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, Nov 1905 MSS 7952 [notes by transcriber are in brackets; preprinted text is in bold] [ltr. 1, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road, Stoke Newington London N. Nov 3rd 1905 My Own Dear Millie. I have just read your last three letters over including Ruth's, and I believe I have answered everything in them I noticed however I made a mistake in My last letter I thought it was Bishop Whitney You saw and instead of that it was Bishop Whittaker, our Bishop, will just remember Me to him the next time you see him I am going to write him a letter one of these days when I have lots of time. Well Millie Dear I read Papa's sermons as they are published in the Des News and it just thrilled Me clear through, and I could almost see and hear Papa, it ought to have been a testimony to all that heard him, whether members of the church or not, we had a Brother Page call here yesterday, he has just come from Salt Lake, he is a member of the church, and is back on a visit, he is an elderly man and he told us that never in his life befor or at any Conference and he has attended them all for the past sixteen yers, has he heard such a sermon and witnessed such an out pouring of the [ltr. 1, p. 2] holy spirit and I have heard several others who have received letters from home from friends who were there who say the same thing, it is a pity Fred M. and his Father were not thare, but I guess the first day proceedings were all they could stand I should think after what they did see and hear they would go home and stay there, but I guess the devil has other work for them to do and he will keep them stirred up against our people, they are doing his will and we must expect all kind of abuse from them, but how much like the Prophet's were the words of Papa when he blessed his enemys, this is the way the Gospel teaches us we should be and we can easily feel this way if we are living the Gospel and have the spirit of the Lord to guide us and we as a people should heed the words of those who are placed to lead and guide the Church, none but a Prophet of God will ever hold this position, it is Gods work and he will place at its head the Man he wants thare, and, wo be unto those who find fault with the leaders of this church, for they will have to answer to their God for it, never in the history of the church has there been more bitterness and hatred against the Church than at the present time, and there are hundreds who, if they dared, would find a helping hand to put to death those men who God has chosen to lead his church and direct his people in this day the same as they did in the Prophets day, and even since the Saviors time, there has always been this class of people in the world and will be until the Savior comes at which time he will put an end to them, it is Satans mission to fight the church, and he will ever put it into the hearts of of his followers to murder in order to acomplish his purposes, but this work will continue in spite of him and all he can do, and he will conquer the majority of people and lead them his way but there will be some who will keep on that straight and narrow path and truth will eventually win and Gods purposes acomplished and it is the duty of all Latter Day Saints to do all they can at least prepare them selves if they cant do any more, if this life were all there was, the inducement would not be so great, but I hope that Me and Mine May live so that we can gain the highest glory in the kingdom of God there is lots for us to do - and we will be rewarded acording to what we do, and no more, God is just and will only give us what we deserve. [ltr. 1 p. 3] XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX 2 XXXXXXX Well My own Sweet mamma I would just like to see you and our precious doll baby You do not know what a comfort it is to Me to get Your letters, to learn from them, that you are both well, this is a big comfort to Me and when You tell Me how cute our precious baby is to make Me long to see he[-] and hear cute sayings, bless her little doll self tell her that her papa would like to hug her, but I guess You will have to do it for Me, at least for a while yet, and as for My own sweet Mamma I would give anything I have got to get hold of you, I do love you both with all My soul and you are always in My mind. I go to sleep thinking of you and awake with the same thoughts in My mind, but time is going it will be six months on the 5th since I landed in England, six months on the 6th since I signed the pay role and six months on the 8th since I got in London, the Elders are coming and going all the time and each time one goes home My time draws nearer - I am still climbing up the hill getting further from home, but I expect to reach the top some day and begin My journey back towards home one forth or nearly so of My journey is over, however I [ltr. 1. p. 4.] I am contented and well, so should not complain in fact I am not complaining I feel perfectly happy. I have not been weighed for some time I dont think I am any fatter however than when I left home, but I am continually being told that I look better than I did, so this should show to You that I am not worrying and that I am alright - I will tell you if anything gets the matter with me so you must not worry just take good care of Your self and baby, I know you will do this that is the reason I am not worrying how is your Mamma - are her eyes better and does she have good health, and how is your Papa, is his health good - tell them I will write them a separate letter one of these days. I have not forgotten any of them. but I am going to take a day off one of these days and do nothing but write letters, but they hear from Me about twice a week through you. Well Dearie we are having miserable weather it has rained every day this week and looks as if it would continue for some time yet, I have not put on any winter underwear yet and don’t think I will for some time yet I stay in the house when the weather is bad and wear my own coat when I go out, so in this way I manage to keep warm - well Dearie give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks, and kiss our precious baby for Me and coax her to kiss you for Me and May the Lord bless You continually with health and strength and all the blessings You need - with lots and lots of Love and kisses and hugs for you both I remain as ever your loving and affectionate husband & Papa A.F. Smith [ltr. 2. p. 1.] #97 Farleigh Road Stake Newrington London N. Nov 6th 05 My Own Dear Millie I was delighted to receive your letter this morning, which was written on the 23rd of Oct. I was glad to learn that You are well, You must not worry about me, neither must you have those miserable dreams, becaus I am well and will take good care of My self, and when I do come home it will not be as Your dream, You rest assured of that, I had a peculiar dream I thought I went home and I thought I went in Siegels Clothing house to get some things and I was in such a big hurry - and when I got what I wanted I thought now I will have to hurry up and see My folks becaus it seemed as tho I had to come right back I thought I caught the South Temple car and waved My hand at some of the folks as I passed the Beehive, and I awoke befor I got up to 29 I street, I found after I awoke that it was only a dream but every time I dream of home it seems that I am in such a hurry and that I am always coming right back I was happy and thought at the time that You were expecting Me - but it was only a dream [ltr. 2, p. 2] dreams are funny things some times, and I am a believer in dreams some times, and as the old saying goes, “I wonder if dreams come true” they do some times, at least they have with Me. of course I dont pay very much attention to some dreams, but now and again I believe they are given to us as a warning - but I am not much of a hand to dream. only My blessing tells Me I shall be warned of danger in dreams and I have been delivered once, since I landed of course You must not say anything about this to anybody, first we did have a rough time but they cant hurt us if we leave Them a lone and I am not going to interfer with them I think I can well afford to take Papas advice and let My enemys alone - we are well known in and about this neighbor hood, they call us “Normons” and all kind of names but we pay no attention to them they are an ignorant bunch of people and dont know any better and we feel sorry for them, they tell us and the people that we have come to steel their women and daughters, if I was looking for anything like that I would not waste any time in this town but I would get the h — out of it, Just think and emagine having filthy old women tell you these things while you are tracting. women that when they come to the door, and open it the Stench almost knocks You down and they will stand there with their dresses undone down the front with their naked bousoms showing and so dirty that it is scaley, and their clothing actually rotten think of having this kind of people tell You that the object of your being over here is to steel such as them how would you like me to steel one or two like that, Dearie. Yet that is what we are accused of, So Richard has been to see You again, he had been to call on Mattie. I would like to see him win her, I guess She will have lots of the boys after her now, well she is a fine girl and is worthy of one of the best, Richard is a pecular fellow no body knows his ideas in that regard, do you remember how I usto meet him once in a while up your way, befor we were married, he seems to have lots of lady [ltr. 2. p. 3] 2 Friends, it is strange he can’t find one that suits him, but maby he is like I was, it took a long time to find the right one, Yes Willard writes good letters and seems to be happy - I believe I told You about hearing from him about two weeks ago, I was sorry to hear that so many of the folks had been under the weather but I am glad they are better, I kind of expected to receive a letter from some of the folks this week but Yours was the only one I got I wrote to Liss a week or so ago and also to Jack, I presume they have received them by this time, You say You do not wonder at Me not likeing so many meetings a day. Yesterday was our long day again, was in meetings all day long, but I am getting used to them, only there are times That I do get tired, So Mrs. Carmen arrived safely they must have had a rough voyage, what does She think of Salt Lake, so they are living with [---], or in his house, I guess You have seen Mattie by this time the Little German girl has written to Elder Cummings and Young, she seems to like Salt Lake, She may change her mind about the man in Idaho and want to sop whare she is, So You have been washing, I wish I could have been there to turn the Mch for You, I guess You did not feel much [ltr. 2, p. 4] like going visiting after washing all day -So Ruth won’t walk alone yet, it seems strange that she wont walk with out holding to something how I would like to hug her a few minutes and help her to walk and how I would like to hug You too, bless both of You Dearie I love you with all My heart, You are dearer to Me than anything in this world, and bless every body who are good to You, and our doll baby likes to play the piano how I would like to see her and listen to her sing it must be cute, She will have to learn how when she gets older. So You do not get tired of reading My long epistles- and the longer the better You like them well Dearie it is the same with Me and yours I have read Your letter over three times already and it seemed just as good each time - I am glad You are having fine weather and hope it will continue so, So Arville is willing to give the baby away if it crys but not if it doesn’t Well Dearie I will be glad when when I am ready to come home I do long to see My Mamma and Baby So Miss Pouton is to be married, somebody will have a Thanksgiving feast? So they have begun to put the roof on Joes house that is good, that means about Christmas time well good for them, May the Lord bless them with all the desires of their hearts in righteousness and May their posterity be noumerous I am sorry Your Momma is still troubled with her eyes. I asked about this in My last letter, remember Me to Mr and Mrs Heart, also Me and Mrs Field, I also told You about the gloves, I believe this was in the letter time before last, I believe some of the Custom officers got away with them, I have heard that they are a den of Thieves, never mind I will get You some more one of these days [ltr. 2. p. 5] Elder Shorten left here last Friday. he has the ones Bertha ordered I hope she gets them ok and I believe She will You ought to get them about the time You get this letter Well Dearie I see by the Des News that the Idaho Sugar Co have issued some more stock did You get in on it, I see it was to be taken up by the 4th of November, I am also glad You have another dollar or two coming in the shape of a dividend because I also see they have declared their dividend Say Dearie dont forget to pay Your “Tithing” also Ruth’s, it does not amount to very much but never mind pay it anyway Say Dearie dont forget to use My divident for the taxes, how did You get along about the notices did You get the others and how much was it, tell Me all about it, I guess You never have much worry and trouble that You never have much time to rest, but I wish I was whare I could help You, what did You do with the calf did you let that Man have her, how do You manage with the choirs, and how are You how do You feel, are You all right now be sure and tell Me all about Your self, and everything, because I like [ltr. 2. p. 6] to know all about everything - You know My curiosity always was like a womans I like to hear about all and every thing that transpires, Is Henry still pegging away for the Utah [---], and painting buggys on Sunday, tell him he must not set a bad example befor Mrs Carmen, becaus we have to defend the Sabath day and lots of people write over here to their people and tell how lots of the mormons do on Sunday and of things they tell are more or less true So it makes it hard for the Elders, You know the Whole Church is held accountable for the acts of individuals Say Dearie I will enclose a letter with this one for Hyrum Groesbeck, will You put it in an blank envelope and send it or telephone and ask him to come over and get it I wrote a postal card to Rex Winder the other day and asked him if he would please send that silk to You˗˗ he served several of the other Elders the same as he has Me. Elder Groesbeck went down and got Jones parcell and Mailed it to Ogden for him, it would not have been so bad had he not asked the privilege of taking something home for us, Well Dearie I hope You will get it, give My love to your Papa and Momma, Berth and Henry and Nell and Al and Alice, and Mrs Adams Mrs Carmen and all the folks and kiss on precious doll baby for Me and let her hug you for Me May the Lord bless you both and preserve You from all harm and sickness - with lots and lots of hugs and kisses - and Love I remain Your Loving & Affectionate husband XXXXXXXXXXX and papa A.F.Smith XXXXX [ltr. 3. p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London N. Nov 10th, 1905 My Own Dear Millie I wrote to You last Monday morning in answer to Your letter #35 and posted it about noon, and in the evening I got another letter from You making two, but I should have received the first one on Saturday, but the mails are very unregular this time of the year and we cant tell exactly where we will get our letters, but as I had just written to You and sent the letter I could not answer them back in one so I thought would save this one and answer it to day, Well Dearie, I am well, and happy and the time is going faster than at first, I got weighed to day while out to Crystal Palace and guess what I weighed every body tells Me I am looking better, so I guess I must be Well Dearie as I said I went out to the Crystal Palace to day, with Elder Jones and Cummings, they had their annual poultry show this week and I must say that it was the best show I ever saw, all England can certainly show some very fine feathered fowls - the finest collection and biggest variety I ever saw and some very fine [ltr. 3. p. 2] games and all classes of them they must have had several thousand diferent kinds of pigeons I never saw so many in My life befor and Rabbits the same, they had thousands of them and hundreds of kinds, it took us about three hours to look through them all, I must give old England credit for raising fine Chickens, Turkeys, Ducks, Geese, Pigeons, rabbits, Etc, I did enjoy My afternoon out, and yesterday we went down town to see the Lord Mayors Show and talk about people, there were Millions of them I never saw anything like it befor and we were packed in just like sardines - when people would faint they could not fall down the crowd was so jamed together, and every now and again we would see them carying off a man or woman on a stretcher well Dearie it was this way for Miles and Miles, the parade was fine - and it was worth considerable to see the crowd, I got to see the grand Lord Mayor of London, we had one of the best positions, along the embankment this right by the Thomes River, we had to take our chances with the rest of the crowd, but trust a bunch of Yankees for seeing all they can and also getting in a good place to see we stood right in the middle of the road and waited until the parade came along and we kept on the outside right up against the houses and Men as they come along, You know they think about as much of the Lord Mayor as they do of the King and there was lots more people out to see him, well I am glad I saw the crowd, but you will think I do nothing but go sight seeing but - the old Lord Mayor only comes out once a year so we could not aford to miss it, well I guess it is now time I told You what I weigh - 1481/2lbs just about the same as I did befor I left home. there is one consolation - I am looking better than I did if I am not any fatter, Say Dearie what do You think we were at breakfast this morning and President Hoopes opened a letter from President Grant and after he read it he looked [ltr. 3.p. 3] 2 at us and said do you want to hear some news we were all curious, there are only four of us here and we all looked up and Said Yes so he looked at Elder Young and Said You are to be ready to sail on the 24th of the month, he pretended to be surp- rised at first but I have since learned that he expected it, he has only been here 16 months but his folks cant afford to keep him any longer, he has two sisters Married both of their husbands make good wages, and he has a brother working his Mother is an invalid, and his Father is that Man that has mining property in Montpelier, the one who wanted Me to buy some mining stock in his mine when I was up thare, well his Father has asked for his release, and he has tried to discourage his son - for some time, He is the man I told You about who usto get drunk and stay that way for a week at a time, he is a speculator and one of those fellows who is always going to make a fortune, but who never has a penny, he can talk mines and almost make You think he would give you $2000 gold pieces for 50¢ he tried to stuff Me while I was in Montpelier, and he told Me that stock which he offered for 15¢ would be worth 100 with in six Months [ltr. 3. p. 4] but six months has passed several times and that fellow gets worse off every day, I told Elder Young that it was Me I would send home and ask the Bank to take My note for $20000 dollars and that I would stick it out another eight months but I guess he will go home I have often listened to him tell since I came over here how he had 3000 shares of mining stock which he could sell at 50¢ a share any day, and I asked him one day whare it was and he said in Montpelir, I advised him to sell it, but I guess he is something like his Father. I wish I had 3000 shares of the stuff and could get fifteen hundred dollars for it, I would not come home from My mission for the want of two hundred dollard but I cant help it - it is him that will have to face the talk that he could not stick it out, I am sorry his Father has discouraged him. Well I guess we will have Robert Price here in the office to take his place - Say Dearie dont say a word about this to anyone - not a soul becaus I would not tell anybody on earth but You and Artie Young is a good boy and I would not say anything to hurt his feelings for the world, He is however stubborn and I hope he can go home and face the music without going wrong, becaus he takes a little after his Father, well this is about all that has happened since I wrote you last so I will look over Your letter and answer it, So the post man tries to jolly You and make You think You are not going to get a letter when the mail time comes around, dont You let that worry You especially when he says the English mail is in becaus You can rest assured there will be either a letter or card from Me [ltr. 3. p. 5] 3 I have never missed a time yet posting My letters so they will go out the day the boat leaves, So You can always be on the lookout for either a card or letter, each Mail, Yes Dearie You did forget to tell Me how You were, but I felt quiet sure You were alright, but I like You to Mention it each time becaus I do worry a little at times, and I like to have You tell Me that You are well, becaus it gives Me a great deal of comfort to know - that You are well, So You think I will be able to keep warm if I sleep between You and Ruth, I hope so I wish I could try it but Maby You would want additional covers if You slept with such a cold old freezer as Me, I dont blame Ruth for jawing You for trying to Make her sleep in the buggy she likes to sleep with her Mamma as well as I do, but I would rather she slept whare she would keep covered, but I guess You will have to watch her close and not let her take cold and maby You can gradually break her of kicking the covers off, but I used to often catch her Mother with her feet sticking out of the covers when I thought it was awful cold weather, well when I come home [ltr. 3. p. 6] XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX I will, cuddle You both up, so you think ‘she begins to look like Me well I think she looks like You especially from the last pictures You sent Me and I often compare them, the cute little doll I would like to see her ask You for a piece of bread and butter, I will bet she does know a thing or two, I would like to have her sing from her book she must be a regular little musician Say that is quiet a joke about the cow holding up her Milk - probably that is what ails her, but I would like to be whare I could test it, but I would not want any body else to test it for Me, well it usedto work alright with Me at least You usedto say it did. I hope You will yet be able to get Me a photo of Bro Binder
I am going over to Sister Everards - Sunday to dinner I was not thare last Sunday becaus it was fast Sunday, I will say hello to her for You - She often tells Me to remember her to You but I don’t know whether I have done it or not, say about that fried chicken dinner You tell about Maby You think I would not like to have been thare, becaus if there is anything I like better than one piece of fried chicken it is two pieces and especially if I had You to fry it for Me - but never mind I will be home some day and then we will have some Say Dearie I must tell You again that I love You more and more every day if such a thing is possible I would just like a few kisses and hugs from both of you and wont I have a bunch saved up for You when I get home well Dearie May the Lord bless You both and watch over You continually is My prayer for You - give My love to Your Papa, Momma, Bertha and Joe and all the folks and kiss our doll for Me - with lots and lots of love hugs and kisses for you both I remain Your Loving and Effectionate husband Alvin [ltr. 4. p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London N. November 14th05 #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London N. November 14th05 card is a reproduction of one of the finest pictures in the Tate Gallery - President Hooper just gave it to Me to replace a card I let him have some time ago - dont be shocked - if you dont like so much art put it away or give it away - this is the kind of art the world us going crazy over now days My Own Precious Mamma and Ruth I received Your most welcome letter #37 of Oct 30th last Saturday evening and I was pleased indeed to hear from You even tho You were out of sorts I dont know what I said in My letter which this is in answer to, but I would judge from Yours, there is several things You did not like, maby You thought I was cross, and Maby I was, but You must over look it, I guess it was regarding My trouble, I have only been in the one mix up, and this did not happen until three or four days after Groesbeck had left London, true he had not left England but I think if he will reflect, he will remember that he was in Sheffield on his way to Liverpool, in rout home however I wont bother about that now it is a thing of the past and I am trying to forget it. I am so glad You are both well, and this knowledge alone gives Me great comfort, I received a letter from Mamma Saturday. She told Me She had been talking to You over the phone [ltr. 4. p. 2] and that You were well and that Ruth was getting far, how I would like to see You both, I showed Your pictures to some visiting Elders last night and they congratulated Me on My lovely family I can tell you they are lovely and I do love You with all My soul. So Mrs Field is in Salt Lake, remember Me to her, I would emagine She must look as well as she did the last time she was thare She weighs almost as much as I do, I wish I knew how people get fat I would like to have a little more than I have but I guess it was never intended that I should be, but I am not so small at least I feel that I am not when Elders who weigh 168-170 lbs are not as large as I am, Elder Harne wanted to borrow My long tail and top hat and to have his picture taken and My Coat fit him like a sack and he weighs about one hundred and seventy pounds but maby I will pick up in flesh befor I come home, I received a package from Papa containing some pamphlets and a small slip of paper saying the folks were all pretty well, I do hope they will soon all be over there colds and sickness, You are well and I am also thankful for the good health I have, I am also glad Alice is doing so nicely say hello to them for Me - so [ltr. 4. p.3] 2 Ruth thought the baby was nice bless her, tell her I hope she will have a little sister or brother of her own some day and Arville was willing to part with the baby but not with the dog tell him, that is an english trick, that is the way with lots of people in this Country, children are common compar- ed with dogs, but he is like any baby would be, if you asked that question but if it came to a show down he would not part with either, but I think he would cling to the baby longer than the dog. I was glad to hear You mention Moke and how Ruth loves him, it has been a long time since You mentioned him, and I have intended to ask about him several times lately but it seems as though I would forget when it came to writing does he love her as much as he used to, - So they are putting the roof on Joes house I guess he is happy I should think he would be, I expect to hear of a wedding about Christmas time, tell him he must send Me a picture of his home when it is fin- -ished with him self and Wife standing [ltr. 4. p. 4] on the porch, I guess they will have a porch. how long is Mrs Field going to stay in Salt Lake, is Jesse coming after her, I would like to see him dropped down in this town, about Mid - night whare there are hundreds of beggars, I wonder if he would, put his watch in his boot, He is an Englishman using he, what part did he come from, how is Mrs Fields Mother I guess she is happy to have her daughter home with her, Well Dearie it is almost mutual time and I am on for the lesson, and it is mail day tomorrow and I was afraid if I did not write to night I wouldn’t have time to do it in the morning. I am well and getting along pretty good - remember Me to all inquiring friends and give My love to Your Papa, Mamma Bertha Joe and all the folks - and - tell Ruth Papa loves his doll baby - and let her hug her Mamma for Me and You kiss her for Me and May the Lord bless you both is the prayer and desire of Your loving and effectionate husband and Papa Alvin F. Smith XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [ltr. 5, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London N. Eng. Nov 17th 1905 My Own Dear Millie I received a letter from George Yesterday, in which he sent Me his photo he looks fat as You can see from the card which I enclose herewith which he requested Me to send to You, He says tell Millie she can practice swedish by reading this card he wished Me to say hello to you for him, he tells Me what a chatter box his baby is getting to be, and that he expects another at his house the latter part of this Month, he also mentions Chases Wife and says from all appeara- -nces she sill have twins, this is what his Mother tells him. Oh what lots of new babys, there will be when I get home, well there is nothing like them, and how I do love them, how I do love Mine bless her she is a precious little jewel and to Me there is none like her, oft do I watch the baby buggies as they pass Me on the street but no, the occupants while of them are very nice looking babys, they dont look like Mine, and while going about from door to door and on the streets I pass many, many, only partly clad, which also look as [ltr. 5, p. 2] as tho they were starving, Yes Dearie and it is true many of them are starving, and now that the bitter cold weather has begun and conditions continue to get worse - I am caused many times to wonder what they will do. I can tell you it makes My heart ache to see them, poor innocent little babes, born into the world, of poor parents in this big City - and compelled to die with starvation while even the Mother and Father are sucking emplo- yment which they are unable to find, and oh how hard it must be for those in these conditions and there are many, many, of them here, I called at one house this morning, the manie came to the door with a few hard crusts in his hand and when he saw Me he tried to close his hand on them, and when I handed him a tract and told him my mission, he began to tell Me his condition, driven by starvation to that point that he had no faith in a God, who he said would allow him and his little ones to starve he said they were with out food and that he had something better to do than read tracts, his family were his first consideration, I told him I felt sorry for him, but there were many I had met, who had first forgotten their heavenly father, and then when poverty would strike them they were ready to accuse him for not remembering them, we cant expect the Lord to remember us if we forget him, and again with the teachings of the world to day, and the confusion that exists among the religious sects, one can hardly wonder at people feeling as they do, and when those who are looking for this truth, have it brought to them by us they often reject it many of them are so bitter towards us that they will not accept of our testimony, and yesterday I met a vicious woman, who the minute she saw Me without even allowing Me to tell her what I had, slamed the door and exc- laimed, “How dare You come to a respectable place, she had accepted the first tract, and learned from it that I was a Latter Day [ltr. 5, p. 3] 2 Saint, which caused her to reject a message of Salvation to her, I left the tract in the crack of the door whare the door closed on it, and I went away feeling sorry for her, it did not hurt Me She will some day have to acknowledge before her God that she rejected his glad message when it was sweet to her, they are condemning them selves and they will be sorry some day, if they only had more faith in the Lord. but the God they worship, is nothing if there can be such a thing as nothing, they believe in a God with out body parts or passions, that fills the whole universe and which is so small that it can dwell in the heart of man a God that sets upon the top of a topless throne and rules over the universe, Etc, can you wonder at the conditions that exist in the world to day, Well I am glad I am a Mormon and that I know that God lives and that he is a personage, like unto his Son Jesus Christ, as the scriptures teach us, and above all I am thankful for his goodness and mercy unto Me and mine that we do not want for the necessaries of life and so long as we keep his commandments and remember him I do know that he will [ltr. 5, p. 4] not forget us, Well Dearie we had some yankee mail this morning but there was none for Me but I guess I will get one tomorrow evening, I am well and happy, and enjoying My work and the Lord has blessed Me with many blessings since I came here Well Dearie Elder Young leaves here Monday he offered to take something home for me - but he is packing his trunk and he has got more than enough to fill it - and there isnt time to go down - town to buy anything so I am sending you two neck ribbons and a couple of handkerchiefs - I guess that will be about all the merchandise I can send You, I was in hopes I could get you something for Christmas - but I dont know what to get, I wish you would tell me something You would like, these here couple of handkerchiefs You can give to Your mamma and Bertha they are not very expensive ones but they were about the best this store had; Elder Young will probably call and bring them to you he feels happy to think he is going home even if it is before his mission is finished but I prefer to finish mine. Well Dearie give My Love to Your Papa and Momma and Bertha and Joe and all the folks and kiss our precious doll baby for Papa, and tell her that Papa will try and send her a kitty for Christmas tell her to kiss her Momma for Papa and May the Lord bless and protect You from all harm and sickness is the desire and prayer of your loving and effectionate husband and Papa - These kisses are for Mamma and Ruth Alvin F. Smith XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [ltr. 6, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London N. Nov 20th 05 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth Well Millie Dear I received Your sweet letter #38 of Nov 6th Saturday evening and was delighted to know that you were well, So You drempt that I wrote and told You that it had been over a week since I heard from You well it was strange that You should have Your dream come true, but this season of the year the mails are very irregular, and we can not depend upon receiving our letters just the day they are due, however I will have patience and so long as they come with in a day or two I wont complain -we are having good weather again but it is very cold. I guess I will have to crawl into My union suits befor long if it keeps up. I am trying to get aclim[-]ted, but I like to sit by the fire when I am in the house, I am glad You are going to vote, You have done so by this time and I hope You were successful in defeating the dirty so called American Party, they are anything [ltr. 6, p. 2] but Americans, I hope Joe will keep his position. I am glad to hear that Mamie and her baby are better again, Well Dearie I will now answer Your Letter and finish this one to day November 21st - You see Millie - the boys were all going down town to see the poor people out on parade and So I went with them, well we saw them about ten thousand of them and about two thirds of them looked like tramps and and had the appearance of fellows who would not work if they had work to do and they could afford to smoke and chew tobacco and really I was disgusted with them - while the other third really looked starved to death but they were a good for nothing looking crowd all through. I pitty them this winter - they will cerrtainly have a hard time to exist and I tell you it is an awful condition to be sure- Well Dearie we have been burning gas all say to day I have not been out of the house I have been assisting the President with the office work Elder Young left this morning for home he will Call on You I believe probably Groesbeck will take him over Say Dearie we have had an Elder stopping here several days by the name of Ogden he is from Germany - Joes old pal the one that nurses him while he was sick, he is a nice little fellow and told Me all about Joe’s sickness and he said Joe is married isn’t he I said no but he expects to be about Christmas, “I think” Well he said Joe wrote and told Me he would be married about the 15th of November - Joe sent this information to him about July 1st so You see Joe has confided in some of his friends Bro Ogden will probably Call and see You I told him he would surely want to see Bertha and if he called on her he would more than likely see you and he could tell You all about Me [ltr. 6, p. 3] 2 I got a card from Chase telling Me that he was a papa and that his baby weighed 10 ½ lbs I got Your letter first, but I did not congratulate quiet soon enough - but I have answered his post Card and told him not to get swelled up to much, over his little daughter, He is tickled abut it which I am glad to see I tell You there is nothing like them but Mine beats all the world I think So the post man wants to Know what kind of a stamp that was on Your letter, tell him just becaus he a postman he must not think he has seen every stamp in the world, that is every kind, ask him if he would like one or two of them for his collection, if he does I will send You a few and You can give them to him - but make him think they are real genuine stamps, You see Dearie that was only a waste end, and I stuck it on just to be doing so Make the old man think they are valuable and I will send him a few, Never mind about Parkinson I will drop him a card one of these days and thank him for taking those curt- ains home. I hope by this time You have received the little piece of white silk that I sent home by Winder, So You did not see the little German Girl - so she [ltr. 6, p. 4] has gone to Idaho, well I guess she will be married befor long - I did think You would see Mattie befor this, How is Mrs Carmen and how does she like Salt Lake so Hiley has gone back to her old love I guess he thinks a great deal of her, he used to carry her picture next to his heart even while he was so gone on Miss Tout, and his sister wrote and told Elder Young that he had a bad case on so much so that he talked in his sleep, that is the way he usto do over here, he usto tell all his love affairs - after he got in dream land, say Dearie do You every cry out in Your sleep now days as You usto, do You remember how I used to have to wake You up, You always were a great girl to dream, so You have been dreaming that I was here again wont it be nice when that dream comes true, I can tell You, I will be happy -Yes I went to Sister Everards again Sunday she is well and fed Me on duck - and Yorkshire pudding, and Rice Pudding, and I am going thare again next Sunday, Say Dearie about the sugar stock I do not quiet understand You, You say that, there is to be another issue of stock, yes I saw by the paper that there was to be, what do You mean by selling all of it over and above the eight shares, I take it that You mean to sell all the new issue, I believe that a good plan, especially if You can do as well as You did on the last, but if You can make a few shares clean profit for You and Ruth do so, Maby Bro Nelson is ancious to get My note paid off but never mind that so long as he gets his interest, I think however 13.75 a good price, but it is good Stock and I would like You and Ruth to have as much as possible - I will be satisfied, what ever you do - how much have you now 16 shares is it not [ltr. 6, p. 5] 3 I am glad You got the State Bank divident, I hope You will be able to find enough cash some how to pay the taxes what is going to happen that Aunt Sarah called to see You, I am glad Melissa has had the kids picture taken maby she will send Me one now, and I am also glad Mamma is better, it is almost time for Me to writ[-] to her and Papa again, I try to write to them once in two weeks, I guess Geraldine is a tender little flower, but I believe a little more out door air would be good for her, what will Ruth so when bad weather comes and she cant go out there is when she is apt to jaw her Mamma, it is a funny thing about her walking why dont You stand her in the middle of the floor and try and get her to go alone, but I guess You have done this, well Dearie maby she will get more courage one of these days, I would like to see the little doll hide from You and I would like to hear her talk bless her, tell her Papa loves his baby girl, I would like to hug you both until I got tired and I can tell You that I would not tire very fast, but I guess I will have to wait awhile, I [ltr. 6, p. 6] am so glad You are both well and that You are getting fat I am well but not overly fat, but never mind the fat so long as we are all well but I am glad You are both well and fat, Well Dearie tell Bertha not to forget to send Me an announcement Card, of when it is to be, and tell Joe to get a move on him self, delays are dangerous -and as the scriptures tell us it is not good for man to be alone, Well Millie Sweet heart kiss our doll baby for Me and tell her to hug her Momma for Papa - I would like to do it for My self but I will be satisfied for a while if You will do this for Me, give My love to Your Papa and Momma, Bertha and Joe and all the folks - with lots and lots of love and kisses for My own dear sweet Momma and Baby and praying the Lord to bless and watch over You both - and protect You from all harm and sickness I remain Your own Loving and effectionate Husband and Papa A.F. Smith XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [ltr. 7, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London N Nov 25th05 My Own Dear Sweet Millie I received Your most welcome letter of Nov 10th Thursday evening just after our cottage meeting and delighted to get it and learn again that You were both well, and there is nothing I would enjoy more when I have the blues than to have My precious baby to tend it does seem strange she cant walk without holding to something, and I would also like to hear her talk I try to emagin what it is like but it is not like being whare You can hear her, I know she is cute, Well Dearie I see by the paper the Americans have won the election and I see from Your letter that You give all the credit to the Republican party it is to bad there is not some one else that are a little bit to blame of course I guess the Republicans should have all turned Democratic, and then they would have won the election, well I blame our people, and as long as we as a people are divided we must expect such things, and I believe it is a judgement on them, the Lord says He [ltr. 7, p. 2] will have a tried people and I believe this is another way he has of trying us, only we should not accuse such men as Reid Smoot of being responsible we should remember the protection he holds in the Church and honor the Lords anointed, I dont believe Reed Smoot is going to do anything that would not be good for our people in General at least I have just this much confidence in him and I have never Yet seen the time I would not support our own people in preference to outsiders there is no use of ever expecting any- thing from such duty liberals - and I am one who would not share with them if I could help it, I am sorry the dirty skunks have succeeded in gaining the day, but there is no need to cry about it now that it is done- I hope some day our people will think enough of one another to support each other and not find fault - with such men as apostle Reed Smoot So You think I ought to take My wife with Me Dearie there is nothing would please me more than to do so and I hope some day to do so , there is nothing to good for My Momma and baby and Maby some day You shall have the [ltr. 7, p.3] privilege of seeing something of the world and I expect to be with You when you do, no I don’t think John has struck any “bonanzas” it has always been his ambition to go east to school and I think he is saving his money for this purpose, Yes Dearie the Man with four eyes usually helps his word and I think he will call and see You - although there are somany of them that don’t keep their word I dont blame You for loosing confidence in them dont expect to make any promisses when I come home then they wont feel disappointed if I dont call on their folks You must have had quiet a time with your “Auntie” or the biddy as You call her, I presume she deserved what she got, especially when she said, she had met some good company after leaving the folks -I am glad Bertha decided she would like the black gloves I presume she has received them by this time and I hope she likes them, So You think the girl who had to put up with so much kissing was justified in [ltr. 7, p. 4] getting a divorce, well I usto be pretty bad but I guess I was never quiet so bad as that, I am glad Brother Worthington came and took You for a drive, so You think we will have to have an auto Mobile, I was under the impression You did not like them, well I hope You will some day have Your desire gratified I always have been stuck on them I think they beat horse flesh - all to pieces, Well Dearie I am well and happy we are going to have a Sunday School entertainment here this afternoon and I am going to take part we are going to have a Majic Lantern show and onething and another I will be glad when it is over, it begins at 4 PM and I have got to fix up the sheet and go down town and get the lantern and fix it in shape by that time give My love to Your Papa and Momma and Bertha and Joe and all the folks May the Lord bless You both and protect You at all times with lots and lots of love hugs and kisses for You both I remain Your loving and affectionate husband and Papa Alvin F Smith XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX/XXXXX [ltr. 8, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London N Nov 28th1905 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I was delighted to receive Your of the 16th it came last evening, well I am always pleased to get them, one just as much as another, and especially do they please Me when I learn that You are both well I received a nice long letter from Miss Wimberg, last Saturday, she tells Me all the news regarding the CW[-]MCo, and George sims happened to be in the office befor she mailed it to Me so he wrote across the back of her letter just enough to let Me know that I had not Yet written to him and to tell Me that he had a nice baby girl at his home, and Miss Wimberg says Crum Miller is a Papa, to a fine son the finest boy in Murray, say how long have they been married, it seems to Me they have not lost much time, and Mrs Wilkinson has got a daughter, goodness it seems to Me every body is having babys well they are fine things and I dont blame them the little girl at the office says she telephoned to You and that You and the baby were both well, she said all the boys at the [ltr. 8, p. 2] wished to be remembered to Me, she said they have nicer offices now than when I was there, they have moved them to the front of the building on account of the Theatre which is being built on the north of the Con Wagon building, which shut out all the light her letter sounds just like she was the same kid she usto be when I was thare, she also told Me that Joe Johnson was one of the Republic ans, that got defeated last election, so You have finally received the piece of silk I am glad You have, You know I wrote Elder Winder a card asking him if he would please let Sister Winder take it to Momma knowing as I did that she goes to the Temple two or three days each week and it would be no trouble for her to take it, I am only sur- prised he did not deliver it to You himself, becaus I loaned him My suit case and he used it all the time he was on the continent, and he did not take any to much care of it either He must be love sick, or something is the matter You know he got stuck on a little English girl over in the Leeds Conference and he gor so bad they transferred him to this conference of course You must keep this to Your self, but if You had got the silk when he got home Ruth could have had the benefit of her dress in the summer but I guess it will be good for next I am glad You like the stuff, I thought it would be nice for her, I am glad You have an appointment to go for a [ltr. 8, p. 3] 2 drive now, and again, I am glad our place looks so well, it is quiet a satisfaction to know that they take care of it, I feel better satisfied with a little less rent and to know that they take care of our place So You went down to congratulate Papa on his Birthday, and tried to spring a a surprise on him and He accidentally surprised You, well I was not thare to congratulate him but I sent him a letter wishing him many, many happy returns of the day, It is funny that Ruth wont have anything to do with him, she just clings to You, She must be a bashful little tod, I guess she gets this from “Me” what do You think? So Lillian keeps pretty scared, well I dont blame her much, I believe I told You that George expected her to come around about this time, and Louie is wearing a Mother Hubbard dress My goodness what a lot there will be, lets see, since I came away there has been, Donnie, Mamie, Minerva, Emily, Lilith, next will be Lillian then Lorie, and on Your side of the Family there has been Alice, well there is nothing like building up the kingdom that is what we are here for so let us [ltr. 8, p. 4] Continue in the good work, So You spent the 15th at Hyrums, and he has been married two years, it does not seem that long but we have been Married two years and a half lacking one Month, I am glad You had a nice time but I am afraid it was only Ruth that had the good time she must have worn You out as well as her self, I guess You will be glad when She goes all alone then it will be easier on You, So Bill Reed is trying to shine around Mattie she is to good a girl for Bill Reed, we have a new Elder here in the London Conference from the Twentieth Ward, Seare is his name I usedto know him when at home he used to walk in The ZCMI Factory Office, he is acquianted with Fred Luff and when he was talking about how Luff mad his money he mentioned Bill Reed, and asked Me if I knew him, I told him Yes and he said and that other kid that always runs along at his heels, lets see what is his name, I happened to know so I mentioned his name, he said did You ever go down town at night with out seeing those fellows I told him that I did not spend much of My time in town after night but had heard several things about them but I didn’t say anything about what I had heard, but I guess they still have the same kind of times as I have heard about and then they go out to call on respectable girls, that is their style, [ltr. 8, p. 5] 3 Well Dearie I am glad You are having good weather, diferent to us, but then let it come I am getting used to it, but I honestly believe London has the worst weather in the world, So You think Freebairn would have to be a dandy if he was more loving than Me well Maby he would but I am more partic- ular who I love, a man that will love a man, all night cant have had any thing better or they would not do it so You see this is how we differ No Dearie You must not think I am going to loose My liking for Theatres, but there are several reasons why I should not go too often, and besides, our evenings are pretty well taken up now days with meetings So our litle doll baby loved that card I sent her, bless her how I would like to see her and hear her talk to her doll and rock it in the rocking chair and she still loves Moke as much as ever, it is funny she wont love You more than she does, well maby she will get over it by the time I come home, at least I hope so, tell Minerva hello for Me when You see her again [ltr. 8, p. 6] I was sorry to hear that Your Papa had met with an accident, has he been to see a doctor about his arm if not he ought to, he ought to quit his job it is that hot kitchen - and him trying to do two or three mens work that makes him think You say You have paid the taxes but You did not say how much they were I guess You think I am funny asking so many questions but I like to know these things - So Bertha has quit her job, good for her, I guess Joe is figuring on getting her for a Christmas present, they are getting along fine with the house aren’t they, Well Dearie I am well and happy and pray the Lord to bless My own Dear sweet Momma and baby, I love You more than words can tell and how I would like to see You both a little while; so Aunt Sarah and Alice got My letters I thought I would gradually write each of them a letter while I am away give My Love to Your Papa and Mamma, Bertha and Joe and all the folks, and Say hello to all enquiring friends tell them I am still alive - Well Dearie take good care of Your self and Ruth and tell her that her Papa loves her and that Elder Young is bringing her a “Kitty” - with lots and lots of love hugs and kisses I remain ever Your own Loving and effectionate husband and Papa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Alvin F. Smith