parkinson got home so I guess You got that hair of curtains. did Bro Willcox call on you it was by him that I sent that other pair of gloves, I guess Sister Reed has been to see You by this time. and also the little German girl and old Freebairn too he is a jolly big fellow, and if he has not called yet - just remember me to him when he does, are he and Hyrum Groesbeck on good terms now they had a falling out over the singer, I believe I told you about it, Say Dearie if you want to make Freebairn blush when he comes ask him for Me if he has heard of, or from Miss Tant lately, the poar fellow he did have a case on in fact both he and Groesbeck did, Hiley stood no show until Freebairn went on the continent but after he did, Hiley lost no time in trying to cut him out Oh what a time they had, it is a caution the effect girls have on some fellows - but I guess at some time in ones life he has the same feeling, there came a time in My life that I saw the girl I loved and as luck would have it there was nobody that interfered with Me it was genuine love at first sight and and I believe that it is fixed in the world befor we come here, that we will get the one that is for us, if we will only be patient and wait, how glad I am that I waited there were plenty of girls in the world and good girls to but they did not suit me in fact I was never worried very much about them until I met you and how plain I remember that day , even that day befor Joe had departed on his mission, and if the strange way My coming to your house was brought about and they way you looked, to Me, when I was setting at the table, when you came in, that picture will always be fresh in My memory and from that time, yes from that minute My heart was pierced with Cupids dart of love he certainly whispered love in My ear for you and thanks to him for doing so, after, all the times, that I look back and think of the pleasant times we usto have and now I am looking forward to the time when I can again enjoy some more happy days like those that are past and to think now that I will again be welcomed home by My own Dear Sweet Mamma and baby - you dont know what joy it is to me to look forward to this time. I long for this time to come but never the less I want to fulfill an honorable mission and receive an honorable release Dearie when ever I get that far away look it is you and Ruth that I have pictured in My mind and I can see our doll baby sitting in her buggy by the window, and how she usto jump and swing her little arms when I would call to her, as I came arround the house and how I usto romp with her and how she would cry if I did not take her, maby you think I would’nt like to have a good romp with her right now and not only with her but with you I wonder if she will take your part now as she usto when I was home, bless her little darling self, I guess She would - maby she would not let me romp with you, but I am afraid she will have to becaus I am quiet sure I could not keep from doing it if I were whare I could - well Dearie I do love My own Dear Mamma and baby and my thought are continually about you and your wellfare, and I know you will be taken good care of, but even now at times I have deferent thoughts about you but I dont worry very much, I am in good company and am taken good care of - Sister Everard has moved and has some very comfortable quarters and I go thare to dinner every sunday - last Sunday we had nice roast duck and Yorkshire pudding potatoes - and greens and cake and tapioca pudding So you see she feeds me well when I go thare, She sends her love [ltr. 7, p. 3] -2- to you and the baby and the baby and says to tell you that she will take good care of Me, but I can partly take care of my self - I am well and and happy I am getting along pretty well with my work, it is getting a little easier for Me now although it almost scares Me to death when I have to talk it seems as tho I never would get over being frightened, I dont let the people know how it scares me I always try and appear brave, or in other words I run a bluff. Well Dearie you have not told me whether there had been an increase up on the hill yet - and time befor last Mamma told me that she expected by the next time she wrote to tell me of an increase in Chases family, Chase has not said anything about it although he writes to me quiet often, I would like to cong - ratulate him befor he tells me if I could I got a nice letter from Willard the other day. He said he had been transferred to the most northern branch in the mission, that from now on he will be away up by Iceland - he said it was snowing and the people expected it to continue until it was about six feet deep, He says it is quiet a sight to see the rein deer and dog teams, and he says the sun has quit shining and darkness covers the earth most of the time awhile ago it was all sunshine and now it is nearly all darkness - he says he is learning the language and is enjoying his work, George dont say much about his work - but Chase tells me pretty much all that happens with him they are all well and wish to be remembered to you and the baby Mamma was telling the condition Mammie is in, You also told me about it, She must be an awful sight, it certainly must be caused by the food they eat, if they lived like we do there would be no danger - not that we dont live well becaus we do, but our “grub” is plain and wholesome and we have a good house keeper she does the best she can on what what she has to do with, and there is not anything she would’nt do for me - she very oftens asks me what I would like for dinner or supper but I am not so hard to do for as I usto be and I wont be much trouble to you as far as cooking is conc- erned when I come home, and you aught to see what a pile I can eat, you just ask Sister Reed she saw me put away a dish of soup that was large enough for six ordinary persons - We had a good meal the other night - six of us furnished a shilling each and bought some beef steak, beef steak is expensive over here for six shillings we got about as much as we could get at home for 50¢ - well I fried the meat while President Hoopes fried some onions and we made some milk gravy and surprised our ston stomach’s we had two visiting Elders and they said it was the best meal they had had since they left home of course we dont have a blow out like this every day becaus it would not be good for us, bt a little rich food taken once in a while wont hurt any body, we dont lack for meat but there is no taste to it the way it is cooked - they never season anything here at the house, but Sister Everard knows how to cook and she has good things to cook with and I always enjoy my dinners at her house [ltr. 7, p. 4] only I hate to run off every Sunday and leave all the boys home, but usually on Sunday we have a pretty good dinner at the house, we nearly always have cold roast beef or Mutton with hot gravey and potatoes, and boiled cabbage and some kind of a pudding so You see that they have good grub if they know how to cook it President Hoopes went back with me to sister Everards to supper and he has not quit talking about the Roast duck and Yorkshire pudding Yet - well Dearie I guess You get tired of reading all this stuff - and I hope You will be able to read it - there is not so many pages - but the paper is heavyier so I have scribbled it very fine so there is just as much to it as you well no doubt find, befor You have finished well My own Dear sweet heart take good care of Your self and our doll baby, remember Me to all enquiring friends and give My Love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks kiss our precious baby for Me and tell her to kiss her mamma for Me, I am still saving up My own kisses for You both - May the Lord Bless you with health and strength and all necessary blessings is the desire and prayer of Your loving and Effectionate husband and Papa A. F. Smith P.S. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [ltr. 8, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London N. Oct 27th 1905 My Own Dear Millie I was delighted beyond expression Wednesday evening, when the Yankie. Mail arrived , becaus I received two letters from you and one from Hyrum, I guess stormy weather delayed. the boat, and this is the reason they did not come sooner, I was glad to hear that You were well, I got the news paper clipping about sugar stocks, I hope they issue some more of it maby then I will get out of debt Say Dearie it was Hyrum that made arrange - ments for that 88 shars of stock in addition to our regular allowance, and Nelson told him that he would fix it with what we were entitled to so I thanked him for to day when I wrote to him, Now Dearie I see you are worrying about Me, and you must not, I have explained to You all about the trouble I got in to, and why I did not tell You in the first place my self - It was simply becaus I did not want you to worry but had I know what I have learned since I should have told You all about it, but in the future you shall know all about me and if I get mobbed again I will be the first to tell you, but I hardly think it will happen again becaus I will stand still next time until a tram or buss comes along [ltr. 8, p. 2] and get on to it - I have learned that this is the only way Ito avoid them and I am not ancious for another time like we had although we never got hurt but it was only through the power of the Lord that we were saved from it, and I am well I never was feeling better physically in my life but of course I get the blues now and again but I use President Grants remedy and I find it very good for this complaint - his remedy for such cases, is “Work Work Work” Do it now” I will tell you if anything gets the matter of me so dont worry - I believe You when you say our baby is the cutest little doll, it must be good to see and hear her, I would give all My old shoes if I could only see her, Hyrum says in his letter - like this you have got a mighty sweet baby and she will be a big girl befor you get home - but he continues and says - but then You will be home befor You know it he says six months or ¼ of your time is up all ready - So I am going to hold him to it however I am very apt to be released at two years becaus most of the boys go home at two years He also tells Me that John is going east next fall to study and that he is going to take Liss with him next fall however seems a long time especially when I look forward to it - but I guess if we don’t worry about it it will go all the faster Say Dearie while I think of it I got a card from My Friend Frank W. Brazier who is laboring in the Birmingham Conference - he wrote to tell me that he had been released - and how glad he was he has been a fine Missionary and is a fine fellow he says he was going to visit his friends both in this country and in the states befor he went home but he expects to be in Salt Lake about Christmas time and he will call on You he is one of My very dear Friends and I you can depend upon what he says, he told Me to tell
You to be on the lookout for a four eyed fellow wearing a smile which never wears off - and when he comes to call on You invite him in and feed him well if he is hungry becaus he likes good things, he treated Me to one of the best meals I have had since I have been in England he is the boy who showed us that swell resturant I told you about, he is just as jolly as Freebairn only dont giggle quiet so much so look out for the man with glasses about Chirstmas time Say Dearie, that was surley Freebairn I could [ltr. 8, p. 3] -2- almost see him - he is always just like that and was no deferent when he was here it is awonder he did not kiss you - Hoopes says he greeted his wife in every way but that and she said she believed he would have kissed her if she had given him half a chance I am glad he called he is a fellow that you can depend on and has a heart as big as an ox, we expect Langford here about Monday, the boat is due tomorrow - I think you had Your share of conference folks So you hurt your dear Auntys feelings, You should’nt have done that you should love your enemys - and especially your relatives, what did you say to her, surely she did not want you to dress her did she, I presume she wanted to be waited on as much as ever, I feel sorry fur Your uncle, what did he say when You jawed his wife, did he go with her to your uncle Phillips - I guess the reason You did not go to Conference was becaus you had the ‘biddy” to look after - not the baby or Ruth but your uncles biddy, I should think he would be afraid to let her go out alone far fear she might get lost but if she was mine I believe I would want her to stray off or get kidnaped - She is a fright - but as I said befor I feel sorry for Your uncle Charley I wish I could have heard Papa talk I bet it was good, Well Dearie the same blood flows in his veins as did in the Prophets and he holds the same position in the church that the Prophet held and the Lord will certainly warn the people through him I read a synopsis of the sermons in the Des news and I could plainly see that they had a spiritul feast and a grand out poring of the spirit of the Lord, we had a fine Conference too but of course it was on a smaller scale than that at home - I was sorry you did not get to see Papa when You called at the Bee Hive - Mamie must be in an awful fix and I hope She will soon be well - I got a letter from George to day he sent Me a photo of Mamie and her baby and his baby and Davids three kids I guess they are Davids but they are growing to be such big kids it is only a Kodak picture and is not very plain his baby shows up the best - he is well and wishes to be remembered to You and Ruth You got the concert programm[-]e, no Mattie could not stop - I wish She had of had more time becaus I would like to have heard her play - remember me to her when You see her and get her to tell You about being arrested, So Bertha is trying to run a bluff on You and make you think she is not going to be married until June, I think she is Jollying You - So Ruth would not kiss You twice say Dearie that was cute of her what a funny thing she dont like kisses she must [ltr. 8, p. 4] get that from you, Yes Dearie I believe You did give her a good disposition, well you were the best natured girl I ever saw while You were sick and she cerrtainly partook of the good influence, Say Dearie I have just been looking over this letter and I am afriad You will never be able to read it, it is so scribbled and written so close - so I will spread it out more - Now about that man Poulton I think he is a smart eleck he thinks he knows it all he knew London like a book and he had only been here half a day and all the time on that trip he was riding around in a handsom cab all the boys here at the house were disgusted with him, I hope some body will make an Iron band for My head if it swells up like his has - he is not a very handsome chap either there is nothing about him self that I can see for him to get stuck on yes Granques was here with him he seemed to have a little more sense - how much express did you have to pay on the curtains I am glad you like them - what about that other pair of gloves Wilcox went home when, the man that took the curtains did I thought sure he would call on You although he told me he did not know whether he would be able to do so or not, I got the fiver you sent in the letter I had baught the gloves. I could. not get any Red ones so I got two pair of black ones the very best quality and Elder Sharten will bring or mail them to You and thanks for the change the gloves cost $100 per pair they look good and are guaranteed [ltr. 8, p. 5] 3 Say Dearie I told Elder Sharten I would like him to call and take them to You if he could and I told him if he was hungry not to be afriad to say so and I thought maby You would could at least give him a bowl of bread and Milk I told him this becaus he don’t like Milk in anys hope but he is another fine boy, and he says if he has time he will go up and tell you that he is just from old London, and has a small package from MrSmith, I told him that he could rest asured that he would not get the same kind of treatment that that we get so often in this country - if You have to feed all the elders that I am sending to call on You, it is apt to keep You buisy, I believe I told You about Fred Luff he do’nt expect to do any missionary work fur at least one year he lives about 15 miles from us, Say Dearie I am going to send You a news paper clipping in this letter I will have more than this saved up at the end of two years do you think you can “stand for it let Joe read it and tell him to be careful - and not let anything like that happen with him [ltr. 8, p. 6] Say Dearie dont wory about Miss Wells She is a vaery absent minded person and You will probably be better off it she does not call, You ask Me how I like My Job baby tending I dont mind it a bit there is one little doll baby I would give the world if I could tend, Say Dearie Miss Harms brother is here from Germany he is on his way home, has Bud made up with his girls Yet if so tell him his brother in low is on his way home never Mind about sending a picture to Hoopes he says he is going to come and take dinner with You on his way home, And he said he would have his wife with him but he says So many things, and he wont be released for four months, Say Dearie that was an awful death that Tom Teakle met with at the OS L depot, Tom was a particular friend of mine and he is the man who usto try and get me to go to my quorum meetings and he was always preaching to me - and when I read that it almost made me sick - yes Dearie that card is a good representation of how flees will make a fellow go hunting - Well Dearie I have told you about all I can think of for this time give My Love to Your Papa and Mamma Bertha and all the folks and May the Lord bless My Mamma and Precious baby is My prayer always and with lots of hugs Kisses and loves for You both I reman Your xx Loving and effectionate husband. xx xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Alvin F Smith xx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [ltr. 8, insert 1] [newspaper clipping with following preprinted text] TOO LOVING HUSBAND. ———— 932 KISSES IN A DAY MAKES HIS BRIDE LEAVE HIM. ———— (From Our Own correspondent.) PARIS, Thursday, Oct. 26. A curious case of conjugal infelicity came before the Paris Assize Court yes- terday. At the beginning of the year a young woman was married to a man named Bau- dent, but a fortnight later she returned to the home of her parents, stating that she had left her husband because he was too fond of her. During the honeymoon, she said, he made love incessantly, and one day gave her 932 kisses. Unable to endure so much affection, she instituted divorce proceed- ings. At the last hearing Baudent fired a revolver at his wife, but the bullet happily missed her. In answer to her recriminations he said, "I have loved you passionately for ten years. You have never loved me." He was acquitted, and it is expected that his wife will withdraw the divorce proceedings. [ltr. 9, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London N. Oct 30th 05 My Own Dear Millie I received another letter from You Saturday evening President Hoopes Elder Jones and My self visited the British Museum in the afternoon and when we got back your letter was awaiting Me, also our doll babys letter the cute little pet - I was just as tickled with that as I could be, well Dearie this makes three letters last week, so even tho I had to wait a little longer the early part of the week I was was well paid by the end of the week I do enjoy Your letters and it is a great comfort to me to know that You are both well, I was glad to hear that Alace was through why did'nt She have a girl baby this time for a change I got a nice letter from George last week I believe I told You he sent his love to you he also told Me that Mrs Ashton has a new baby girl I guess they are tickled, I wrote him to day and I asked him what his prospec -ts were far a son, I presume they will have one or the other befor long No Dearie I did not hug Mattie it was [text written sideways along top left edge] P.S. Say Dearie we have just received some yankee mail and I got a letter from Bro Wilcox I had finished this letter to you and had it all ready to mail but thought befor I posted it I had better tell you what he said - He sent Me $100 and said he had lost the gloves and he dont know how when or whare but he was very sorry - the pkg had your address on it, it may be that they were stolen from his grip as he had no lock on it and several of the boys have lost things in this way coming this way Your Loving husband and Papa Alvin 
[ltr. 9, p. 2] becaus it was against missionary rules but I believe if I had it to do over again I would be apt to bend the rules, Yes Hoopes was just as bad as Me if not worse - but Mattie promissed to hug both You and Ruth for me and You must tell her to do it right, I presume You have seen her befor now and have probably been greeted with the squeeze she promissed to give You, Yes Dearie Six Months on the 5th of November since I signed the pay role the time is going, but let it go - it cant fly past too fast for Me, I am glad you are having good weather - quiet diferent to us I got soaked through from my feet to My knees this Morning I went down to the tailors with a new Elder this mor - ning, and the came down in floods I had My waterproof over coat an umbrella, and had it not been for them I would have been drownded, we have a boy from Idaho with us he got here Saturday night and the first thing he did was to go in the closet and blow out the gas shortly the house was filled with the fumes, this will tell You that he has not been used to such luxuries Langfard came as far as London with him but but went right on to Germany with the other boys so we did not see him it was dark when they got here and they went on the same evening [ltr. 9, p. 3] -2- Say Dearie I received a letter from Freebairn he told Me about going to see you maby You think he don’t praise You and Ruth - he says if he can only find some one to have him and how he wishes he had a nice wife and baby, he says the only reason he did not kiss you was becaus of Groesbeck no doubt he would like to have done - well he is jolly old Freebairn and I hope he does get a good wife he will be good to her and I believe he will be more loving than I am becaus he usto almost love Me to death when he usto sleep with Me but I do not care for this kind of loving I see Ruth ; in addition to writing her own letter helped You with Yours, bless her, Say Dearie you don’t let her have a pencil only when You can watch her becaus she is apt to hurt her self with it, I am going to save this letter and show it to her when I come home, So You think we are living high on Cross and Blackwell pickles, well we are it is becaus they are cheap, So You were disapointed at not receiving My letter when You went to the post office what made the post man say he had enough to break Your heart, did he have more than one or was it a fat one, next time You see Bishop Whitney [ltr. 9, p. 4] Give him My best regards, So Marve pack is going on a mission to the Islands I prefer this Island to whare he is going, his Father was on the Sandwich Islands was he not, how is Mr Pack and how is the little boy, I am glad You go to the Theatre now and again, we have quit going it takes to much money and then it is not good for a fellow to go oftener than once a month when he is doing Missionary work, when I say quit going I mean so often, I expect to go about once every six weeks, I am going to see the Pantomimes these will begin in December and every body says You must see a pantomime, while You are here but there is lots of time Yet I was sorry to hear that Ida is so poorly I did not know that She ever suffered with her throat Say Dearie I read a letter from President Lyman and Brother mc Murrin, that they wrote to President Grant about the Conference and about Papas sermon it must have been grand I wish I could have heard it, but then I was not there in person but I was in spirit, Well Dearie I am Well - and enjoying My self - give My love to all the Folks, your Papa, Mamma Berth Joe Al Alice, Henry and Nell and the boys and protect them fron all harm and sickness and may You ever have a knowledge of My well fare - is my prayer for both of you My own dear sweet Mamma and baby - with lots of love hugs and kisses for You both I remain Your effectionate husband Alvin F Smith xxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx