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, Jan 1906 MSS 7952 [notes by transcriber are in brackets; preprinted text is in bold] [ltr. 1, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Eng Jan 6th 1906. My Own Dear Sweet Millie and Ruth I have just read Your last letter over again. I believe I answered every thing in it the last time I wrote, I have been out sight seeing to day, he telegraphed to Me this morning before I was up and wanted Me to Meet him at the depot at ten 20 A.M. which I did I had to hurry, he is on his way back to his field of labor, he has been spending the hollidays with President Grant, he is laboring in the Dutch Mission, we have had a very nice time, at least I guess we have, he enjoyed it, of course all we saw is getting old to Me, I have seen most of the important sights of London several times, I have no trouble now days in finding My way arround this City, although I thought the first few days I was here I never would be able to locate My self, but it is easy now. Well Millie dear President Hoopes has just come in with the grant girls he [ltr. 1, p. 2] brought them up to the house becaus the train dont go until 830 they are going back to Germany to study, John Taylor is going as far as Rottendom with them they are trying to persuade them to stop over and go to the pantamme, well I will answer this or finish it after supper. "Here it is Jan 7th I did not finish this last night as You will see, the President sent Me to the depot with the folks, and when they got to the Station - and found that they could make the same connection on Sunday as week days they decided to stop over and go to the shows this afternoon, so we all came back to the house and Sister Arvella Clark sang half doz songs for us, and by that time it was bed time, so I am up early to finish this letter, so it will go out this morning, Say Dearie I had another dream of home, last night, and You bet I was in misery, it was the same old story about coming right back, and talk about the reception I got well it was a chilly one, well I was glad when I awoke and found out I had been dreaming, I thought I went home and that I went to the shop first I remember seeing Heber Romney Fred Odell and Miss Wimberg and Briggs they all seemed pleased to see Me, and I thought Jos Hansen was also with Me and he left Me as I went out to go up to see You and he was coming back to so we decided to meet one another at the depot the next day, well I went up to You Mammas and when I got there You were not home so I waited and finally You came, but You would not hardly speak to Me, and I thought, well [ltr. 1, p. 2] 2 she is mad becaus I am not going to stay, You did not have Ruth with You so I asked You where she was and You told Me the Nurse had taken her to Paris think of it to Paris, becaus she was not very well, this after the cool manner in which You treated Me was almost My finish, so I made up My mind to go to Paris on My way back and find My baby, when I landed in this country again, when I was coming along - I thou- ght Alice was with Me and we met the Nurse and Alice said here comes the Nurse when we got to her I went up to her and and asked her where Ruth was and she ignored Me but turned to Alice and asked for You, well by Jove, if any body was ever in misery I was by this time, well she would not answer Me, and went on and left us, in a few steps we came to where the road where we were was up above the other road and down below was a baby buggy and in it sat My baby, and she was just as clean and white and beautiful as she could be, I called to her and She looked up and began to smile and shake her little hands to Me and I forgot Alice and went and got Ruth and then [ltr. 1, p. 4] I woke up, You will laugh at Me I guess when You read this but I did feel mise- rable, becaus of the way You had treated Me and wondered how You could stand to send our baby away off like that with only a Nurse, and that too when she was not well but You were so unconcerned about it and would have nothing much to do with Me, and when I met that nurse, then I was about done for, I can see her just as plain as if she was right here now, well Dearie all becaus I got coming home befor My time was up, but I was much happier after I had found My baby and I was glad when I woke up and found it was not real, but only an Idle dream isnt it funny what a person has pass through his mind when he is asleep I don't dream very often, thank goodness are You as bad to dream as You used to be, how are You anyway, and how is our precious baby, is is letter day to day or to night and I expect a letter giving this information, I have had a slight cold for two or three days but it is almost better now, with this excep- tion I am fine, three more days and My Mamma Millie will be one year older one more birth day I have a little present for you but I have not had anyway to send it to You as yet but I hope to have a chance befor long, but May You have many Many happy returns of the day, Say Dearie I love My Mamma and Ruth better than all the world and May the Lord bless You both and protect You from all harm and sickness give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks give the enclosed card to Bertha with lots and lots of love hugs and kisses I remain as ever your Loving husband and Papa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Alvin F. Smith [ltr. 2, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Jan 8th 1906 My own Dear Millie I received Your welcome letter of December 25th also the one written by the several members of the family it came last Saturday night at 9. P.M. and I was glad to hear from You all, yet when I read Your letter I knew just how You felt and I wish I had been with You in reading over, the family letter I could plainly see that all were enjoying them selves, and there is no doubt but what You all had a fill and feast and a time of rejoicing, Christmas is the time of on year when we all have a desire to be home and although, I had a good dinner on that day, yet my thoughts were far from here, and many times I wished I was home with You, never since I came over have I had a stronger desire to see You than I had on Christmas day, and had I given away to My feelings I guess I have had a good bawl, I have had a beastly headache all day to, I don’t have them very often but they are dandys when I do have them, So they have all [ltr. 2, p. 2] been trying to tease You, I guess that is natural, but let them have a good time if you are like You used to be You are a hard person to tease, at least You would never let on that it effected You, it is nice to be able to do this, but I know exactly how You felt, tell My brother in law, “to be,” if he is not allready such, that I may have the same chance at him in a few years, he is good for one or two more terms, it is nice to have the laugh on the other fellows I had the same chance at Joe once but it was under diferent conditions, it is natural for us to try and make sport of one another, I have done the same thing, so must expect it, but there is a time coming when I will be housed and then we wont have to stand for this kind of amusement, I was sorry to hear that Lon was taken with croup, I hope it will not be serious, Yes, tell Joe I had the privilege of writing the Christmas letter two Years ago, and it was with little thought that when this time came, or two years had passed that I would be where I am, it was becaus I never used to allow My self to think of a Mission yet I knew that some day I would be called and I am glad that I have received that call and that I have been her eight months, the time is beginning to go very rapidly here we are in the new Year - and one fourth of the first month gone, Christmas seems but yesterday, but when I look back to the time that I left home, it seems ages, still, very clear to My memory is that day, and I am gradually going farther and farther from home, and looking at it from the other end I am gradually nearing My destination, it will be nice when I have reached the half way station, and even though we are obliged to remember more [ltr. 2, p. 3] 2 more than two years yet we all feel that we are about half through after our year is up, Millie Dear thank all the folks for their good wishes for Me and remember Me with love to all of them, tell Joe that I accept the love from future “Brother in law” or “dein Zukiinfteger Schwager” as he puts it, and tell him, “Ich wünsche, ihuen viel Glück in dem Schritte den Sil bald machen werden, wenn Sil ihn nicht schon gemacht haben. Sein Sie schr varsichtig zuerst. I enjoyed that letter very much and most of all for Ruths part, as soon as I opened the letter I saw what our little sweet doll had done and if she only knew how glad her papa was with her little scribble, as You call it, bless her, but she can’t yet realize how glad I was with it, but some day she will be big enough and old enough to understand I love My Millie and Ruth and they are continually in My mind O, how glad I am that You are both well this knowledge is a comfort to Me I am glad My letter reached You on Christmas, it was not much of a Christmas present, Yet it carried with it My love for You and Ruth, Dearie You are My very own, and more to Me than [ltr. 2, p. 4] all the riches of this world, yes You were mine in the world befor this and You are mine for the world to come, and our precious baby - She is the choicest brightest Jewel that could or ever did crown our happiness, Save it be others just like her, but there is nothing of a worldly nature that can replore or bring to the happiness to Me and You that those precious little souls can bring She is a part of our being and dearer to us than all this world, given to us by the Creator of all for our care and happiness and let us thank him for all such blessings, I do thank him for My Wife and baby and Parents and above all for this Gospel of his Son Jesus Christ which teaches us that we are all his Children and that we are not only one another for this world but for the world to come how much more happiness this knowledge brings to Me, to know that I shall have You in eternity, what an incentive for us to keep his commandments and do his will that we may have that resting place in the next world which has been prepared for us if we will do this, Many are the blessings which I have to be thankful for - not so I much appreciated, prehaps befor I came into the world, as now, and reflections upon the past, reveal many golden opportunities which have slipped by un-checked and gone which can not be brought back, but they are lost for ever let us live for the future trying to grasp every moment and build our selves up to that standard, for which purpose we were placed here, So Xmas was not the same to You, I know how You feel and by feeling that way You know how I feel I am so glad our dolly Ruth enjoyed her self, She did get lots of presents, I guess she did enjoy her self - some day I can play Santa Claus with her, wont it be [ltr. 2, p. 5] 3 nice when we can have another Xmas together well it wont be more than one more I hope I am sorry Lisses baby has been so poorly, I have not heard from her or John for such a long time but I should not expect letters from all of them, I am glad You went to the Tabernacle, I read the account of the Services, also of those at Vermont, I believe I told You that I received a post card from Hyrum, written at Vermont, if I did not I intend to do so, I also see by the paper that, Geo[-] Adell and Mr Wells took the faiths through some of the implement factorys in and arround Chicago, I also notice that Your friend Miss McMaster has returned home I enjoy reading the home news as it Comes to us in the Deseret News, Say Mamma the Grant girls brought President Hoopes and Me a nice box of homemade candy we have just eaten most of it and it was fine, the box You sent Me I finished up I still have some of the cake left Elder W F Stevens sweet heart, sent him a box of candied fruit and he had to pay Seven shillings on it You will remember she is the girl that is studying music in New York She is trying to make up with Stevens [ltr. 2, p. 6] and he seems pleased only he hated to pay the charges on the Christmas box they claimed it was dutiable goods old Stevens says well if she will live her religion, she is good enough for him he surch loves the girl I sent Mr Blake one of My photos for Xmas card, He wrote back and told Me no body would take that face for all Englishmen, even though the dress was, what do you think of the post card I sent you, how do You like the looks of Your hubby, how do You like the eyebrows, on My upper lip, I guess the little fuze was not sufficient to disguise me beyond recognition, how much older does it make me look, Elder Price is also growing one he says his wife dont know it, and if Mine did not look any better than his it would not last a minute, Elder Reynolds had one when he came here it was two Years old - they shaved it off, that one as it is shown on that picture is five Months old, I am going to shed it one of these days, they are a regular nuicance well Mamma give My Love to Your Mamma and Papa, Mrs Bertha Tuddenhon and Joe and all the folks, kiss our baby for Me and tell her that Papa loves her and her Mamma May the Lord bless You both is the wish and prayer of Your loving husband and Papa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX with lots of love & Kisses for You Alvin F. Smith both from Papa [ltr. 3, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Jan 10th 1906 My Own Dear Millie To day is your birth- -day -31 years old, many many happy returns of this day may you have twice this many more and may each one be the happiest in Your life, I would like to drop in and see You a few minutes to day, do You think I could satisfy my self with a few minutes visit, I am sure I could not, but even though I cant be with You in person I am in spirit and thought You are now sleeping it is about one A M at home, becaus it is only 8 AM here in London the breakfast bell has just rung so I will go, and finish this after I have eaten, well I have had my breakfast, Say Dearie I got a letter from Arta Young he told me what a nice visit he had with You he congratulated me on My wife and baby, and he said no wonder You are proud [ltr. 3, p. 2] of them, He went to the Theatre with Groesbeck, but he did not go down to see Frank Cummings people, he promised Frank that he would take a package home for him and call on his folks even tho he had to leave out Some one-elses package, and Frank was disapointed becaus the thing he sent home did not reach his folks, at least they had not arrived on Christmas day, he wrote and apoligized for not calling, and said he would try and visit them at a later date and that he would mail the package, well he seems pleased at being home I wonder if he is?” by jove I will be glad when I can exp- eriance that feeling - I am well and happy and hope this will find My Mamma and baby well also, the enclosed Card is for Your Papa and Mamma give them all My love and May the Lord bless and protect You from all harm and danger of love, hugs and kisses for You both I am as ever Your loving and effectionate husband and Papa, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Alvin F. Smith [ltr. 4, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Jan 16th 1906 My Own Dear Millie I received another letter from You last Saturday evening, this one is noumber 50, according to this noumber I have received about sixty becaus there was some time that You did not put a noumber on them, this letter was written on New Years day and I also wrote to You on that day which letter I presume You received about the same time that I received this one, So You remained home all day New Years, is Richard shining up to Mattie, I would like to see him make a match there, I was pleased to hear that You had a nice time at Al’s, but I was sorry to hear that Nell’s boys were so poorly, I hope they will son be better I read the account of Lawson and Tomstoff being in a runaway on New Years, I was also pleased to hear that the folks returned home safely, I was also pleased that You had an opportunity to go and see Bin Hur, wish I had been with You I told George how well You said Lillian was looking what kind of a baby have they I understand they named her Florence - [ltr. 4, p. 3] and Mrs Swenson has a baby, a ten pounder how on earth did she get around, She is not much larger than that her self, I am glad He thinks So much of her I hope I was mistaken in him, and I wish them also Mr and Mrs Hart all the happiness in the world, I am glad Ella found the right one, I may have miss judged her but she would not do for Me She had many, many, ways that I did not like, but I am glad she is so happy and may She continue so, is My worst wish for her what is this, You tell Me about Aunt Mary You do not mean it, that is certainly a surp- rise to Me I thought she was past bearing well I guess Willard was right about it they are keeping the Incubators at work. I see that that dirty “Goodwins weekly” is going after Hyrum, George sends Me the Truth and this dirty weekly once in a while David sends them to him, I am going to tell him not to send me anymore becaus it only makes hot, and I know from My own self that I am better off by not reading such as the weekly, those two Goodwin are low down dirty skunks, I find that there are some very good pieces in the Truth, but that miserable Tribune and weekly are a disgrace to a civilized community, Well Mamma You are havung winter with lots of snow and ice, we do not know what snow looks like in this country, So You have made the wedd- ing Cake and are preparing for the great event, I guess You are busy, I guess the dress You are making will be beautiful, I would like to see the bride when she gets dressed up in it, only two more days, how does it seem anyway, what will Ruth do when Her Auntie goes, Say Mamma I went shopping Saturday I bought a couple of dress patterns one for You and one for Mamma after You get it and and tell me what You think of it I will tell You what it cost, then You can tell me if I got cheated, I will send it to You with the first Elder that goes from here, then if You will get Me some samples of trimming that You would like I will try and get them for You I believe You will like I think it is pretty if You dont You can sell it and and send Me the money and I will get You another, I wish You [ltr. 4, p. 3] 2 were over here now there are so many big sales on, just wait another year, and then maby You can come over and then we will buy some things, I like to go shopping and see the pretty shops and goods and I often wish You were with Me, You say that Your letter from Me did not come, I guess You will get it the next day becaus it was on the way, I have not missed yet sending two letters each week, and I often get two from You but I do not worry so long as one comes but if I go over a week then I get ancious for a letter but the mails are very irregular at this season of the Year, so when it goes over a day or two, I blame it to the transportation service I have not heard from Mamma or the girls since befor Christmas and if it was not for the infor- mation You give Me I would seldom know how they are, poor Zina is having an awful time with her toe, is Liss living with Mamma, and has Jack gone East yet it seems to Me that each time You write She is at Mammas, this is the reason I will write and give them fits, for not saying hello oftener than they do. Maby they think You write to Me, each week so it is not necessary for them to bother, and maby it is a bother to write to bother” Dearie if it was not for the good letters You send Me I would be homesick all the time and I like to write to You, maby I am to blame becaus I do not think I have written to Mamma since befor Christmas, maby that is the reason so I will just drop them a not this afternoon and let them know I am still alive, how is Your Mamma, did She get over the face she had and is Your Papas arm better, what have they decided to do with the Cullen Hotel,” is it to continue running, I would like to hear of Your Papa quitting that job I wish he could sell the old place and build a little cottage and then live comfortable - but I guess he is like Your Mamma, they will have to work right up to the last, well I hope they will always have good health and strength to do this, but they should remember that they are not so Young as they used to be there for they should be careful and not over do. Say Dearie we have lots of fun with Brother Reynolds he is such an innocent good boy - he dont know how to take a joke the boys have just been tormenting him, and it is amusing, I wonder if I was ever like him, well I know I never was, I am just as bad as the rest and maby worse, I torment him My self, he actually [ltr. 4, p. 4] tried to hold Me down on the lounge last night I did not move but I took him by the hand and almost stood him on his head by squeezing them. He was ready to quit, and when he did he said; Y-“ You are as strong as a bear did You know him, well at home, He said he knew You I was looking at My photos last night again, and Cummings said well if any body could live with Hoopes and Me without being converted to marriage he would like to see them, when are You going to send Me another picture of Ruth wish You would have Yours taken with her and send me one, I would like to see her now she is a big girl, bless You both, I do love My Mamma and baby and I am the happiest man in the world - there is none like mine, I usually get in an arg- ument with the boss when I say this and for this reason we argue often. When ever I show Your picture to anybody he gets his and does likewise, but he will be going home shortly and we wont have one another to tease really I hate to see him go, but I will be ready when My time come, I am well and happy and when I know that You are both well I am more happy I wish I was going to be at the wedding I guess You will have a fun time, I hope You can get them something once for a present, they will have to wait until I come home befor I can get them anything but I wish them all the happiness in the world and May the Lord bless and prosper them in all they undertake to do is My wish for them, Well Mama give My Love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks and kiss our doll baby for Me and May the Lord bless You both, and send lots of Love hugs and kisses for You both, as ever Your loving husband and Papa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX A.F. Smith XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [ltr. 5, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Jan 19th 1906 My Own Dear Millie It is now three minutes past twelve in the morning or at midnight and I guess by rights the date is 20th instead of 19th however it was only twelve when I started for the ink and paper so I will let it go as it is I have been full of the old nick to day and a few minutes ago I finished the day by having a scrap with the boss in which, Elder Bowen who is here on a visit and one of our best chairs figured in the mixup, once in a while the streak takes and we were all posessed to day, we were out tracting this morning and befor going had a mix up with, President and Bowen, if any thing happens they blame Me and we are all, continually getting jokes on one another, and this afternoon I had to go out to Kentish Town to attend a cottage meeting so I have not had a chance to write until now and I have got to finish this so it will go and tomorrow becaus we [ltr. 5, p. 2] have considerable work to do on Saturday morning and do not get a chance to write, as the mail must be in befor noon so our letters have to be posted early, well when I got home this evening I came in and put My cold hand on President Hoopes Neck and he jumped up grabbed me and said, now I put You down , and Bowen began to punch my leg so I just gave the Boss a good swing he Struck Ba[-]m and down he went on the back of his neck into the cool bucket, and the Chair, well it lost two legs in the mix up and Poor President blamed Me for scuffling, poor Me although it was him that was going to put Me down, I guess I should have let him do it - “ha ha” when I do it will be when I cant help it, and Bowen says he is going to thrash me befor he leaves but he may change his mind, Say Dearie dont say anything about me getting into these scruffles, I try to keep out of them but some times I cant help it, and Papa is continually lecturing me about it, but I am going to stop now, becaus the President feels sick to think the good furniture got smashed well Millie how are You and how is our precious doll baby Ruth I would like to see You a few minutes, I had Your photos and to day I tell You they look good to Me, I received a picture from Liss last night of her baby he is a fine looking boy himself I also received [ltr. 5, p .3] 2 a letter from Papa and Mamma, Papa told Me about his trip to Vermont, and the fine time they had and of the welcome they received all along the line, and I was glad they did have Such a nice time, He also told Me he had seen You and Ruth, and that You were fine, Mamma told Me about their Christmas and that Jack had left for Chicago, and that Liss had gone home to live, I asked You about this in My last letter but I guess Your letter tomorrow will tell Me about it, Mamma says that there is still lots of snow, You must be having a hard winter, what is the price of coal, I see by the papers You have had and are still having a coal famine, Well Mamma it is half past five at home, Jan 19th so the Wedding is over, and I guess You have had a good busy day of it again, what kind of a time did You have, I guess there is no need of Me asking this question becaus I expect You will send Me a full account of us befor this reaches You, I would like to have dropped in and seen the Bride and Groom [ltr. 5, p. 4] I bet they looked pretty fine. Just think, I said to Elder Reynolds - say You are a relative of Mine & You ought to set em up on the strength of it, well then the other fellows said that I aught to join in with him becaus I now had an increase in My family, and poor bro Reynolds is not exactly broken in yet, so he said well if Elder Smith will I will so they sent Bro Reynolds after some oranges, but the shop was closed so we did not have to spend our money, we have barely settled down yet after the hollidays, and since Elder R came we have been, if any thing worse than we usually are, but You see we have to do something now and again to break the monotany. I have not seen Sister Everand for some time She wrote me a card to say she was moving and that She would let me know when she got settled, so I have not been over there for two weeks, she was well the last time I saw her I am going down town tomorrow after- noon I dont know what I will buy - we usually get something , Well Mamma give My Love to Your Papa and Mamma and kiss our doll baby for Me and let her kiss her Mamma for Me. May the bless You and protect You from all harm, say hello to all the folks for Me including Bro & Sister Tuddinham & with lots of love and Kisses from Your loving and affectionate husband and Papa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Alvin F. Smith [ltr. 6, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Jan 23rd 1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I got Your sweet letter of Jan 7th 1906 - November 51 - Yesterday mor- ning, and I was on the lookout for it, it should have come last Saturday but on account of rough Sea's it was delayed the papers report very rough voyages, and some of the of the boats are two and three days late, I was glad to learn that You are both well, I tell You this one thing makes Me happy I received the Wedding invitation by the same Mail, it is all over now, and I guess You are again settled down, Yes Dearie every body was good to Me this Christmas, and I got the things You sent Me, the muffler is fine I am using it for best, and I finished the cake two or three days ago, the candy of course was soon gone, Yes we had some good meals also and I cleaned and the geese, but I forgot to shave My upper lip, I will wait until I hear [ltr. 6, p. 2] what You think of Me with a Mustache I still have it, they tell Me it makes me look older and age is what counts over here, I want You to tell Me just what You think of Your old sweet heart as he looks on the post card I was in hopes I could be the first to advise You of this change, I was not going to tell you but I wanted to surprise You by sending a photo, but some body got a hold of Me, I guess it must have been Elder Young, becaus he started to grow one when I did, but he got cold feet befor going home and cut his off - I guess You will laugh when You see Me, but I will cut it off one of these days, So You do not want Me to spend all that money You sent Me for You I wont, but I want to spend some if it for You, it is just as much pleasure, yes and more pleasure for Me to spend it for My Mamma I and baby than if I used it for My self but I will keep it, or some of it for My own use, You see Mamma spend it for Mine when I buy something for You we are "one" So I feel that it is spent and used for Me - I was pleased to hear that Joe got another position, I knew he would - and May the Lord bless them both, Bamlarger is a good man to work for, So their place looks real nice I am glad I wish I could have gone up to see it with You, I would like to see our little precious doll dol some of her cute things Just think of her bringing You Your shoes and then [ltr. 6, p. 3] 2 taking the others back, isn't she lots of company for You I emagin she is I wish I could cuddle You both a little while, I can emagin seeing You cuddling Ruth at night, does she go to bed alone or do You go with her, I am glad she likes her muff, and Mrs Field and Papa both gave her a a kittie, it seems funny that she should get two Muffs and two kittens, I am so glad she is learning to kiss and love, You, there may be some shows for Me yet, so She knows My picture I am so glad what did she think of the small one I sent her and how did You like the views, remember Me to the Tuddleham family, Yes we have had good weather for some time past, but we have had a genuine London fog again to day, it is clearing up a bit now, I am glad You went down and spent the day at Mammas I received a letter form Mamma last week I believe I told You about it I am glad Lillian has such a nice baby, and she is feeling so well her self, Poor Mamie Papa tells Me she is still heart broken, So Joseph and Geraldine are getting to be big children, I will be glad when all the babies are through teething - some [ltr. 6, p. 4] some are sicker than athus douring this period, so Your Birthday letter came to days befor the tenth, I expected it would, but I wanted it to reach You as near the time as possible - and I am glad it reached You befor rather than after, and as far as the present I bought for You it is not very much but You are the most welcome to it of any one in the world, You want to know what it is, well they are waist patterns, and a little shoulder or head shall, and since then I have bought a You a dress pattern, but I think I told You about that and I have also bought You half dozen Turkish towells and - one dozen good table knives, in two sets for every day use, and I expect to send them home befor long, I payed two dollars for the towells, three dollars and seventy five cents for the knives, and I will let you guess at the prices of the other things becaus becaus You know about what they are worth, You don't need to tell what I paid for them but they are something that is useful and when I see a bargain now and again I will freeze onto it, You see Dearie these things are for Me, so I am spending the money for My self I am going to buy "Me" some good blankets one of these days they are cheap over here and we can use - one or two pair of course I dont expect to buy them just yet but some time befor I go home, Say Mamma three of the Nibley boys are here in London and they have been very good to me they came in last Saturday and expect [ltr. 6, p. 5] 3 to be here unti next, they came up here to 97 Saturday I was down town they left a card requesting that I join them at the Cecil Hotel at 530 and take dinner with them, Merrill and Preston are on their way home and Alex is going as far as Liverpool with them, Alex is laboring on the French part of the Holland Mission and the other two boys have been in Germany thirty four months, Alex is the one who was only married a short time when his wife died, so they called him on this mission, he felt so terrible and they thought by so doing it would take him away from home and he probably be able to over come some of this sadness but You can see that he thinks of it and when I showed him Your photo I could see how he felt, I tell You it is an awful thing, they are some of the finest boys I ever knew, Well they took Me to the Theatre in the evening, we went to see a piece called “Tivoli” of course I was their guest, well we found that it was a sort of variety so we did not stop until it was over it was a lot of nonsense, and some [ltr. 6, p. 6] of the songs were pretty “raw” as the saying is, there was nothing out of the way with the costume and there were hundreds of people watching for the doors to open we got reserved seats but I was surprised to see the swell people that attend and what kind of shows they are pleased with, we were all disgusted not only with the play but the people, it was variety and a lot of people trying to act funny, well this ended Saturdays pleasure then Yesterday I went to the British Museum with them and had dinner with them again and went to the show in the even -ing this time we went to the Hay Market, and saw a comedy intitled The indecision of Mr Kingsbury - and it was fine, we all enjoyed it and I am going with them again Friday when we will take in the Hippodrome I will tell You what it is like after I see it, I guess You will think I am getting pretty Sporty, but I dont meet such friends every day, I had them all up preaching Sunday evening and they all spoke fine I am going to see if they can take a little parcel to You maby they will have room for it, Will Mamma remember Me to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks kiss Ruth for Me and tell her how papa loves his baby and her Mother wish I had You where I could kiss You My self I have almost forgotten how May the Lord bless and watch over You both is My prayer for You, I send You both lots of Loves, Hugs and kises - ever Your loving husband and Papa Alvin F. Smith XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX [ltr. 7, p .1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Jan 26 - 06 My Own Precious Mamma and Baby I received Your most welcome letter about one hour ago and I was delighted with it I hardly expected it befor this evening, becaus the Mail boat was reported in this mornings paper as being at Queens Town yesterday, You see Dearie we keep cases on all the boats so we know about when to expect a letter, this one was written on Jan 11th posted in Salt Lake on the twelfth makes us about thirteen days coming, I have received letters from You in ten days and clear is about the usual time but this shows we are having rough weather and it makes it harder for the boats to trace and nearly all of them at this season of the Year are two or three days late, there was another comp- any of Elders arrived in Liverpool Monday, they should have been in last Friday, it took ten days [ltr. 7, p. 2] for them to cross, we have one of the bunch assigned to labor here in London, his name is D. Frank Ottley, there was thirty in of them in the shipment, Elder Reynolds is rejoicing to think he is no longer the baby of the Conference, and he expects to present the New Man with a baby comfort next Priesthood day - which will be one week from tomorrow Say Dearie I have enjoyed Your letter it does me good to receive them I am so glad You are both well Yes Mamma after one more Christmas I will be home and it will be well and I had that Same longing to be be with You as You had for Me, and I must confess that I did almost get home sick on that day by jove it is a beastly feeling, and My own precious Millie I do love You with all My heart You and Ruth are more precious to Me than all this world, I do love You and why shouldn’t I, I know I have the best Mamma and baby in the world and You are My life and happiness - and are dearer [ltr. 7, p. 3] 2 to Me than anything else in creation, I try not to get homesick but once in a while I have that longing to see You which is only natural I would have, yes I did enjoy the cake and candy, So Brozier did not call to see You well I still have confidence in him and If he dont call then I will never believe another one of them Missionaries are funny fellows anyway they, they forget the promisses, they make as soon as they reach Yankee land, I am glad You had such a nice time at Idas our doll baby does like to go visiting, and I am glad she can go, remember Me to Menerva and all the rest of the folks, when You see them again, So old Man Smith is budding well I am sorry, I was in hopes he never would say he must be a mean old villan and this is the fourth wife he has had, it beats me how he could get anybodyto have him even in the first place, but when You see the class of winon and men that are in this country in the slummy part of town nothing [ltr. 7, p. 4] is a mistry, it was only to day while Elder Cummings and I were on our way tracting that I said to him it beats me what filthy people there is in the world but when You see both Men and wimon who are alike in this respect then it is no wonder that they can get married but old Man Smith is a corker, and I dont blame the womon, and I should think it would be a warning to the next one, it must be his fault when not one out of fam can get along with him Well Mamma I guess some day we will have to sell out some day and build on the Forest Dale lot, I was in hopes that we could get that corner, but never mind some day we will have a nice new cottage- I am glad You got the [---] and am doll baby I wish I could have seen her loving the picture I sent her bless her little self I am so glad she she knows her Papa and I am so glad she can talk and understand when You tell her anything, I would give all the pennys I hav got to see You both, I am glad Papa is, or has, or was the one that [ltr. 7, p. 5] 3 performed the marriage ceremony, for Joe and Bertha I would like to have been where I could have hugged You on Your Birthday and I would like to have had some of Your Chicken dinner and Plumpudding, Say Dearie Sister Crofts sent us a nice plum pudding last night so we are going to have a feast sooner or latter the Bsss has gone to Smith- hampton to hold district meeting so we will wait until he comes home befor we warm it up Jan 27th 1-AM Well Dearie it is one oclock I have just returned home from the Theatre I accompanied the Nibley boys to the, wonderful London Hippodrome, it was fine there was 21 diferent varieties or pieces I will mail You the programme so You can see what it is like I will mark the seats we occupied so You can emagin You - can see us, the boys leave here tom -orrow and I have got to take their tickets to them in the morning [ltr. 7, p. 6] they leave the St Pancros Station at 10 AM, it takes one hour to go from here to the Hotel and then it will take another hour to go to the Station so I will have to leave here about 7 oclock so I wont get much sleep this night - well Millie Dear I am well and happy and would just like to have My own Mamma and baby here a few minutes to hug - how are the new Married people and how does it seem to have her away from home give them My love and also Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks, and kiss our doll baby for Me - and tell her that Papa loves her and her Mamma better than any thing in this world May the Lord bless You both at all times, and protect You from all harm and danger is the pray of Your loving and effectionate husband and Papa, P.S. lots of loves and hugs and Kisses for you both from Papa XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [ltr. 8, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Eng Jan 31st 1906 My Own Dear Millie To day is mail day, and it is now 8 A.M. we have been batching it since last Friday. President Hoopes and Alice have been in Southampton so we have been doing most of the cooking and some of the washing up, and some of the mornings we have had from twelve to fifteen for Breakfast, these were made up of Elders from the continent who are on the way home, but the folks got home last night so I am not bothering about the breakfast this morning all I did was to make the fries and the people are just beginni- ng to crawl out, I would not care to be a Batchlor not even for any length of time, and especiall not if I had to cook and work for more than My Self, but there were several of us to do the work but I had to get the meals or at least do most of it but I did not do any of the washing up, our family will be reduced to day becaus five or six of the boys are leaving for Liverpool this morning. and I am going to send [ltr. 8, p. 2] a package to You by Elder Burton, it has the waist patterns in it, I hope he gets it through all right, he expects to sail from Liverpool tomorrow there will be a large company of them sailing on this boat, the Nibley boys left here Saturday last and sail to day. I spoke to Preston about taking a package for Me but their trunks are over crowded - they wanted to take it and carry it through but I thought I would not burden them, I think I would fill several Trunks if I had been them becaus they can afford it, I had a good time with then and they were very kind to Me, they may call and see You I went to his Majestys Theatre Saturday and saw Nero, it was fine, will will enclose a post card of the Theatre, I do not expect to go again for six months I have been having a time for the past week and I have got to get to work now have been loafing to long, I got Your most welcome letter noumber 53 - of Jan 15th 1906 it came monday morning and I was mighy glad to hear from You again and learn that You were both well, Say Dearie this sounds like I had not heard from You for a long time, but it was only three days between My letters this time, but all the letters are that come from You are the same and I am always looking for them they are a big comfort to Me, I also received a a letter from Hee[--] he tries to jolly Me about one thing and another, but I know him and it dont work - he thinks I was slow in answering his letter but I will reply to this one sooner if all goes well. Say Mamma I sent You a pair of shilling gloves in a News Paper yeaterday. I rolled them up just without putting any paper on them and the present dirtied them and the way I found it out was becaus I was afraid the Post office department would know something was in it, so I changed it and found them all dirty so I rewrapped them, Now Mamma If they do find them that is if the post office do discover that I am sending things through the mail, You Must not let on. where they come from, becaus there is a fine against [ltr. 8, p. 3] 2 smuggling through the mail, You can tell them to keep the gloves if they try to charge duty, and they will charge dutchy if they discover them, the gloves only cost one shilling or 24₵ so let them keep them rather than pay any- thing - and do not let them know who sent them, I bought You a white plume the other day I will try and send it to You one of these days, So Elder Young seemed to think probably I would take President Hoopes place when he is released, but I guess he was only emagining, I dont think I will besides I do not want the job - it is no snap and not a very desire- able job they may send Me out in the the country to work we cant tell but let it come every day brings me nearer home, this is the last day of the first Month of the Year 1906 - and when this time next Year comes I will be nearing the home goal, so they are going to build on both sides of our new lot on 9th east I hope some day to build there myself and then sell it if we can I was in hopes we could some day get the corner ourselves but I guess we cant so we will do the next best thing. I am sorry H[--] had such bad luck with his potato crop, I do not suppose there would be any good planting any [ltr. 8, p. 4] fruit trees on the lots until those old trees are taken out so I guess I wont do any thing about it until I come home. Say Dearie what is it You tell Me about Jennie Smith, do You mean to say that they do not know who she is married too, is she in Salt Lake, what do people think of her, well if she is married I should think she would not be ashamed for people to know it, I would hate to think she was not married, well there are funny things happening all the time, wonders will never cease, Well Jennie used to be a gay girl and liked the Men and there is no telling what some fellows might do is she gave them half a chance men ar a bad lot at least some of them and a girls honor is nothing to them if they can satisfy their own brute natures, but I do hope she is married, but it is strange she dont tell who to, Well Mamma I guess I had better tell You I am well and happy befor I forget to, and I feel to thank the Lord ever minute for the health Me and My Mamma and baby and all the folks enjoy I am sorry Your Mamma is having more trouble with her ear I hope it will soon be better give My love to Your Papa and Mamma, Bertha and Joe and all the folks, - kiss My own darling baby for Me and and let her kiss her Mamma for Me I do love You both with all My soul and May the Lord bless you both and continue to take good care of You, is My continual prayer and with lots of love hugs and kisses for You both I remain as ever Your loving and effectionate husband and Papa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Alvin F. Smith