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, Dec 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 Dec 1st 1905 My Own Dear Millie This is the first day of December Yesterday was Thanksgiving day and I guess You will like to know what kind of a time I had. I wondered what you were doing and in fact all of the folks, Tuesday I suggested to the President that we have a Thanksgiving dinner, So it was decided that we send word to all the Elders that are near London and ask them if the would like to donate 3 shillings towards buying some chicke[-]s and join us here at the headquarters and help eat them, several of the boys had engagements and did not come, few of the boys came in and so Wednesday President Hoopes and My self went over to Sister Everards if she would come over and cook dinner for us, she agreed to do so, and we made arrangements with her to get the things and do just the same as she would if she were going to up a dinner herself so Thursday at noon here c[-]me Sister [Ltr. 1, p. 2] with a big turkey and a nice Duck all stuffed and ready to put in the oven she had gone out and got them Wednesday, right after we left, so here She was loaded down with all the necessarys, she came in a carrage and when we saw what she had bought we thought well it will take more than three shillings, but we did not care we intended to have a time even tho it did cost us more. Well she went to work to prepare dinner, while Prest. Hoopes and My self went out about eight miles to administer to Sister Crofts one of our saints who was to have an operation at noon to day on one of her breasts for cancer. she is a fine lady and we are going out thare again to day to see how she is, well when we got to her house, nothing would do but we must have dinner, and you con’t refuse in this country so we ate and she fuled our plates as full as they could hold, after we administered to her, which we did as soon as we had had our dinner we came home, we got back at three oclock and at half past Sister Everard had dinner ready, and we ate again, and I was almost dead we had Roast Turkey and Duck with two kinds of dressing, Potatoes, Parsnips, Greens or cabbage, Yorkshire pudding, Rice pudding baked apples, home made gravy, and it was gotten up in regular American style [Ltr. 1, p. 3] 2 And after we were all through Sister Everard spoke up and said, well boys Thanksgiving Day only comes once a Year so you can accept this dinner at My expense, well we did not expect her to do any more towards it than the Cooking but never the less we accepted it and were very thankful for it, but that is just like Sister E. She is a great big souled woman So you will see we enjoyed our selves very much, and She asked us this afternoon when we would be after her again and we told her not to be surprised if we came after her any old time. Well Dearie I am now going out to Sister Crofts again, So I will answer this or finish it later on.—Dec 2nd Well Dearie I did not get home in time to finish this letter last night so I will do so this morning, we found Sister Crofts doing nicely the operation was performed, and there are 25 chances out of against -1- that it is not. cancer so she feels incouraged and She was tickled to death that we called, and she hated for us to go but we had to promise we would come again Monday, after leaving [Ltr. 1, p. 4] her place we walked about one mile and held a Cottage meeting we a good time - to day is Priesthood meeting I have been very busy helping him with his reports, Elder Price did not want to come to London, he didnt want to be clerk of the conference so we have Elder Beesley, who is an old chum of mine and a fine boy he got here last night and will be here until he goes home he only has about 6 months more befor his two years are up, Some day I hope to be as near home as he is, Well Dearie, how are you and what kind of time did you have on Thanksgiving Day, did you have a blow out, how is our doll baby and all the folks, how I would like to see you; Dearie I do love My Mamma and precious baby, tell Ruth Papa sent her a kitty by Elder Young - I hope She will get it befor next spring well Millie Dear it is time for Priesthood meeting So I will have to quit for this time I May the Lord bless My own dear Mamma and baby, give My Love to all the folks and remember Me to all enquiring friends - with lots of love kisses and hugs for you both I remain as ever Your own loving and effectionate husband and Papa A. F. Smith [Ltr. 2, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London N- Dec 4-05 My Own Dear Millie Your letter #41 came this morning, I was hungry for it becaus it should have reached me Saturday I was also pleased to hear from Bertha again, I received a letter rom Papa this morning conveying the sad news of the death of Mamies baby what a sad thing. Dearie it almost made me sick, I do feel sorry, how hard it must be for her and Alfred O’ Dearie, if we could only prevent such things, but the Lord’s ways are not mans ways, and we cant tell what minute we may be called away, and if when our time does come, we can only be as sure of a resting place in gods kingdom as those little inacent ones, O’ how hard to part with them, but death parts us for a little time only providing we are are faithful, and there is Still a comfort to know that they are ours after this life is ended and it is a comfort for Me to know that I shall have You. Yes I believe it would [Ltr. 2, p. 2] kill Me to part with My folks. O’ Dearie I do love My Mamma and baby they are more to Me than anything else in this world, and it is needless to tell Me how the folks feel becaus I know, when you also mention in your letter regarding Lou Knight, it causes me to wonder what he thinks probably it is with him like many of the people of the world, they think that all is over after this life but we as members of the church know that they are ours for ever! Death may Seperate us for a little while, but thanks be to the Holly Son of of God, in him we can exclaim;- O Grave where is thy victory, O’ death where is thy Sting”! but when I think of death it causes me to wonder many things, the past we are familliar with but the future we know not much of but I pray continually that My folks may be spared from, all sickness, and I feel that it would be easier for Me to go than for any of My folks. O’ how glad I am that You are well, I am sorry so many of the little ones are poorly, how careful we Should be, dont let out little doll catch Cold, take good care of her and Your self. I have not written to Papa or Mamma since the 13th of last Month I have been so busy of late, that it seems I cant hardly get time to do any writing, I have got to go out to Sister Crofts again to day the President is getting ready now, so I guess I will have to finish this letter when I get home, I have been trying to hurry and several Elders here talking so I dont know whether you will be able to read it or not but I guess maby you will be able to guess at it [Ltr. 2, p. 3] #2- Well Dearie now for Your letter I will keep on until the boss says come, yes I often dream of you I drempt of you a few nights ago and I thought you were so pleased to see Me, and O’ what a happy time for Me, I thought we were at our home, and Ruth was just about the same as when I left. I was romping with her when I woke up, Yes Mamma and so will I be glad when I come home, So Mr Bramwell called to see You. He did not seem to know You when he was here, but I am glad he called, I guess Sharten brought or sent You the gloves for Bertha by this time, be sure and say hello to him for Me when he does come if he has not already been, Elder Jones received a letter to day from his folks and says that Sharten has been to see his family so I guess he will mail the gloves to you, -Well Dearie I have just returned from Sister Crofts she was pleased to see us and is much better, and here I found another letter from You and also a view book from Papa, so I will answer both of Your letters in one I guess You wont care so long, as I answer them I also received another letter from Frank W. Otterstrom, and I got a card and photo [Ltr. 2, p. 4] from Willard to day the picture is fine and he looks well, I am glad Bertha took Hileys letter to him, the President got a letter from him when we got back it came with My last one from you. He Confesses that he has a case on and I guess he intends to get married as soon as he can, at least from the sound of his letter I would judge so, well it is the best thing he can do. No Dearie I would not like to steel any of these London damsels So you jollied Richard about his old girl he is a funny old stick, so would I like to see him - steel Mattie, providing it was agreeable with her of course. So Jack got My letter I guess he is going to get even with Me, becaus he has not written to acknowledge it, So Hen think I would look more mature if I had a fish rod basket & Etc in place of a long tail coat and top hat, well I guess probably I would but we dont use the same kind of tools or Implements, for the kind of fish I am after as we used to use when I went out with him, never the less I have not forgotten how to use the old “Rod” yet and I hope to have many more triles at it some days in the future, I would like to see Harry trying his luck in these line [Ltr. 2, p. 5] 3 I see you have told Me all about what the taxes came to. I believe I asked you to tell Me just last time I wrote or time befor So You will not need to bother unless You do so befor you get this letter, Say Dearie it is a strange thing that our Forest dale property tax did not come direct to You the property is paid for and we have the deed and it is recorded, in our name look thro your papers and see if I am not correct, it is nothing to do with the bank any longer, I do not understand why it should be taxed to them this year I am glad you do not mind attending to these things, but I some times in fact oftimes worry about where you will get the money to do it. I hope the Lord will open up the way some how so you can get along and I believe he will you mention, Young Farr wanting to buy our lot next to ashtons, I don’t think we want to sell it do you, Maby we can put up a small house on it some day and rent it, in fact I believe the property will increase in value each year, what do you think about it and again, our old place is worth more to us as long as we have that piece and I live in hopes of some day having [Ltr. 2, p. 6] that whole corner; why doesn’t he buy the piece between Ashton and our’s or has Ed sold it or is he going to keep it for his own use, after I come home Maby we will sell the home, but not until I do come home, becaus we need the income at present, I think we had better keep what we have at present, what do you think, I guess if by the time I get home if we have to sell it we can get nearly double for it, what it cost us, I understand real estate is worth more than it was a year ago even if the American Liberals, and Knockers are doing all in their power to stop the progress of our state and city I hope Bro Nilson will make something on that last issue of sugar stock, So you still have the calf, well from the discription you give of her she is just like her mother used to be, and I believe she will get over the kicking part but I hope you can make some kind of a dicker with that Man Ellis, but the winter will soon be over, befor You do get rid of her, how is the old cow have you been able to get her fixed yet, and are you troubled with her kicking, or is she easily handled, I wish I was where I could do those things for you but I will be some day, I guess you will get tired of answering these questions so many times, I was sorry to hear of Bishop Whittakers loss, he had a fine stable, but matches are very dangerous things in the hands of children, I presume he [Ltr. 2, p. 7] 4 had some insurance, at least I hope he had, becaus he could not afford to loose even that. Insurance is a good thing, even if you never have a loss at least that is the way I feel about it So Ruth has begun to walk, I bet she does look cute so Bramwell thought she was a fine baby, how could he help it, She is the sweetest little pet in the world and I would like to see her walking about tell her that Papa loves hi precious little baby Ruth, So you have been up to see Berthas new home I am so glad they have a nice one, Bertha, says she is busy, and I guess she is, and she says if it is finished by the first of the Year, she will move into it. and My worst wish for them is that it will all be finished even befor the first of the year, so You are having a shower what is the matter of the winter hare. had any snow Yet, it is almost time You were, maby by this time you have had this is the 4th of December Seven Months tomorrow since I struck Liverpool, the time is going some faster, but it seems an awful long time when I look back to the day that I left home, Yes it seems ages. [Ltr. 2, p. 8] but I am climbing up the ladder and the old boys are going home and new ones coming - every day or two it seems and each time, it makes me some what home sick. but then I am beginning to be one of the old ones, and pretty soon in about two months more, President Hoopes, Elder Boothe and Cottrell will be on the way home I hate to think of the President going home but then he has a wife and baby looking forward to his coming, and he is one of those Men that will stay just as long as they want him to but when he is released he will not loose much time in finding his way home to those he loves and I know another fellow who is just like him in that respect Say Dearie I have gone the limit four of these sheets are all that I can send in one envelope for tuppence hapeny so I will have to finish the other letter, at least that portion which I have not answered next time, I am well and happy in My work give My Love to your Papa and Mamma and Bertha and Joe and all the folks - and kiss our doll baby for Me and May the Lord bless and protect you from all harm and danger - Dearie I love you both with all My Soul and, O’ how happy I will be to see My own Mamma and baby girl again with lots of love, hugs and Kisses for you both I am as ever your Loving and effectionate husband and Papa A. F. Smith [Ltr. 3, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Dec 8th 1905 My Own Dear Millie I thought I would write to You this morning, I don't know whether I shall have time to finish it but so much will be done, tomorrow is mail day again. Tuesday Bro Higgs of the Liverpool office came to London and I was appointed to show him around the town So we have been on the go two days and expect to be out again to day, this is Alpha J Higgs, a brother to Jesse who died in Salt Lake about a month ago, he is a fine man and I have enjoyed showing him the sights, although he thinks I am a better walker than he, as his work has been in the office and he is not used to it, we visited, the St Pauls cathred ial, Museum, I ate Art Galery, and West Minister Abby on the first day, then yester day we went through the Tower - all over the tower bridge, then to London bridge from there to, Wesminster Abby again from ther to the Tate Art Galery, and back home, there is so much to see [Ltr. 3, p. 2] at each of these places, it takes queit a while, and then the transportation is slow and the distance between some of these points so far it takes a long time to travel but I think we did pretty well thus far I hope some day to have the privilege and pleasure of showing My own dear sweet wife around this town, I will be quiet well acquainted, by two years that is, with the the most important parts of this city- Dec 9th Well Dearie here it is Saturday morning ten minutes past eleven and about three oclock at home, was out sight seeing until midnight last night and I have been very busy this morning gett- ing out the stors Bro Higgs left last evening for Rotterdam, and this morning Bro Packard who is visiting us and who also accompanied us seeing the city the past three days wanted Me to go with him again this morning they have been paying all My expenses but I told him I could not go this time as I had a letter to write to You and so many other things to do, so he got Elder Beesley to go with him, we visited the National history museum and Hyde Park. Albert Hall and Memorial the Dog cemetary, and Madame Tussaud wax works, and we had to only skim it over in time to get through, becaus there is so much to be seen, I will [Ltr. 3, p. 3] 2 Send you some post cards of the albert memorial, it cost about six hundred thousand dollars and is a beautiful thing. I had a good time showing the boys around, and they seemed to enjoy it very much only they got so tired towards the last that they would take a buss if we only had a ten minute walk from one place to the other, so I did not care they were paying for it. now I will try and answer Your other letter Yes England is good for something dirty fogs and rain storms in addition to the fine poultry they raise but there are lots of very interresting things here, Such a lot of diferent things to see, and there wont be much of it that I have not seen in two years time, no doubt but what George would have enjoyed the poultry show I forgot to tell him about it last time I wrote but I will try and remember to mention it next time, Yes Elder Young has gone home and I presume he will call on you befor you get this letter I am glad Nelson took the sugar stock for you, I hope you make [Ltr. 3, p. 4] something out of it, So Miss Wells called to see You, and she has been to the Portland Fair - well she is a gad about and she told you that I kissed her, so I did - and I am glad she gave it to You, You think she is allright well she is I guess only she is an old maid and at times very pecular, and Ruth liked her, well I guess probably I am a poor judge of human nature and it was a joke when she asked Me to kiss her, but it was only a means I had of sending a kiss to You, but it was not like if I could have delivered it My self. ha ha, really Dearie it is funny but it never occured to Me befor, that she wanted to kiss me, I might have accom- odated her with out her asking for it well remember Me to her when you see her again also remember Me to Mrs Tuddushan and the rest of the Tuds, So Ruth can at last walk all alone good for My darling baby I would like to see her, bless her little doll self, and she keeps you more buisy no than befor, well I thought she would, I guess she will have lots of bumps in spite of all you can do, and she gets sweeter ever day, is such a thing possible well I guess it is and I am glad She does, say Dearie I have only five minutes to finish this letter and post it So I will say by, by, God bless you both write - write more next time. Your loving and effectionate husband and Papa Alvin F Smith [Ltr. 4, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Dec 9th 1905 My Own Dear Millie I just got in sight of the mail box in time to see the postman leaving it so I had to take the letter to the Post Office I thought I would come home and answer or finish answering your letter this need not be posted until next Wednes- day so I will have plenty of time to finish it, I expect a letter this evening from You so I may in case one comes answere it in connection with this one, I have sent You a few post cards, showing some of the places I have visited the past few days, also one of the Charing Cross Station this is where the accident occured on the 5th of the Month, I have also sent You a couple of London papers describing the disaster I have been down there since it happened but there is no possible chance of seeing what it is like becaus it is at the back of the building and it is all closed up and Guarded by police man. Well now to finish answering Your letter. I believe I got to where you were telling [Ltr. 4, p. 2] Me about our precious baby, so You have been trimming her hair, she has not got very much has she, O' I see further down in Your letter you say she has not well that is a good sign she will have plenty some day, You see people who have lots at first usually loose it all and people who have but little - get it as they grow older I would like to see the precious little doll baby tell her that Papa loves his precious little darling, So You have been having chicken dinner again, Yes I would like a nice piece right now but I guess I can wait until I get home, the boys have been talking about having another blow out but I do not know when it will happen. So You dont know what I am going to do with that big bunch of hugs and Kisses I am saving up, well if Ruth won't stand for part of them I guess it will be up to you, So she is a jelous little tad, I guess she gets that from Me, if she wont let Me hug you while she is watching Me I will do it when she is not watching I will have to have them, so I intend to get on the good side of My baby so she will not object I am so glad you are back well, say Dearie, one of the Sisters has been getting some plinnes for the boys and she is here with some now and she has two, quiet nice block ones at 4/6 each that is $108 each I believe I will buy them - and send them home and if You do not want them You can sell them but be sure and charge more than that price if I do send them [Ltr. 4, p. 3] 2 Maby I had better wait and see what you think about it she can get them anytime She is in the dressmaking business and get the inside price on such things She can get any color maby you would prefer something besides black becaus you have some nice black ones, She is also going to bring over some white ones one of these days, and if I can get a nice one I will nab onto it. Saturday evening 915 PM well Dearie the last delivery of mail has come and I was disapointed, none for Me neither did Elder Jones get any but I presume Mine will be here monday, at least I will live in hopes. Last Monday you know I got two letters from You one in the morning and one in the evening. Sunday Dec 10th 5 PM I have just returned from Sister Everards and am just ready to go to the hall to meeting, I had another Turkey dinner to day and I guess I ate more than I should have done as I have a head ache to pay for it, well dearie talk about fogs, we are having one to day, it was nice and clear this morn- ing but all afternoon it has been black [Ltr. 4, p. 4] as night - Just as dark as as midnight You cant emagin what it is like it is beastly I could hardly find My way home from Sister Everards- so You can see it is worse than night Well Sister E. has envited Me to eat Christmas dinner with her just think only two more weeks until Christmas and I have not Sent You anything, for Christmas I guess You will have to wait until I come home and then I will try and make up for this time, you cant send anything by mail and there has been no Elders going since Young left and I hate to ask them to take anything for Me they act so funny about it, and I wish I knew what to get You, guess I will have to wait until You can come and select something for Your self, it makes Me home sick to think of Christmas comming and Me away over here, but it dont change conditions to worry about it, and it don't seem like the year is so near gone as it is the seasons are so deferent to ours, well it time for meeting so I will finish writing to you some time next week. Monday morning: it is still foggy and I have not been out doors yet, it was awful last night coming from meeting I could hardly breathe and My eyes have not quit smarting from the effects of it yet. You aught to see a London fog And You aught to see My collars and Shirts after I have been out in one for an hour or two, they get filthy - it is nothing [Ltr. 4, p. 5] 3 more or less than wet smoke - I wont be sorry when summer comes again, I believe I would rather have Street meetings than fogs.- I am going down town this afternoon and try and find some little Christmas cards to send home, I will have to post them next Wednesday in order for them to get home in time, I did not get any letters this morning, the next mail after to day, that is if none comes this evening will be Saturday [-] with a chance for some Thursday I will expect mine Thursday I will look for it each mail- until it comes, Well Dearie what are You going to do Christmas Same as usual I guess well I will emagin the good time You are having of course You will all be at Your Mammas, how I would like to drop in upon you but not this time never the less I will be thinking of of you and I know You will also be thinking of Me well You will know I am having a good dinner, but it will not be [Ltr. 4, p. 6] like what you will have at home yet it will be very good, but I could easily go with out even the dinner if I could be with My Mamma and doll baby, but it won't be long befor I can enjoy the companion ship of those I love better than all the world, Seven Months have gone since I landed one more Christmas after this one O' what a long time to look forward to and what a long time it does seem since I left you and how often I look back on that time and it seems longer and longer, yet the days seem to pass rapidly,- but let them go the faster the sooner they cant go to rapidly for Me, My thoughts are ever of you, My Mamma and baby are foremost in My mind I go to bed thinking of you and awake in the morning wonder- ing how your are and in spite of other work and no matter how buisy I may be, Yet I cant help wondering and thinking about My folks I guess you will think I am a great big calf but I cant help it there is no place like home for Me I would rather be there than any place else I know of, I thought this would breake me but not so I am afraid I will be worse than ever when I do get back [Ltr. 4, p. 7] 4 Well Dearie her it is Tuesday evening I have just finished wrapping up a few post cards to send home I have not Yet had any mail from home, but perhaps it will come Thursday and it not it will surely be here on Saturday, I am almost homesick for a letter but I presume we must expect delays at this season of the Year, well the fog has cleared up a little to day, we went down town last night, and bought the cards I am sending home, the fog was so dense we could hardly find our way about, at times it was worse than others, or in places it seems to come in patches, for Instance the other day the President and I were at Rectory Road Station waiting for the train when it came we got on and it was snowing, we heard a Lady say to another one that She had passed through, rain, Fog, Sunshine and fog coming about 10 miles, this is what it is like at this season of the Year, Well Dearie I am well and hope My Mamma and baby are also, May the Lord bless you both and May you have [Ltr. 4, p. 8] a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year both of You and tell the folks that I wish them all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and tell Papas baby Ruth Merry Christmas and Happy New Year how I would like to be home with You but never mind there is good times coming then I expect to have this pleasure. I hope the folks are all well, I try to content My self with the old saying that no news is good news. I had a letter from Mamma some time ago and I have not answered it yet I guess she is thinking the same about Me it has been almost one month since I wrote to her so I will try and answer her letter either to night or in the morning, well Dearie I hope to hear from You in a day or two at the out side I do hope You are both well May the Lord bless You both and keep you from all harm and danger, with lots of Love, hugs, and kisses I remain as ever your loving and Effectionate husband and Papa Alvin F. Smith XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 5, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Dec 15th 05 My Own Dear Millie I got the long looked for letter this morning. it is twelve days to day since I got the last one, and last night I told the boys if I did not get a letter next mail, that they would have to move away becaus there would be no, living with Me, I can tell you it did seem a long time since I had heard from You and I read Your letter over three times to make up for the delay, Yes Dearie I am well and happy to know that you are both well, this is what comforts Me more than anything, it almost makes Me homesick to see our precious little doll baby when you tell about the many cute things she does, just think of her playing the piano and singing, and the way she loves, and tends her dolly, and she is big enough to sweep the floor, what a darling she is. Yes Dearie she is the loveliest baby in this big world O how I would like to just hug her and her Mamma, I do love you with all My heart [Ltr. 5, p. 2] You are My very own Mamma and Ruthy doll. So You have been down to see Chase’s baby I am glad they have a nice one so they named it after its Grandmama Smith and you walked all the way down and wheeled Ruth in the bugy I guess you were tired, and you have repaired the carriage and had new tires put on it and made new. does Ruth like to go bye bye as much as ever, I am glad she likes Moke and I am glad he likes her. Say Dearie I just this moment received a letter from David with a draft for $200 and he said get you a good Christmas dinner with it, he also sent Me a programme or at least a hand bill with the pictures of the Granite Stake Dramatic Club, I see Mrs Savage is turned actress, I also see that a Miss Leah Farr is among the comp- any, is that the young girl that lives in our house it looks a little bit like her from the picture, and David says they are becoming famous and that the piece is going to be played in the Salt Lake Theatre for the benefit of the Old folks, he said if it were not for family gatherings, there would be some of the folks that he would not see any oftener than I do, and he says Emily had his picture enlarged and hung on the wall so that his kids would not forget what there father looks like She did this as a joke I guess becaus since he became a play actor, he has not spent many of his evenings at home. So you think the King you think looks like brother Symans, well I believe he does when you mention it [Ltr. 5, p. 3] 2 but I had not thought of it until You mentioned it, I do not know how much George has gained, but he looks much fleshier than when he left home I guess missionary life agrees with him Willard the same they both look fine So Mamma went with Papa to Brig- ham City, President Hoopes lives in Brigham and his wife wrote and told him the President Smith was there to Conference but She did not say any thing about, any of the folks being with him, who was there at home besides the girls. Yes Dearie I can emagine that Mrs Field is a frequent visitor at Your house. She thinks more of You than she does of Jesse, So she is going home befor Christmas I dont blame Mr Field for wanting her home, but I guess she would like to remain longer, well I hope you will have a nice time at the Theatre on Thanksgiving - day Yes Mrs Field weighs more than I do I am just the same as when I left home, Say Dearie how much do you weigh, You said You were getting fatter but you did not tell Me how heavy You were, Yes I am used to the top hat and long tail now and I rather like them. So there will not be a wedding [Ltr. 5, p. 4] befor Christmas, well January is not far off and may the house dry fast “is My wish for them, I guess they will be as cosy as two bugs in a rug, “Dec 16 well Dearie You will see that I did not finish this letter the day I began it. I started to write to you yesterday afternoon and at 5 Oclock I went out to call on Sister Crofts again and also to attend cottage meeting, Elder Beesley and Cummings went with Me Sister Crofts was much worse, the operation was successful and the wound is healing nicely but she came down with Pleurisy and has been very bad all the week, she was a little better yesterday and was glad we called to see her, it was ten thirty oclock when we got home, so I thought I had better get up this morning and finish this letter becaus it will have to be posted at 1150 AM or it will not go for three or four days and what time do you think It was when I did get up - well it was seven thirty. and I was the first one to crawl out, we usualy get up at seven, but it seemed to be darker this morning and none of us woke up when we should the other boys are just beginning to get up now. So you will see we are not very early risers. I believe I am getting lazy, however we very seldom get to bed befor twelve oclock and some times later, You are amused with the manner in which the Queen of England fixes her hair. She wears a wig, that is not her natural hair, it is like this King Edward has been a tough nut in his day and according to reports he has not got over it yet, he is the father of several illegitemate Children. and he got into trouble with an [Ltr. 5, p. 6] 3 American actress by the name of Edna May, and she is the mother of one of these Children, and through mingling with such women he contracted a disease which he gave to the Queen, and this disease caused her to loose all her hair, She lives apart from him, now. I have heard, they tell lots of storys about him, I do not know how true they are, but I guess there is some truth in some of the reports becaus he has been very wild in his time, and he is a disipated looking fellow, the Queen is obliged to accomp- any him on special occasions, but there is not much love between them and it shows how people will live for the sake of noterety and a name and this too is only a worldly name I would sooner be poor and live in a humble little cottage with a wif and baby that I know loves Me, and to have a knowledge of the Gospel which teaches Me that they are mine not only for this life but for eternity this fact makes one rejoice, it is the Gospel that brings love and happin -ess to one another, give Me this in preference to worldly things and a inheratince in the Lords kingdom is worth more than all the earthly kingdoms combined, why then should we not store [Ltr. 5, p. 6] up for our selves treasures in heaven rather than for this earthly career if the Lord will bless Me with sufficient to provide for Me and mine, that we can be comfortable this is all I will ask, and when I see the conditions which exist in this big world it causes Me thank him for the many, many blessings he has bestowed upon Me, and Mine, He is the giver of all good gifts, and we should not forget him after all his kindnesses to us, no place in the world can you find a people so blessed as the Latter Day Saints, but many of us do not appreciate this fact, but I can truly thank him for his goodness to Me and also for the health and strength of You that you are well, becaus this alone is a comfort for Me. Well Dearie this letter will not reach You until about New Years. So I will wish you and Ruth a Happy, Happy New Year, also to all the folks, I expect another letter this evening Several boats reported, in the paper this morning, we are going to have another chicken dinner to day one of our Lady saints sent us two big fat chickens, Yesterday direct from their farm and they are dandys You will begin to think that we are having quiet as many of these “dinners” as You are but why should we not eat chicken when we can get them for nothing, well Millie Dear Give My love to Your Papa and Mamma, Bertha, Joe, and all the folks and kiss that sweetest baby in the world for Papa. May the Lord bless and watch over You at all times is the wish and prayer of Your loving and effectioante Husband and Papa Alvin F. Smith XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 6, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Dec 18th 05 My Own Dear Millie Talk about letters, I got one another from You Saturday evening and one to day. You aske me in the first one if there is anything I want and in the next one you send Me $1000 I shall buy something for You with part of this I am afraid You cant afford to send Me so much, I hope You wont rob Your self, and the paper came with the muffler, it is just fine, I will use it for best, I brought two over with Me so I wont hav eto buy one, I went down town this afternoon and when I came home this evening, there was the paper You sent Me, and a letter from Richard with two dollars enclosed, one from Bro Nelson with two pounds eleven shillings which he asked Me to divide between us four boys, another letter from Hamilton Freebairn with one dollar enclosed and still another letter from Mamma in which she says she has sent five dollars part of which is from the girls - and all of them wish Me a Merry Christmas and [Ltr 6, p. 2] and tell Me that the money is for Christmas dinners, but I can asure You that it will not be spent in this way becaus I am going out for dinner on that day as I have allready told You in a previous letter, every body is good to Me and all the boys are jelous, becaus I have been so well remembered, and especially becaus I have received so many letters the last two days the President did not get any letters, and he is the disapointed one this time, but he had two letters last week and I have told him he ought to be satisfied, but he is not, I have tried to console him by telling him that I went without for twelve days and that it was for this reason that I have been so well favored this time but even this does not comfort him, Well Dearie Richard tells Me that he calls to see You now and again this of course You have also told Me, he brags on both My baby and wife, and says it would do You good to drop in and see them, but as circumstances will not permit I will do it for You” well I am glad he does call once in a while, he says the Salt Lake Knitting Works is getting out of debt I am glad of this becaus we have two or three dollars there, and I will be glad when they can begin paying us a dividend on it, this is the best year they have had in the Store, and he says he has had to employ additional hands, but I guess You are acquainted with this information, as you call in the store now and again and he comes to see You and as My interests are Your interests You should know these things as well as Me [Ltr. 6, p. 3] 2 Richard saiy he hopes I am busy “sawing wood” and getting as much out of the work as possible, but he says- Mark My word, “the most pleasant part of a Mission is when you can come home” and I am quiet satisfied that this will be a happy time. but I try not to worry about it, I am well and happy and am doing the best I can, we baptised twelve persons into the Church yesterday in this Conference, and confirmed them at the meeting house in the evening I helped to confirm them, President Hoopes Booth and Langton did the baptising, we had a find time I am no preacher and never will be but I am beginning to enjoy the work,- Bro Nelson tells Me that the sugar stocks are on the tobog- gan, when he dictated the letter he sent Me it was worth 1220 and when he signed the letter befor sending it to Me it was $1200 went down twenty cents in one hour or two, I guess you had better keep all You have got while it is this low but when it goes to $14.95 again do some speculating with all of it, if the prospe- cts are good for buying in again at a lower figure, You and I have about 128 Shares at 1400 it would be about five hundred and twelve dollars more than it cost us [Ltr. 6, p. 4] but of course I dont suppose it will go down to par so you could not figure on any such profit but if You think You can make a few hundred dollars any time You can speculate with My part, consult Nelson about it, and he will give You the proper tip, I will mention it to him when I answer his letter, use Your own good judgement and when You see a chance to sell with good prospects of buying in again to make a profit do so, but unless You can make a good enough profit to pay You - You better keep it, I dont want You to have any less amount than you already have but I dont care how much more you have, well I will look over Your letters and answer them, I dont know why your letters are delayed unless it is on account of christmas and the rush becaus I have not missed posting you one each mail, so you are having winter weather I hope you wont catch cold, they dont know what winter is over here, no snow nothing but rain and fog it dont seem like winter to Me, I have been wearing My unions for some time, I had to come to it, I am sorry Joe will loose his job but the Lord will open up the way for him to get another and I too hope he can get one as good when he does make the change You did perfectly right when You answ- ered Hiley Groesbeck, it is best to let him tell what ever kind of story he wants but the straight of it was the way I told You the fact of the matter is, he got cold feet, I believe You will agree with Me that he don’t look very sickly, that is when he does call to see You if he does, and I hope he will becaus I got him to take a little muff home for the baby, I hope he gets it to you all right, it is one that can be washed by removing the lining- I thought it was so cute I had to have one, when I saw them and if you can train her, to keep her hands in it [Ltr. 6, p. 5] 3 it will keep her warm when You have her out. I am glad Bertha got her gloves and that they suit her, remember Me to Hiley also Young if You see him after You get this, Yes Brother Ogden has the same love for Joe he is a nice little fellow and I guess You have seen him befor now I am sorry Joe’s house wont be finished this year, but tell him to get a move on himself, I got a letter from George this mor- ning, he said Lillian was expecting to be sick any day, his letter was dated Dec 14th so when I got Your letter I sent him a card, congratulating him it may reach him as quick as the news from home, I wish it would be the first news he gets of this event. So you are having a fine fair in the ward and You had a doll to dress, I bet it did look swell after You finished it, if I was home I would have to buy it in for Ruth Mattie is like the missionaries. I guess has been over here so long that it is easy to make promisses and break them She said she would call and see You but maby she has been very buisy maby she has a good excuse, but this Lad dont intend to make any promisses then I wont break them, Zina has also told Me what a little buisy lady our doll baby is, and Mamma has been telling [Ltr. 6, p. 6] how well she talks, and when You tell Me how she runs about, and goes and plays the piano it makes Me wish I could see her and I would like to play, peek a boo with her, You say that you and Bertha are sending Me a package each, how are they coming by an Elder or by Mail. Dearie I never will get even with for for so Many many kindnesses - but I hope to some day- Yes I expect to have Turkey and Plumb pudding on Christmas, but I would just like to drop in your Mommas on that day I would not care so much for the dinner but I would see You all, and I guess I would be able to eat just as much dinner as anybod, too, but I will only be there in part My letter “thirds” will be there and I will be with You in thoughts. So Mrs Field was not able to go with you to the theatre, I went Saturday night to see the merchant of Venice it was fine a whole bunch of us Elders went, this is the first I have been to for two months ore more, I expect to go and see the pantomme next week, every body brags them up so I guess I will have to see one, well Fanny is going to get married Mamma Thinks just as you do that she had better hurry or she is liable to change her mind I am glad the City have got to fix Your Papas side walk, what does that old fool think that makes so much trouble about such things - you know who I mean, the one that causes so much trouble around that part of the city. I will tell price that his wife is better since she got married I expect he will be in London for Christmas he is happy and gets about sixteen letters each mail, at least about this many come through the house and I do not know how many go direct, well Dearie what somebody will have a birthday pretty Soon what would You like for a birthday [Ltr. 6, p. 7] 4 present, I will try and send you something if there is any body going home this way probably I can get them to take You some- thing I would like to give You about 31 big kisses with an extra big one to grow on, well Dearie it is twelve oclock I will go to bed and finish this in the morning- Dec 19th the sun is Shining this morning the first time for a week. I got another letter from home this morning, this time it is from Hyrum he tells me he has sent Me a few pence, for a Christmas dinner and that if I am fortunate enough to be invited out on that day I will be in pocket this much I guess he Sent it by draft becaus it has not come yet but I presume it will come through the Liverpool office, it seems to Me I never had so much money in all My life, I have received about 21 or two dollars, at least I expect this amount when it all comes, this is all for Christmas, and I would like to spend it and get something for every body who I know that is of the families but there are two many of them so I cant think of doing this, So I guess I will have to use it as I need it, but thanks to all of You - Yes every last one of You [Ltr. 6, p. 8] I have been to the post office this morning and have sent George and Willard theirs and I have the order for Chases, this is out of what Bro Nelson sent so I will have to write each of them a letter this afternoon and tell them who they are to thank and I have got several letters to answer My self I have had about 9 - letters the past three days just think of it - and these will all have to be answered, well the happy day is rolling on this Year soon past and gone and another Year and a half I hope will see Me joined with You, well I have just had a wrestle with the President to get warmed up. I have to put him down two or three times a day, So You see I get a little exercise well Millie Happy New Year to You and Ruth and all the folks, remember Me to all enquiring friends, and kiss My doll baby for Me and tell her that Papa would like to see his doll baby, and have a chance to tend her and take her bye bye I do love My Mamma and precious little Ruth - take good care of Your selves and dont catch cold and have a good time on Christmas I expect a good dinner My self Sunday at Sister Everards and Monday I am going to Stratford to another so I will be well fed with out spending very much of the money which has been sent Me. May the Lord bless My Mamma and baby is the prayer of your loving and effectionate Husband and Papa Alvin F. Smith XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 7, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Dec 22- 05 My Own Dear Millie This is Friday tomorrow is mail day both arriving here and leaving here, - Well Dearie I started this letter this morning, something interrupted Me, then I had to got down stairs and extract the insides from two large Geese which Santa Clous left here for us, they were sent to us by John Smith, one of the Saints and a fine old man, well we had one of them cooked for dinner to day and we expect to eat the other tomorrow, we have been living fine of late, and I do not know how it will agree with us to go back to our old diet after the hollidays which we will sure have to do, Well after I had cleaned the fowls I, shaved my face and then I went to call on Sister Everard, we did not have dinner until I got back from her place, She wished to be remembered to You, well when I got home there were a bunch of German [Ltr. 7, p. 2] Elders here on their way home [---] You see it was like this if they stayed to dinner there would not be enough for us, so we, I say we, but it was done befor I got back but it met with My views -“well we” got them to go sight seeing they were willing to go after a bread and jam dinner was offered them I guess they thought they could get better than that down town, we also have two Elders from the Burmingham conference here and we got rid of them this morning, one of them is an old sweet heart of Lisses - his name is David Andrew, just ask her if she knows him, the other one's name is Pierce, they both come from the conference where Poulton labors and all I have seen from there with the exception of Drazier are very much after the order of Paulton, “Sort of Braggarts” well we enjoyed the goose and we have just been down picking the carcas befor going to bed, just after dinner we went down town, that is President hoopes, Beesley and My self, we called on some relative of Beesleys they are produce merchants here in London and well to do people one of them took us over the poultry and Meat Market, and I never saw so many Turkeys & Etc befor in My [Ltr7, p. 3] 2 life there was hundreds of tons of them and they looked fine some of them weighted as high as 33 lbs tomorrow is the big sale day Christmas eve, You might say at least it is the saturday evening befor Christmas, and we are going down to see the market place then becaus Mr Pinnock who is the Gentlemen that took us through says it will be worth seeing becaus they will sell them at almost any old price to get rid of them and he says every body will be out to get bargains, we thought there were big crowds there to day but he said it could not be compared with the number that would be there tomorrow so I will tell You what it is like next time I write, well after visiting the market place we went over on to St Pauls street and I saw some- thing that I thought was pretty so I bought, four, and I am going to try and send you a couple of them for Your Birthday, in fact I will send them all to You and I want you to select from the four [Ltr. 7, p. 4] the two You want, and then give Emma and Zina the other two, I wont tell You what they are but, they will be nice for summer and, and they guarantee them to wash and I hope you will like them, of course it will require labor again on Your part Dearie befor You can wear them but I believe, You will think they are pretty and I would like to see You when you do get them fixed up and especially when You put them on, well after we got home from down town we had tea, then the President and I went out visiting it was ten oclock when we got back and it was after this that we went down to pick the carcas of that goose and it is now eleven fifteen and I have got to get up at 6 oclock in the morning and go down to the depot to meet some of President Grants folks, do you think I will be able to do it, Well Dearie every thing is hustle, bustle, here in London I tell You they do make lots of trouble over Christmas it makes Me wish I was home where I would also enjoy My self, it dont seeme like Christmas to Me and I cant hardly make My self think it is so near [Ltr. 7, p. 5] 3 and tomorrow is the Prophets Birthday I guess You will have a big time at home in honor of this day, we expect to hold Memorial Services Sunday evening in honor of the greatest Man out side of the Savior him self that ever lived on this earth, and I hope some day to see the time when this will become a general holliday among out people, for the purpose of honoring his name I will send you a copy of this weeks and next weeks star which gives a brief history of the Prophet and of Grandfather I will also send you a portrait in each of the two Prophets we have had good weather the past two or three days, but how long it will last there is no telling we have been with out fog for nearly two weeks just think of it, and I hope we go another two, becaus I dont like the fog I believe if a person gets so he can Stand this climate, he can live in any old country, becaus when it comes to changeable weather this beats the world. You have to always [Ltr. 7, p. 6] be prepaired for just what might come, well Dearie I saw by the paper you were having a fine time in the twenty first ward I guess You must have enjoyed it - how much did they make out of it, well Millie how is the Sweetest doll baby in the world and what did old Santa Clous bring her tell Me all about it and let Me know if You got the Muff and what shape it was in when you did get it, tell Me all the news and especially about Your self and Ruth and kiss the sweetest baby in this big world for Me, I am well and hope that this will find you the same May the Lord bless and protect You continually is My pray for you remember Me kindly to all enquiring friends and give my My Love to Your Papa and Mamma and Bertha and Joe and all the folks- and dont forget to keep a big portion for your Self and Ruth - Bless My Mamma and baby I love you dearer than all this world and May the Lord ever watch over you is My prayer and desire - Your Loving and effectionate Husband and Papa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Alvin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 8, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Dec 25th 1905 My Own Dear Millie This is Christmas morning and the church bells have been ringing nearly all night, and for hours last night, I layed and listened to them and also to the Christmas carrolls and music which was being sung and played from door to door, by poor people, this is another way they have of begging, and some of them reap a bountious harvest becaus they find people in the humor, or contrib- uting to them, becaus most of the places they visit, the people are well enough off to have a good time them selves, and when thus engaged they are usually willing to contribute a few pennys to help them who are less fortunate, and who make it a business of going about attempting to sing, and some of them are not able to do much more than make an attempt yet it seems to be a pretty good paying business, and there are many customs in this country which [Ltr. 8, p. 2] encourage begging, and while I lay listening to these things My thought wandered home, well they have been there for some time, Yes for weeks, every since conditions began to point towards Christmas have My thought wandered homeward it has almost been impossible for Me to get My mind on anything but My own dear ones at home but as I lay and thought of these things, I had that longing which often come over Me to be home with you I thought of many things, and looked into the future and at the past and never since I landed have felt just as I did last night, it is needless for Me to try and tell You how I felt becaus it would be impossible. And here I am this morning, all alone, all the boys have out to spend the day with some of the Saints and their friend with the exception of our new Elder, who is a cousin to President Hoopes, and at this time he has gone out to try and purchase a writing tablet, - he arrived here to late to receive any invitation to go and eat dinner with any of the Saints and I feel like I wish I could exchange places with him and let him fill My place at Sister Everards, I would just like to remain home to day, for some reason or other I dont know why I should feel this way I guess I am diferent to most of people, but Santa Claus has been to good to Me I am afraid and although I appreciate all blessings I have received and presents, Yet I feel that it is even better to give than receive" and I wish I could return the compliments prehaps some day I can, Oh how I long to see My own Precious Mamma and baby May the have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, bless you I do love you both better than My own life, Yes Mille You are more precious to Me than anything in the world [Ltr. 8, p. 3] 2 Saturday evening I received the package from Your Mamma and Bertha which you sent Me. President Hoopes received it at the door there were nine of the Elders here when it came So I had to open it and it took about half of it to go around, they all with the exception of the President himself made some comment upon and several pronouncing it the best they ever tasted Such things as this You know does taste good to fellows after they have been away from home some time, these same boys had, at least some of them had tasted a cake the Presdents wife had sent him the day previous, the bosses cake tasted all right until mine came, and if I do say it there was a big diference, well Dearie I am saving the other half and expect to eat most of it My self, then Yesterday or Sunday morning the other package You sent Me came and I have been eating candy every since it is just fine and thank You very much for it and thank Your Mamma and Bertha for Me for the nice cake, this morning the post Man had to make a special trip to 97 here with mail his whole load was for this address, and among his load there was a letter for Me from [Ltr. 8, p. 4] You which I was very much pleased to receive, I also got a card from George telling Me of his Thanksgiving present Well Mamma it is time I was going over to Sister Everards, I will finish this letter when I come back. 8 P.M. I have just returned home on My way over I met Elder Hanson, he came over with Me and labors in this conference he was on his way to 97- to spend the day So I took him with Me we had a nice time and a good dinner, Turkey, and Plumb pudding, all we could eat the afternoon we spent consersing on diferent subjects and now I am home again, how does that sound to You Dearie, Home again well here we are Elder Hansen. George Hoopes and Alice, She has just brought us two dishes of nuts and some figs so I went and brought down some candy and we ae going to celebrate Christmas for a few minutes, we have made the figs and candy suffer and one dish of the nuts and I feel, chuck full clear up to the neck, it is now ten minutes past nine, which would make it about ten minutes past two at home abou this time You are enjoying Your selves, and how I would like to drop in and see you all I hope you are having a nice time and I can emagin I see You all gathered around the table enjoying Your selves, I would like to be sitting thare as I was the first time I went to Your Mammas, and see You, as You are now pictured in My mind, do You remember, O how plain I can see You as you looked then- and when [Ltr. 8, p. 5] 3 I think of it and of you I have, the Same feeling of love - that I was struck with then, only it has grown and increa- -sed until now it is much stronger and it is for two instead of one and how I long for the time when I can again enjoy those happy times with both Mamma and Ruth, how I would like to have been home to enjoy My self this day with You and My doll baby, I guess You will think Me a big baby My self, well Maby I am but I cant help it, and in fact I am glad of it, Well Dearie I will proceed to answer Your letter, evidently I Said so nothing in My letter which this is in answer to that did not please You, well I am sorry, but I did not intend to be sarcastic as You call it, I will not make any comments on the part of Your letter which refers to Mine, I find that the least I say about politics the better, there is also another subject in your letter that I will pass over, I hope you will change your mind about this some day, you will probably remember what you said, So Elder Ogden has arrived probably you will see him, I hope Elder Young will call on You, also Brazier, So Young was sea [Ltr. 8, p. 6] sick, I thought he was a good sailor You ask what part I took in the Sunday school entertainment I worked the Magic Lantern, Yes it was a success every body enjoyed them selves, So Ruth enjoy- ed the Fair bless her she does enjoy a good time, and the Hull girls introduced them selves to you, well next time you see them remember Me to them and send My best regards to their Father, they all wanted to love our baby, and she would not stand for it, well I am glad she is particular in cases of that kind, so she got jelous when either You or Bertha took Alices baby, bless her I am glad she does like Bertha, and she always jelous of her Mother and so was I and I can plainly see that I will have to get on the best side of My baby otherwise she is apt to be jelous of Me when I come home, So you have seen Mattie well what did she have to say for her self, and Your Papa's arm is no better He had better consult a diferent physician and I am sorry to hear of Your Mammas accidents, goodness Me she must be careful and I do hope you will be careful, I Saw by the paper that Mr Ewing was dead Say that was an awful thing, so L. C. Carrick has committed suicicde, well he was such another as Neldon if I remember corrently, let them go, the world is better off with out such fellows, that was an awful accident that young williams had but it seems there is always some one getting hurt. I am So glad our doll baby can amuse her self now that she can walk I guess it makes it easier on You, Dearie I would just give anything to see her do some of her cute things. I know she is the sweetest baby in the world, bless her little doll self and [Ltr. 8, p. 7] XXXXXXXXX 4 XXXXXXXXXX I am so glad You are both well and do hope you will continue so. So You have finished making all Your plumbpuddings and cakes, and I guess by this time You will have finished eating Some of them, what kind of weather did you have for Christmas did you have any snow, it must be pretty cold, it dont seem like winter over here, no snow and it has not rained for about two weeks it if keeps on like it has been the last two or three days I wont complain, we also been without fog for several days Oh this is a funny climate, you cant tell anything about it, Well Millie Dear Some of the other boys are home and they talked so much I had to quit writing, So I Joined in with them in Singing several Hymns, it is now twelve oclock and they have gone to bed so will finish this letter and then I will fall in also. . We have another new Elder his name is Harold G Reynolds he is from the German mission he has been there for thirty some odd months and has been appointed to labor here in London for a few Months befor going home he is a relative of Joe's and knows Bertha, he seems like a nice boy- but [Ltr. 8, p. 8] but rather bashful and he thinks London is a tough place, He says it is worse than Paris, You see he went down town the other day, and between where we live and the center of the city is a very slummy part when he got into it he Saw a lot of the slum girls that I have told You about, drunk and singing and dancing in the public streets and he had never befor seen any thing like it, and it almost paralyzed him, we will get him out on the street befor long and break him in, that is what will do it and the street season begins in February, if he gets in some of the mix ups I have been in he will wish he had gone direcly home, I am afraid, You know we have a habit of trading knives here in this Conference with all outside Elders who come here, we have a big wooden handled knife, with a big rusty blade, it is so big You can hardly conseal it in Your hand and we show up Sone good looking knive first and finally begin to trade among ourselves and then they come in on the game then we get their good knives for that one and then we get the laugh on them, well we worked Bro Reynolds and beat him out of his, and he got the big one, they never take it away with them so we have it ready for the next bunch I have won three pretty good knives out of it one of them came from Bramwell I dont suppose he told you how I beat him on the knife trade well we fixed poar Bro Reynolds the same way, well Dearie, I have gone the limit four of these pages are all I can send in one letter, give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and Bertha, and all the folks and May the Lord bless you and Ruth at all times with lots of love kisses and hugs I remain as ever your Loving and effectioante husband and Papa Alvin [Ltr. 9, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Dec 27th 1905 My Own Dear Millie This short note is to wish You many, many happy returns of the tenth of January, and this should reach you on about that date, I bought You a small present but I have not had any way of Sending it to You Yet so it will not reach You as soon as I should like but I hope to find some way of getting it to You befor long, I am sending You by post to day Some London views I have visited all the places shown in them several times I thought You could get a book and paste them in and they would be nice to look at to remind You of the things I hope some day to show You, in reality, I am also Sending Ruth a photo for her very own self, see if she will know who it is, Several of us went and had our pictures taken on a post card Yesterday, if they are good I will send You one, it was not a very [Ltr. 9, p. 2] good day but I hope they will be plain, we are all going to see a pantomine this evening at Drury Lane Theatre, I see by the paper that You are having some good shows in Salt Lake, I hope you will have a chance to see some of them, I have got to spend the afternoon visiting some of the saints, and try and stir them up to their duty, some of them are very poor excuses but we have to encourage them all we can and we try and visit them once a Month and it is not a very pleasant job Some of them are anything but clean and we dont spend many hours with some of them, Cleanly- ness is next to godliness and it this be true which I know it it to be some of them are a long way from know- ing what Godliness is. well Dearie it is all in the business and we have to try and improve them all we can - there are ten Elders here and all talking at a two forty gate I am well and hope you and Ruth are the same, and I hope your Mamma and Papa are also well, Many Many happy returns of the day and May the Lord bless You My own dear Momma and Ruth with lots of love hugs and kisses for you both from Your Loving and effectionate husband and Papa XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXX Alvin F. Smith XXXXXXX XXXXXX [Ltr. 10, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London N. Dec 29th-05 My Own Dear Millie Here I am at home the President is answering letters. Elder Reynolds is reading, we are house cleaning and it would have made You think of home if You could have seen Me the last three days, I have been dressed up, we have a large meeting room here and it was filthy dirty, Some time ago I suggested that we clean it befor Elder Cottrell went home, he is a expert cal[--]mmer and the ceiling was so dirty we thought it best to have an expert to do the job, Elder Jone agreed to furnish this wall paper so it was decided that we clean the room doring the hollidays so that is what we have been doing the past three days and we were all dressed up and I quiet enjoyed this part of it, Cottrell worked on the ceiling while we took the old paper off from the wall, and washed the walls, it was a beastly job and then Cottrell finished the Caluming [Ltr. 10, p. 2] and to day Elder Booth and I papered the room while Elder Jones and Reynolds washed the wood work, and You aught to see the paper President Hoopes Booth and Johnes went and seclected it, when they brought it home they opened it up and I was the first they asked ho I like it. I told, what I thought and they were almost discouraged I was the only one out of half dozen in the room that gave My opinion I guess the others hated to pass judgement after what I said then they took it into the other room and asked Elder Cottrell how he liked it, well he expressed his opinion and it was worse than mine, the paper would do for some country joke in the back woods and the border it is beastly the fellow that sold it to them said it was just the thing to go with the paper so they took it, well we hung the paper and it looked pretty good, but we had a discussion as to which was the right side up, Cattrell and I disagreed with the rest, of them again and they Said we would have to take the blame if it was not right, I told them to hang it to suit them selves, but people would think they were standing on their heads if while they did the job -since if is up they have decided at least some of them have decided that we were right, but after we got the border on or started to put it on, well I was ready to throw up the job I was ashamed to have anybody know I had any thing do with it, and they were all like me [Ltr. 10, p. 3] 2 about this part of it, but we finished and just got through, several English men have seen it within the last two hours and they think it is beautiful So You see our tasts do not all run alike, even the President acknowledged that if an american was to put a border on with paper like this that they would think he was crazy and I think the same it is a caution but it pleases these people over here and that is what we are here for I am tired to night, becaus I am not used to work and three days hand running is almost to much for Me but I am well and happy, Say Dearie I went to the Pantamine, at Drury Lane Theatre I sent You one of the books, the piece was Cinderella and I would have given any old thing if You could have seen it, talk about Scenery and costumes, they were the most beautiful I ever saw or ever expect to see it is impossible to try and describe to you, You have seen the crystal slipper and Cinderella played at home but they were tame compared with this, they cant be comp- ared at all, this is the first thing I have [Ltr. 10, p. 4] Seen that is better than our home shows, in fact until this time I have been disgusted with the Shows and the people who do the acting, but this one makes up for all of them it was the richest thing I ever say in My life we were obliged to stand in line two and a half hours, but it was worth 75¢ and we have more time than anything else so I consider it a cheap show at the time and price, I have been looking for a letter for two or three days, yankee mail came last night but there was none for Me and none for President Hoopes he has not had a letter for more than a week and he is almost ready to pack up and go home and that what it makes a fellow feel like, but I can stand it all right for a week, and My week is not Yet up, so I guess I will be contented, a little while longer. Elder Saville has just come in and he wishes to be remembered to You he said his Sisters knew You and he used to, Several of the boys came in to spend the hollidays and are remaining until after tomorrow becaus it is Priesthood meeting tomorrow, and President Hoopes expects to go to Liverpool tomorrow to a conference of the Conference Presidents and will be gone about three days, say Dearie President Grant gave Me a nice book for Christmas, intitled, "Great Truths" it is a very nice book. I sent him a card of greeting and he sent Me the book. I did not expect him to Send Me anything, but I thought I aught to remember him and Sister Grant, there are so many people I would like to have sent cards only I could not afford to send every body I know - a card [Ltr. 10, p. 5] #3 Elder Beesley, Cummings and Price have just returned from holding cottage meeting at Bush Hill Park, and Elder Price has lost his purse containing about fourty dollars, he thinks he lost it at Bro Hilleirs where the meeting was held he is going out first thing in the morning it is now twelve fifteen and trams have stopped running or he would go back this very night, I hope he will find it, he will get it all right if he lost it at Bro Hilleirs, but if it is not there I am afraid he will never find it, I will let you know next time I write if he does find it, it contains all his Christmas money. He feels certain that he dropped his purse while taking his handkerchief from his back pocket, and in this way pulled it from his pocket I presume You will see his wife He expects her to Spend her Christmas in Salt Lake. Only two more days of this year, do you remember, how we Spent our New Years two years ago and last year, I would like to be home to set the old year out and the New one in with You, I will see the New Year about Sevenl hours sooner than it will You this time, April 17th and now [Ltr. 10, p. 6] it is Dec 29th - the time is going but it does seem a long time since I left home when I look back it seems ages, and I long for the time to come when I can again step off from the train in Salt Lake City. I am trying to keep buisy so the time will continue to fly past we will loose our President befor Many Months and then I may be transferred into some branch and Something else but anything to keep buisy, and I would just as soon be out in one of the branches 97 is more like a half way house we always have visitors and one can not find to do any thing hardly with out being disturbed, two cant study and be quiet - we always have some one butting in on us but we keep pegging along trying to do our duties and this is about all we can do, tomorrow is mail day I hope to receve one from you give My Love to Your Papa and Mamma Bertha and Joe and all the folks and kiss our Precious doll baby for Me and let her kiss You for Me May the Lord bless and watch over You and preserve You from all harm is My daily prayer - for You with lots of love hugs and kisses I remain as ever You Loving and effectionate husband and Papa XXXXXXXXXXXXXX Alvin F. Smith XXXXXX XX X X XXX [Ltr. 11, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Dec 31-1905 My Own Dear Millie there is only fifteen minutes left of this year it is quarter to twelve here in London and and four forty five at home, So I will see the New Year about Seven hours Sooner than You will at home just think one more Year grad- ually dieing, and we expect to hear the death knells ring out the signal when it will breathe it’s last and we are now awaiting to welcome the New Year and bid farewell to the old one the following Elders are here, President Hoopes, Elders Beesley-Hoopes Cummings, Seare, Reynolds, Bateman Andrew, Pierce and My Self, the bells are now ringing, now the whistles have begun to blow, five minutes more, they do not make as much noise as we do at home, Hip, Hip Hurrah, greetings to 1906 - the old year has gone and it is Now January 1st 1906 1203 A.M. I was the only one present that gave three cheers, well Dearie I got out all My photos and brought them [Ltr. 11, p. 2] down Stairs thinking probably it would Seem more like home, the pictures look awful good to Me and are a great comfort to Me yet, but they do not take the place of My Mamma and Ruth but I guess I have another Christmas and New Year to celebrate with the photos as as substitute for You and then I hope to have the orriginals for the one following I am well and happy all the boys have gone to bed. I can hear people singing on the streets while across the road and also next door the people are playing the piano and Singing every body seems to be happy Yes there are many I guess who are miserable, this day has been the coldest one since I arrived in London, we spent the afternoon at Hyde Park and I almost froze, I was glad to get home directly after our evening meeting and I pity all the poor people these kind of days and nights. I got one of the post cards that I mentioned in My last letter I will enclose it to You in this letter I think I will order one dozen of them it is a very good picture of all only I think it flatters us- especially Me I hope you will recognize Me, the names You will find on the back of the card so you can see who they are, see if Ruth can find her Papa on the card- tell Me what you think of it, well Dearie tomorrow is Mail day I hope none came Saturday [Ltr. 11, p. 3] 2 and as it is getting late I will go to bed and finish this letter later on, I wonder what you are doing I guess You will also see the old year die and the New Year come in, by by, night night, will write more tomorrow- “Alvin” Jan 2nd 1905 I will now try and finish this letter I was delighted to receive your letter # 47 yesterday - Monday morning I also got one from Papa telling Me he was going to Vermont, and that Hyrum and Ida were going with him he said they expected to be back by the first of January I am glad you are well, yes I am pleased to have Elder Beesley with us here at the house, So Junious, Ogden called to see You, He is a nice boy and a good boy, what has he been telling you about Me and how I look, or was it Elder Young that has been telling you, well Dearie I will send you a post card this will explain, you will see I have what Willard calls a eyebrow on My upper lip. I am going to whack it off befor long it is a nusance, I am glad Elder Young called to see You did Groesbeck come with him So Anne gave Ruth a muff also well [Ltr. 11, p. 4] how funny that she should have two but I guess they will keep she will have one for best and one for every day I am glad she thinks it is nice I would like to hear the her sing to it and play with it, I am glad Brother Young stopped and had dinner with You, I hope when he gets home they put him to work in the Sunday school or on the home mission otherwise he is apt to go back to his old ways he is a good boy but Bull headed and easily led, yes old London Bridge is a noted place the water does go[-] right up to the building when the tide is in it raises about fifteen or twenty feet there at the bridge and the boats unl- oad right into. the buildings I sent you some some better views of London the other day I guess You have them by now. Yes I guess there is a diference in Ruth now and when I left home, but I always see her as I left her and as she looks in the pictures you sent Me, I often picture her walking about and tending her dolly and how I would like to see the Precious little pet, I bet she is a comfort to her Mamma, she is to Me even though I am way over here, I am glad You take the precautions You do with our cow I wish I was home to do it for you, that cow of your Mammas is a freak. I dont know what to make of her it dont look like You were going to get rid of the calf, but I hope by this time they have taken her from you I hate to think of you bothering with those critters, you have plenty to do with having to bother with out door chores and some times I feel like you aught to sell the whole bunch, Maby You had better sell them, I am glad you went to the Theatre I guess it is about the same old thing, it is a piece however that one can see several times without tiring So Mrs Field is going home, I guess Jesse will be glad when she gets there, you ask if My hair is still coming out, yes it does, I guess I will be bald when I come home, So Ruth tells Me “tat ta” bless her I wish I could see you both a few minutes I forgot to tell you but Elder Price found his purse- it was at Bro Hilliers right back of the chair he was occupying it hadn’t been noticed by the family - and when Price got there he found it himself I am well and happy, give My Love to Your Papa and Mamma and Bertha and all the folks kiss our baby for Me and coax her to kiss You for Me if you can May the Lord bless you both is My prayer for you with Lots of love hugs and kisses from your Loving husband and Papa Alvin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX