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Alvin Fielding and Amelia Smith Letters, Feb 1906 MSS 7952 [notes by transcriber are in brackets; preprinted text is in bold] [ltr. 1, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London February 3rd 1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I have neglected writing to You again until the morning when the mail must leave here I intended doing this last evening but I had to go and visiting with Elder Beesley and it was 1145 when we got home so I went to bed and now I am obliged to hurry in order to get through this morning is Priesthood meeting and tomorrow is fast day - Well Mamma I will tell You befor I forget it that I am well and happy I called on Sister Everard Yesterday the first time for over a Month, she wrote Me a note over four weeks ago telling Me she was going to move and not to come to dinner and that she would let Me know when she got settled, well I had not heard form her since, so while out tracting I came to her street so I called She was pleased to see Me but she is not Yet straight, has been over a month, cleaning up the place she is in and she said she had been wondering what I would think of her she has a lovely home now [ltr. 1, p. 2] and I helped her hang a big mirror and do one or two small jobs she lives with two old Maids who does the work she has known there for many Years and she got them to come and join with her so they are good company for her - and I got home last evening at 5PM then I had a scrap with the boss, becaus they expected me to bring some meat home for dinner, and the waited until almost three oclock and I did not show up so they sent out and bought it and did not wait any longer I thought the dummies would have sense enough not to wait on me when I did not get home, I had dinner with Sister Everald and so did not worry about them then we had a nice time last night so I spent about 8. hours last evening & yesterday visiting away from home I received a nice letter form Chase he wished to be remembered to You and Ruth. I showed the people where we were visiting last night Your pictures they thought they were fine and one of them a Married daughter with a baby about the age of Ruth wondered how I could leave You, and I explained but she could not see it that way but never the less I think more of My Mamma and baby than any English Man does of his, women in this country as a rule are very common property well they treated us fine and invited us back, well Dearie a gang of fellows have just come in here to bother Me and I got in a scrap with Reynolds and Beesley and we broke the glass in the front door [ltr. 1, p. 3] 2 they say it is my fault for chucking them through it, but I could not write and have them bothering Me at the same time, so I put them out and that is the result, all done in about one minute, that is what we get for Monkeying, Say Mamma Elder Burton took the package home for Me, he will no doubt call on You with it, Say Millie, I got a couple of plumes for Burton he went away without paying for them and when he got in Liverpool he sent the money to Me and he sent two shillings more than they came to so I wish You would give him 50¢ and charge it to Me, and explain to him that he sent more than he should, I hope You will like the things and I hope to send the other package to You befor long I believe I told You I bought You a white feather I may get a brown one too, one of these days, We are having very wet and rather cold weather again there is no telling how long it will last, but a week ago it was almost like spring we have not had any snow yet this winter, all the seasons over here are alike how are You and Ruth, to night is letter night and I am in hopes I will get one, and obtain from it this inform ation, I am a funny fellow I guess but [ltr. 1, p. 4] I do get ancious about the end of the week to hear from You, yet I have been getting them oftener thatn one a week lately it has been almost three weeks again since I wrote to Mamma - Say Dearie the time is beginning to fly past especially when I begin to look over My letter that have not yet been answered, Your letters are about the only ones that I do answer promptly I guess You tell the folks how I am as You see them, I am going to sit down one of these days and write a dozen or two letters and catch up, tell Your Papa and Mamma that I will write to them one of these days the only reason I have put off writing them befor is becaus all My littles go to You and in them I can convey My love to them but I realize that even this is not like a letter direct so some of these days I will write to them, I had a good time with the Nibley boys they have been very good to Me I hope they will call on You, when You see their Mother remember Me to her, I think You know her, Say hello to all the folks for Me give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all of the folks and remember Me to all inquiring friends, You did not tell Me where Will Davis was working give Me his address and I will send him a card Will Davis was working give Me his address and I will send him a card Well Mamma kiss our doll baby for Me and let her give You a good big hug for Me May the Lord bless You both and watch over You is the wish and prayer of Your loving and effectionate husband and Papa - and with lots of love, hugs and kisses for you both from XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Papa -XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX A.F. Smith [ltr. 2, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Feb 6th 1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I received Your most welcome letter of Jan 22nd - it came Yesterday morning, I also got a nice one from Papa telling Me how all the folks are at home, he says they are all pretty well, You did not say how You were but I take it from the sound of Your letter that You are both well, I am well I received a letter from Bob Price the other day and he wants to know how I would like to kiss My Wife and baby - and I also received a nice letter from Willard and he says “how would You like to drop in and see Ruth, hear her talk and see her running about, and to see Millie and love them a while, I guess they know My failing, Well Dearie we have about 25 Elders here, all going to Rotterdam, they leave here tomorrow and I am going with them so the next time You hear from Me it will probably be from, that place, what do You think of Me, I guess You will think [ltr. 2, p. 2] I do nothink but have a good time So You got the post card of us that I sent You - every body thinks I look better with a mustache but they are a nuisance and I am apt to shave Mine off most any time, we had another token the other day I will send You one as soon as they are finished, the President is on this one, Say Mamma he is going home about the first, but dont Say any thing, well I gues it wont make any diference now only he made Me promiss that I would not say a word to anybody, but I do not think he went at home, but he might have known that I would tell You, I do hate to see or think of him going home I have learned to love him he is a fine man, but I guess his family are anxious for him to het home, he is going to bring his wife and call on You, I do not know who we will have in his place but I hope he will be as good a man, So Ruth did not know at first which was me bless her I wish I could see her do some of the cute things You mention just tell Me when that picture is worn out and I will send her another - Say Papa said You had given him a nice picture of Ruth have You had another taken or is it like the one You sent Me, so You think I look like a German - well I guess I will have to chop it off if that is the case Papa complimented Me on the way I look, I guess it is becaus it makes me look so much older, No I am not any fatter but if anything I am thiner than when I left home but I am feeling well and that is the main thing, there is nothing like good [ltr. 2, p. 3] 2 health, Say Dearie Joe Everett is here with the rest of the bunch I do not believe I have seen this since we were up to Hazel Calders that time, we meet lots of boys over here, that we are acquainted with he is growing a Mustache - but he has not half as much as I have so You can emagin what it is like, I was surprised to hear that David had a beard it must make him look older, So Ruth had a good time looking over Joes and Berthas house, I wish I had been there with You, Yes when we have a house built we must have plenty of room, we will come the Hudsen girl rocket on it and have in addition to a large Nursery plenty of other rooms how many rooms has Bertha, it seems as though You told Me once but I have forgotten, Yes it was a coincident for You to be writing to Me about My dream and at the same time for Your Papa to be dreaming about Me coming home, well it will be nice when such a dream can be realized but not befor, My time is up but just as soon after as possible, Say Dearie I see that You did tell Me how You are I did not notice at first but it is in the letter so I am more pleased [ltr. 2, p. 4] than ever, I have to read Your letter three or four times befor, befor I am satisfied I guess I get in to big of a hurry the first time becaus I am always ancious to hear from You I am sorry our doll baby is having trouble with her teeth I will be glad when she is through with them how are Your teeth have You been to see Ez Taylor Yet, when You see him tell him hello for Me, so the Uncle Sam Mining Co have paied You another divident, well I hope they keep on, what about Your sugar stock did You even hear anything about the additional stock they issued, I have not written to Brother Nelson Yet but I am going to befor long I was glad to hear that the club girls showed Bertha - it does not am ount to much with a crowd of them but it is a big help to her, but I am glad they are so comfortable, well May the Lord ever bless them, I told Harold about his brother and John Tuddinham stuffing up the key holes in Joes house and it tickled him, it is a strange thing that we all enjoy getting jokes on Young or newly married couples, but I guess it is human nature, what rash act did Heu play - surely he did something it would not be him if he did not find some joke to play, So You are still having winter, it snowed for about five minutes Yesterday and it has been very cold for three or four days, I do not know how long it will last, but it can get warm just as soon [ltr. 2, p. 5] 3 as it likes, as far as I am concerned I received a letter from Chase Saturday asking Me if I was going to Rotterdam he said if I was going he would, I wrote and told him to come along and we would go but I received a card this morning saying he had changed his mind, I do not know the reason I wish e he had come becuas I was in hopes I would see him, he is well and wants to be remembered to You, Willard also sends his Love to You and Ruth, we expect President Grant here any minute now he is also on his way to Rotterdam I guess we will have a good time at least I hope so, I wish You were going with me, Sister Grant was coming with him but she has decided not to becaus she expects to go to Rome in about two Months, well Dearie we have about one dozen of the Elders just come in and they are all talking and chatting I do not know whether I will get mixed in with this a lot of the stuff, they are talking about, if I do You will understand it Well Mamma I love You with all My heart and soul and would give a dollar to see You both, bless You both. Papa says he gave Hyrum, three dollars - the State bank [ltr. 2, p. 6] dividend I guess You will have recovered it from him befor You get this, Papa says that stock is worth $20000 per share now and pays 13 % so that is increasing, what does the interest amount to on the note I owe at the bank now, I believe You said the balance owing was about $27500 I was in hopes that You would be able to clean that up with the other issues, well I did not expect You to be able to pay at all but I thought maby some of it - what is Sugar Stock worth now I wish they would allott us some more that we e could sell at about $1400 wouldn't it be fine well Maby You will have some day, did You get any Tithing paid, I hope You did - well Mamma kiss our doll baby for Me and tell Ruth to kiss and hug her Mamma for Me You must do this for Me for a while yet but I hope to be able to do it for My self in about one Year and three or four Months give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the family and remember Me to all inquiring friends - May the Lord bless You both and all is the wish and Prayer of Your loving and effectionate husband and Papa with lots of Love hugs and kisses for You both I am as ever Yours Lovingly XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Papa [ltr. 3, p. 1] [Preprinted header text is in bold] Grand Hôtel Coomans, Café Resturant Hoofdtegg, Rotterdam Het gheele Etablissment is electrisch verlicht. Telephoonnummer 2569. C. TEN CATE DIRECTEUR Rotterdam,...Feb..8th....1906.. My Own Dear Millie From this you will see that I am in the land of wooden shoes and wind mills, we arrived here this morning, at 530 AM - we came to the Hotel De Holland where we had breakfast. I met Legrand Richards, and later on Alex Nibley and several others that I know we had a very pleasant voyage across the channel I was not sea sick in fact none of the crowd were, later in the day we went out to The Haog a very pretty city where we visited the Queens country home - then we visited one of the Art Gallerys and the Queens Palace where she lives this is a very pretty place and a better class of people that is a more healthy class - are to be seen I will send You some post cards showing some of the pecular customs of the people, Alex Nibley Said this is where you should bring Your wife, and I would give anything if you could [ltr. 3, p. 2] see it Maby some day You will have the chance I feel selfish when I can see all these places and things while You can not nothing would give me More pleasure than to have You visit all these places this afternoon was spent in meeting, but I think I will go sight seeing tomorrow instead of to Meeting becaus there will only be a discussion on places as to which will be the best way to conduct the branches, it may be however that Nibley will have to be there and if he does I guess I will go becaus he is the guide and I would not try to go about alone, besides sight seeing is hard enough even when You do have a guide let alone with out one and what [ltr. 3, p .3] makes it worse than ever is, not to be able to under stand anything - it is quiet a sight to see the dog carts wind mills - and people with their big wooden shoes - and the business streets are very narrow many of which appear like Venice with canals filling up the streets and filled with boats, it is quiet a pretty place, with lots of green fields the Chief indus try being farming and Dairy business they do have good milk and cheese, both of which I like, living is cheaper than in England and the grub better, Legrand Richards is as fat as a pig and Fred Willows who also took advantage of the cheap rates is here, like My self but diferent in one respect [ltr. 3, p. 4] becaus he also is as fat as a pig this country seems to agree with him too, there is quiet a noumber of other boys in the crowd who come with Me and they All look well, I thought I had until tomorrow to write to You but they say it must be posted right anyway so I will have to close for this time, will write again soon I am well and hope My own Dear Mamma and Doll baby are the same give My Love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks and May the Lord bless You and protect You from all harm and danger with lots and lots of love hugs and kiss for You both I am as ever Your own Loving husband and Papa Alvin F. Smith XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [ltr. 4, p. 1] Grand Hôtel Coomans, Café Resturant Hoofdtegg, Rotterdam Het gheele Etablissment is electrisch verlicht. Telephoonnummer 2569. C. TEN CATE. DIRECTEUR Rotterdam, Feb..12..1906.. My Own Dear Millie Here I am still in the City of Rotterdam seeing the sights and it seems an age since I heard from You I forgot to leave word to have My letters sent over here so I will have to wait until next Thursday befor I get my letters as I do not expect to get back to London until that day, I am going down to Brussells tomorrow, will return to Rotterdam on Wednesday leaving here the same evening for London arriving there [ltr. 4, p. 2] Thursday morning Saturday a crowd of use in Company with Alex Nibley went out to Amsterdam another beautiful city, of Holland, we visited several places of interest including the Art gallery museum and I must admit that they surpass those in London this is a very beautiful Country, fine looking people and all together diferent to what one emagins it is like - I only wish it was summer they say it is much prettier in July Yesterday they held three meetings all of which was attended by several hundred people and at the evening meeting they had several hundred present two hund- -red of which were strangers they seem to have lots of success in converting people over here - they do not have the extreme poverty in this land that is in England all the people are well dressed and look like they were well [ltr. 4, p. 3] fed and I believe they are becaus it is cheaper to live here than it is in London and the food is better lots of good milk can be had and I usually drink half dozen glasses a day; President Hoopes went back to London this evening he got his release and Elder Jones has been appointed to take his place he is tickled to death to think he is going home and I am glad Elder Jones has his job Jones is a fine man and we will get along fine together he is here with me and will go back to London when I do - we went out to Delfshaven, to day and visited the old church - where the Pilgrim Fathers held their last meeting befor going to America, this church is well preserved and we went through it and sang several songs then we had our picture taken after which President Grant made a short speech [ltr. 4, p. 5] and we returned home I have a brief history of the Pilgrim Fathers that I will send You after I copy it they gave it to us while we were in the church, these people left here July 22 - 1620 they sailed to Southampton England in the ship called The Spudwell, they then took the ship which was there waiting for them the May Flower and journied to America I guess You have read the history of them, Well Dearie this is a big world and there is so much to see but it gets tiresom and then it is not nearly so interesting to me as it would be if I had You with me, but this was a cheap opportunity for me to see this country so I thought I would do so and I hope some day that You can also have this privilege I hope to see this time come befor I [ltr. 3, p. 6] 5 return home, Say My own sweet heart how are You and how is our precious doll baby I do wish I could see You Say Dearie what do You think I was introduced to a girl yester- day, and after she went out the Elder said she has been cut off the church she is the one that P.K. slept with You will remember I told You about this fellow being in London this is only his Enitials, but he had a wife at home and while he was in London he showed us her picture and he seemed a goody goody boy - but I have learned that he was sent home do not mention this to a soul, he was out on the street with us the night I got robbed, and we loaned him a Prince Albert coat and top hat so he could have his picture taken, well I was dumfounded when [ltr. 4, p. 7] they told Me about it, but You must not say any thing about it to a soul maby he has repented by this time and if he has I guess he should be forgiven maby his wife does not know anything about it and maby it is just as well that she dont, I feel sorry for his Grandfather becaus he is a fine old man I am not acquainted with his father but I believe he is also a good man I wanted hate to be him anyway, Say Dearie what is sugar stock worth I understand it is down to par. Since the new sugar law was passed, dont You wish we could have sold ours when it was up to 1400 well never mind so long as it pays dividends [ltr. 4, p. 8] -7- but if You get a chance to let it go at a good profit with prospects of buying in again at a lower figur You had better do so I wish You made Sum stock would sell for enough to bring You over to this Country about the time I am released lets pray that it might, pay Your Tithing on all increase and the Lord will open up the way for us he always blesses his people if they keep his commandments so lets trust in him I see that there has been some awful snow slides in Little Cottonwood canyon and quiet a noumber of people killed it seems to Me that the people would begin to profit by the past there has not been a writer or spring for as long as I even remember that any where from one to a dozen men have been killed up there by snow slides and [ltr. 4, p. 9] I should think the people would begin to learn to keep out in the spring and winter, well Dearie last Saturday it snowed all day here in Rotterdam and it was a grand sight to see all the city covered with the beautiful white stuff it looked like Christmas time I did enjoy it, every body in town was playing snow ball, it is the first good snow storm they have had this winter, but to day the sun has been shining and there is more of it left it has been more like Spring today. I guess Your winter is about over at home and You will soon have rainy old spring the most miserable season of the Year, every body has their likings and Spring and winter are my dislikings but give me the Summer and beautiful "Fall" these to me are the best seasons of the Year, this land has no seasons Save it be a diferent [ltr. 4, p. 10] one every day in the Year, one can not tell twelve hours a head what kind of weather we will have, it would keep a weather prophet busy in this country trying to guess what kind of weather we would have from one day to another Well Dearie I will tell You all about Brussells next time I write Alex Nibley Says it is a second Paris only on a smaller scale Alex wished to be remembered to You say Dearie did You know his wife She was a Thatcher and lived in Logan she did about a Year ago and left him with a little baby girl, You may know her, or, of her - well she had a fine husband, and I [ltr. 4, p. 11] -9- believe I told You that he came on this mission so he could be away from home and get his mind off from his trouble I feel sorry for him he is a fine boy, but they sent him some snap shot pictures of his little doll baby the other day and it made his thoughts wander home I feel sorry for him it is an awful trile I guess and one I would never want to have I would sooner be the one to go first but may the Lord bless My own Precious Mamma and baby and preserve them from all harm and danger is My prayer always - well Dearie give My love to Your Mamma Papa and all the folks kiss our precious baby for Me and tell her how much her Papa loves her and let her kiss You for Me - with lots of love hugs and kisses for You both I am as ever Your loving and effectionate husb- and and Papa XXXXXXXXXXXXXX Alvin XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [ltr. 5, p. 1] [Preprinted letterhead text is in bold font] WM H. MÜELLER & Co's BATAVIER - LIJN DAGELIJKSCHE DIENST ROTTERDAM-LONDON V.V. POSTBUS 262 TELEGRAM-ADRES: ,,BATAVIER". ROTTERDAM Feb. 15 - 1906 Willemsplein 3. Afdeeling........ My Own Dear Millie Here I am with several more of the boys, we left Rotterdam at 430 P.M. and this morning at 7 oclock we were breakfasting at the Hotel "Cour De Mexique in Brussels, so the makes two more countrys I have been in since I left home that of Holland and Belgium it is one and a half hours since we set sail and the boat is still in the river and going along smoothly. I ate a good Meal befor leaving so that I would not be sick and in case I was that I might have something to give to the fishers, we had a very pleasant trip across the channel to Rotterdam and I believe we will have a nice trip back we expect to reach London at 7oclock in the morning, and then that means, get back to work, I can't hardly wait until I get there, not on account of work, but to get a letter I wrote a card and told them to send My mail to Me but they [ltr. 5, p.2] have not sent them, I think they expected me back sooner than this, but I was having too good a time and I could not miss it, Say Dearie this is a big world and You do not know how thankful I am for My Mamma and baby, if seeing the world would not make a man respect his family nothing would, I have seen Paris noumber two - or "Brussels" and it is considered a miniture Paris, of course it is not a big as Paris but it is a good sized City just the same, it is a beautiful place - wide streets nice, and clean as can be, it is more on the order of New York and for ahead of old London in style and everything else talk about style this is where You can see it every body dresses like millionares, and You can hear the sound of silk skirts and smell the perfumes on all sides of You, the first thing we did after arriving there was to visit the City Hall and walk up into the tower which required four hundred and and 25 steps to the top, round and round this of course was after we had been and engaged our room at the hotel, which by the way was a very nice one and we had a fine large room with a Piano and fire place well furnished [ltr. 5, p. 3] [BATAVIER - LIJN letterhead] and sleeping capacity for three all this including breakfast which of course was very light, consisting of bread and butter hot milk or chocolate and preserves only cost us two and a half francs per day or about 50¢ well after viewing the city from the City Hall tower we went over to the Art Gallery from there to the Palace of Justice, a history of which I will give You later then through the Catholic Cath edre then over to see the the Man that can piss - Now Dearie dont be shocked when I tell You about it, the story is this at one time in the history of Brussels there was a Young boy Prince of Belgium got lost and three days later they found him on the corner where now is erected this Monument and at the time they found him he was piddling, and for this reason the Monument was built and there stands that little statue pissing for all he is worth and thousands of people go there to see it and next to it is [ltr. 5, p. 4] is a curio shop selling small muges like it and we went inside and the Minute we did so they got out some of these things and they have a small bulb attach- ment which they press and the result is You get pissed on, well all this is done by Girls who work in the Shop and the only english they can speak is - Do You want Man can piss” in addition to this they had women holding their clothes up which would do the same thing if the bulb was pressed, this is right smart You know and they sell hundreds of them - I never saw such lack of modesty befor on My life some of the post cards that are exhibited in some of the windows are vile I will not even attempt to tell You what they are like, maby some day You will have a chance to see them, in the evening we went to a swell skating rink Artificial Ice as smooth as glass with an orchestry to play while You skate it was a swell place and it was a grand sight to see the skaters they could waltz beautifully, well I never saw such skating befor in My life, I will tell You more about it tomorrow the boat is beginning to swing pretty and I can hardly write so will close for this time May the Lord bless You and Ruth Mamma I do love You better than anything in this world - Love to all the folks and lots of Love hugs and kisses for You both I am Your Loving husband & Papa Alvin [ltr. 6, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Eng. Feb 16th 1906 My Own Dear Millie Here I am back at 97 - we had a very pleasant voyage last night no body sick, and I slept well, dreampt of home again the same old story. I guess these kind of of dreams ar good reminders to me not to get home sick and I went to bed as I usually do, thinking of You and maby this is the reason I dream of home so often, well we got in London about quarter to eleven and O what a diference, dirty smoky rainy and sloppy quiet a contrast to what we left Yesterday coming from a clean beautiful place such as we found on the continent and then again the diference in the looks of people was all very noticable, but I am glad to get back and especially becaus I have loafed so long and I was mighty well pleased to find three letters awaiting me from You, one from John one from Hyrum, and one from Mamma and the first thing I did was to go through Yours and You do not know how good I felt to learn that You were well I also got the wedding cake which was just fine, I gave each of the boys a taste of Mine [ltr. 6, p. 2] and I will give Harold his the first time he comes up, he has been sent out to Ealing in West London to work, and I won’t see him until Sunday, You ask how much I had to pay on the candy and cake You sent Me I had to pay six sense on the candy, this was postage on the cake come through with out duty they do not charge duty unless it is upon sugared candy fruits, other candy comes through free I have heard the German Elders tell how at Christmas time they have to pay for such things that are sent to them from America Well Dearie I believe I said I would finish telling You of My trip. Wednesday we went out to Waterloo, went over the Battle field viewed the monuments which have been errected in memory of if that occasion when Wellington defeated Napoleon, in that great Battle of Waterloo. it is a beautiful country it is just like a town for miles and miles no trees nothing but a beautiful stretch of rolling plains after visiting the monument where Napoleon had his camp upon which is erected a granite Monument with a large Bronze Eagle shot full of holes and in the last stages of life - which is to represent the defeat of one of the greatest generals inthe world - while about two miles from this place is a large Mound upon which is erected a granite a large “Lion” facing France, with an air of defiance, proud over his victory, this battle was the down fall of Napoleon, or in other words it was his Waterloo I will enclose a Card which will show You what the last monument mentioned looks like it is two hundred and 26 step to the top and looks just as You see it on the card all the country round about save a few places that have been plowed up for farming purposes look green and nice just like this hill there was nineteen of us up on this Monument at the some there and there was room for two hundred seYou will get an Idea as to how big a place it is [ltr. 6, p. 3] 2 after seeing all there was here we returned to Brussels visited several other places in town and by night we were very tired but all the boys wanted to go to the skating rink again so I went with them we all had a skate and enjoyed ourselves imensely, then we went and had lunch then to the Hotel and it was about twelve oclock the next morning we left for Rotterdam arriving there about eleven thirty leaving for London at 430 Via the Steamer Batovarid #IV I believe I told You this Yesterday when I wrote, I was gone nine days and it cost me 2000 including Railroad fare and all I think I got off very cheap dont You, well I will begin to answer Your letters beginning with #55 of Jan 25th I see this was written in reply to mine when I had a head ache - no I do not have them very often and I still have about two doses of the medicine left I have quit feeding it to the other people becaus some people like medicine so well that they will have get the head ache or some other pain just in order to get some, I do not know whether it can be had in this country or not but I guess it can so You will not need to bother to send Me any at present at least, and when I need some more if I cant get it I will let You know, so You think I am [ltr. 6, p. 4] or must be getting to be a preacher, not so "why?" did I preach You a sermon in that I guess I do but I usually have to write just as I feel but I am no preacher - I wish I was it would be a good thing for Me I guess I must have been a bit home sick when I wrote to You, but I cant help but think of My own Dear Mamma and baby and of the time when we will be together again and I guess I like to tell You all about it and I know You dont mind Me telling You all about it I am Mighty glad I have some one that that I can tell My troubles to and who will share them with Me You are My most confidential Mamma and I enjoy telling You all I know So You bought Ruth a doll bed I bet it is cute to see her try and go to bed in it, so she always says tat ta when she goes to bed I bless her I would give a great big dollar to see her and see and hear her say and do some of those cute things I am glad she is beginning to love You My chances begin to look better all the time tell Me when she has worn that picture out and I will send her another, So You have been having foggy weather Hyrum also spoke about it and he called it a regular London fog - it was a dandy I guess if it was anything like we have over here it is wonderful the very few accidents they have here considering the extream thickness of the fogs I have not heard of one accident since I have been here and the fogs have been so dense that in the middle of the day people were obliged to cary torches to find their way and even then the light from it could not penetrate the fog more than three or four feet - I do not suppose people would believe this if they had not seen it but it is so I did not believe it but I have been conv- inced by seeing it for My self - but I think the season of bad fogs is about over and I am not sorry, So You saw Jennie Smith on the car when You were going to meels what on earth does she think of her self and [ltr. 6, p. 5] 3 what do the people think of her and to think that she goes out looking like that, they are not all so fortunate as You were about consealing that fact, I often think of how You fooled the people but even had every body known Your condition they also knew who You were married to, if she is married why should she be ashamed to let people know who too, and if she is wed to somebody in the church who alrea- -dy has a wife - wo be unto him if it is found out becaus I believe they will cut them off the church and it will be just what they deserve I have no patience with such people, and I say make an example of them, if they will insist upon marring secretly after the mani- festo has been issued - Maby I am wrong in feeling this way but I cant help it, let it either be one thing or the other, I would sooner think that some old stiff that already has half dozen women is the husband off husband of Her rather than to think that she is not married the poor girl could not get a single fellow to have her at least it did not seem as tho she could, well I would hate for it to be a sister of Mine, I hope she will be able to face the music and stand the talking I would hate to be the dad of what she is carrying around in Side of her especially [ltr. 6, p. 6] if we were both ashamed of it thank heaven I was never ashamed of My Wife but just the contrary, I have always been the most proud fellow in the world, and there is nothing in this big world so dear to Me as My Mamma and baby, Mamma says in her letter that the folks are all well including Your Wife and baby "and our little Ruth is a darling and she has the sweetest little smile You even saw and she is the busiest little bee" in the family and is always doing something, she wont stand to let the grass grow under her feet," and when You tell how she wants to do every thing she sees You do I can just emagin what she is like, Mamma says Millie remembered them all as usual on Christmas - her letter was written on the 18th of January white she was in the Temple she said she was waiting to see Bertha Married She did not finish or sign the letter so I do not know what interrupted her she says that Burt Davis is home - and one of Your letters also gives me the same News, I guess he is happy to be back, Well Dearie I have hardly answered one of Your letters yet and this makes the third sheet I have filled this is about all that I can send at a time so I will save the others for next time I am well and happy and hope and pray that You are both enjoying the same blessing I do love My own Dear Mamma and baby and May the Lord bless You always give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks and kiss our doll baby for Me and let her kiss You for Me also with lots and lots of Love hugs and kisses for You both I am as ever Your Loving and effectionate Husband and Papa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Alvin F. Smith XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [ltr. 7, p. 1] THE LONDON CONFERENCE. 97, Farleigh Road, LATTER-DAY SAINTS. Stoke Newington, N. London, Feb...........19......1906 My Own Dear Millie I received Your letter noumber 58 this morning this makes three letters I have to answer and if I do not hurry I am apt to get behind, but I will try and answer all of them at this writing beginning with #56 the time was not so long between letters this time this of course was brought about, through Me being away and allowing them to accumulate and arriving home at the end of the week as I did and receiving Your letter this morn- ing it makes me feel like I have been very lucky and I am lucky and I do appreciate all the letters I receive, So the Mans name is E Fisher - I dont think I know him but I think he is a brother to the ones I know yes I will remember You to Willard when I write he always asks about You and Ruth and I always send Your love to him, so You went down and got the dividend on Your Uncle Sam stock I feel ashamed of My self for not writing to Nelson but You see him now and again and You can tell him all about Me, I don’t think the boys cared when Bro Nelson sent the money to Me and asked Me to divide it at least they seemed to be pleased with what he sent and so was I and I am going to write and thank Brother Nelson for it one of these days, Say Dearie what stock was it that Hyrum got from Papa for Me, was it our alotment or was it some additional, I wish You would ask Hyrum about it, I will also when I write, who has our certificates, there should be some of them in Bro Nelsons deposit box and then he is holding some of them as security on the note I owe, I hope You are keeping track of it I had one hundred and thirteen Shares when I left and I believe You and Ruth each had ten shared am I right, You figur it out and tell Me all about it and then [ltr. 7, p. 2] track of the certificates - I will ask Hyrum all about it next time I write, Say Dearie I am going to send You that dress pattern next week by wither Elder Boath or Alice sanford the President wont have room for it or I would ask him to take it, but I hope to hear of You receiving it in about a Month and I hope You will like it, it is only a cheap one but I thought it was nice and - So I got it tell Me about what You would be obliged to pay for the same thing at home it only cost one shilling per yard, the man said it had been reduced from four and eleven pence per yard, I think it is a good piece at the price I paid, but I do not know whether the man told the truth or not when he told me what the aroginal price was, but I will leave You to judge, I hope by this time You have received the other parcel I sent You, I am glad You got our doll baby a rocking chair, bless her little soul Papa would like to see her tend her doll and rock it to sleep, and listen to her sing bye bye dolly - bless her precious little self she is just like her Mamma, and I am so glad of it, I tell You there is none like mine, I love You both better than any thing, You are my own precious, Mamma and baby, just wish I could have a chance to hug You both a little while, but just wait only about 15 months more, and I will have this privelege Say Dearie that old brute of a Lucas, but then she must like, it is the same old story that I have heard every since I knew them or of them. I am glad You saw Will Davis and that You remembered me, to him I will drop him a card one of these days, maby I will write a few lines and send it with this and You can repost it to him, So You are not going to let me go out to meetings every night in the week - well [ltr. 7, p. 3] [London Conference Letterhead] Mamma there is not much danger I do not think they will want me, besides two or three nights a week will more than satisfy Me, Poor Will does not have many evenings at home, and I guess he must be quiet a stranger to his children, Yes Will is a fine Man he seems just like a brother to Me and I have always loved him as such remember Me to both him and Nord when You see them again, So Joe thought the letter in German was all right, his big cousin helped me write it, I did not know much about it tho even after I had written it, the fact of the matter was of course not see much sense in it, those dutch languages seem to get the cart befor the horse bath when writing and speaking, I will be glad to hear from him when ever he can find time to write give my love to him and Bertha so You usually lye down with Ruth when You first put her to bed, wish I could have a chance to change off with You- for a night or two I would like to cuddle both her and her Mamma, of course You won’t believe this, but I wished just the same, So You started to wean our baby and then give up, good for You, I know just how you felt and if I was Ruth I just would not give up My titty dinner never mind if she is old enough to be weaned, You wont have another baby for a Year or two Yet so You had better let Ruth have her dinner until she gets tired of it her self, but I guess it is quiet a drag on You to nurse a great big girl but that is pretty good titty dinner that she has and I do not blame Ruth if she makes You give it to her, I am glad she still likes to have her swim, I would like to splash [ltr. 7, p. 4] some water in her face and see what she would do, so it is not old man Smith that is building on the corner, I would not want a house in that part of the country built on a brick foundation, what kind of a place will it be, just remember Me kindly to Mr and Mrs Farr, also Savage and Ashton also Sorenson’s when You see them, well Dearie I wont try to answer all of Your letters this time this is three and almost a half pages and I have only answered one so I will start on the others next time I am well only I have a slight cold, do not know how I got it but I hope to be rid of it in a few days how is Your Mamma and Papa are they any better, and what are they doing for their ailments, they must be careful I hope they are better, I went down town to day with some of the other boys to see the King there was such a crowd that we only saw the carriage we were late in getting there otherwise I think we would have seen him I was not disapointed becaus I have seen him to day he opened Parliment, and he was out in style, the Queen is in Denmark She went there to attend her Fathers funeral and she has not Yet returned, these people almost go crazy over the King and I guess they always will, Well Dearie give My Love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks and kiss our own doll baby for me and tell her she can just have as many kisses from her mamma for me as she likes and if necessary, You can play philliphine I would like to go in philliphine with You, do You think I would stand any show of winning, I will try it some day well Momma May the Lord bless You both is the wish and prayer of Your loving and effectionate husband and Papa with lots and lots of love hugs and Kisses from Your own sweet heart Alvin F. Smith [ltr. 8, p. 1] [Preprinted letterhead text is in bold] THE LONDON CONFERENCE. 97, Farleigh Road, LATTER-DAY SAINTS. Stoke Newington, N. London, Feb...23rd....1906 My Own Dear Millie I received Your letter #59 this morning it has been on the way about fourteen days. I was so pleased to learn that You are both well, but sorry Your Mamma is so poorly, yes we had our plumpudding and it was fine, I would like to join You on Your Papas Birth day, wish him many Happy returns of the day for Me I presume You have received those Theatre programm's by now, I sent them to You, So You saw Bro Nibbley, his boys landed in America on Feb 8th they Sent Me a post card from New York I presume they are home befor now I believe they sailed from Liverpool on Jan 28th they sailed on the Baltic the largest ship afloat, they said they felt sorry for me over in this mans land - trying to joke me of course, it must be a happy time when Your time comes to return home, President Hoopes is getting excited and absent minded he, expects to leave Liverpool on the 28th he will also sail on the Baltic Elders Cattreel and Bouth and Alice Sanford will leave here on the 8th of next Month this will make three from the London Conference, I am glad the New Married couple are feeling so well, and our doll baby likes tot go up to Bertha's bless our own dear sweet baby, she will be a regular little little lady by the time I get [ltr. 8, p. 2] home, Yes I read an account in the New York Herald of the death of Bro Merrill, this was while I was in Brussels and the paper that came from home this morning has a picture of him and full account of the fineral preparations I got the clipping - giving an account of the increase in Frea Huffs family I knew he was expecting one but I had not heard of it until Your letter came and regarding the death of David Allen, say that was an awful thing his folks must feel terrible, and to think that his mother had had a presentment or feeling that something had happened I see that Allens are building a new home what are they going to do with the old one, are they going to sell it they have a very nice place and more surroundings and they will have to start all over again, and how much harder it will be now that their oldest son is gone So Mattie Reed thinks Ruth is the sweetest baby, there is no doubt about it I got a letter from George he said his little Florence looks like Lillian but she is dark and has more hair than Lillian had, I guess it is a nice baby, but there is none like our own -Babby Price has just come in for a special priesthood meeting and he wishes to be remembered to You So Ruth cries to go home with Bertha bless her and she cried for the baby well she aught to have a little sister or brother of her own but I guess she will have to wait a day or two for this [ltr. 8, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] I gave Harold his cake and I think I told You that I divided Mine with the boys, I am glad You were able to give Bertha a nice table I am so glad they are so comfortably fixed and that they got so many presents I would like to hear our baby say some of the cute things You mention and have her send me a few kisses bless My Mamma and baby So You went to listen to Professor Demat I am glad You enjoyed it, No Bown did not attempt to thrash Me I guess he changed his mind I am sorry Joes job did not last longer but I guess he has another by now and I hope it is as good as the last ones he had, So the people at home think My mustache improves My looks, well I need something for this purpose but, they are a nuisance and I am thinking of chopping it off, I did not get a chance to surprise You as I expected to but it was not My fault some one got ahead of Me, I am real glad that My doll baby knows her Papa, just think of her telling You when You ask her who she loves, of saying “Papa” Yes I would dance a jig I guess if I could hear her Mamma bless her and bless You, I am sorry You are having such bad weather it is quiet cold over here - I will be [ltr. 8, p. 4] glad when summer comes again I am glad You, enjoyed the Theatre So Coulsen is spooning arround Miss Sevartz, I guess it must be Aunt Marys Niece, I do feel sorry for Poor Mammie, I hope she can be bless with with another baby befor long, maby she will feel better then, I hope so, I will look out for a steamer ring and if I can get a nice one will do so, yes Alex Nibley is the one that married the Thatcher girl, no he is not like JGMCDonald some fellows soon forget don’t they So You think I aught to have Miss wells over here, then I would not not forget how to Kiss, that would be all right I had not thought about it Say that is all right, but I guess I will wait, and practice on You So You have been making Your blue suit over, I bet it is nice and I would like to see You in it, I but I would not care what dress You had on if I could only see You You always looked nice in any of them, I always liked Your black jet one Your pink one Your white one and Your cream or wedding dress in fact I like them all, So You are going to dress Ruth in colored dresses I think that a good plan well Dearie, I am well and happy give My love to all the folks and kiss the baby for Me May the Lord bless You both and protect You from all harm and danger - with lots and lots of love hugs and kisses for You both from Your loving and effectionate husband and Papa Alvin [ltr. 9, p. 1] [Preprinted letterhead text is in bold] THE LONDON CONFERENCE. 97, Farleigh Road, LATTER-DAY SAINTS. Stoke Newington, N. London, Feb...27th....1906 My Own Dear Millie Last evening I erceived Your letter #60 of Feb 15th also one from Hyrum and one from Mamma I was indeed pleased to receive them. I have just returned from the Depot in Connection with some of the other Elders, where we had been to bid fare- well to President Hoopes who left on the 1050AM train for Liverpool and sails from there tomorrow Via the Baltic for New York and he expects to reach home about the 13th of Next Month he will remain in Salt Lake a few days and will call and see You it May by that he will have his wife with him becaus she is going to Meet him and spend a few days there, before going to Brigham City be on the lookout for them and and show them the sweetest baby in the world when they call and treat them to a good dinner He has Your dress pattern also two yards of stuff for a dressing sack, it cost two shillings the regular price of which was 8 shillings per Yard You may find some use for it there is also two or three lace neck ties which cost 5¢ each You dont need to say what I paid for them becaus I got them at a sale and at much less than regular price the Feather I got for You I will send at a later date, Alice expects to go about the fourth and I will try and get her to take it to You, it seems tough at times, to bid the boys good bye but My turn will come some day ten Months have passed and the time continues to fly past and “O” what a happy day it will be when I can start for that land which is dearer to Me than any other spot in this great big world [ltr. 9, p. 2] in looking over Your letter I see that My Mamma and baby are both well and for this one blessing I am indeed thankful Mamma told Me she saw You at the theatre She says You are looking well and that our Ruth is a beautiful precious little darling and a regular little chatterbox, she also mentions that Your Mamma is quiet poorly in health, I hope she will take care of her self, and I also hope Your Papa is well and that he has recovered from his accident, so You think I am or aught to be a good cook by this time not much of a cook Dearie, it is all right to get something now and again for ones self but it is a diferent thing when You have to do it for a crowd, yes I did have a good time with the Nibley boys and they were very kind to Me, His Majestys” Theatre is a nice show House, but none of them that I have seen yet are as convenient as the Salt Lake the arrangement inside is not as good I am glad You enjoyed the show, but that is an odd title The Beauty and the beast I am glad You got the gloves did they fit You, I was sorry I got them dirty but after You wear them a while You can throw them away they only cost one shilling I am glad You liked the turn down, I thought it was pretty, So Jennie Smith thought She would sooner come home in the condition she is in rather than in a box, well, If she were a sister of mine I would much rather have seen her come home in a box, than to come home with an illegitimate shild in her, I hope she is married, but it is bad enough to be married to some one who is ashamed to give You their name, I think and one of these, seem to be her condition. So Joseph has another [ltr. 9, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] in his family, and named her after his Mother, well still they come, who’s turn will it be next, Yes Sister Everard is very comfortably fixed this time, but there is no telling how long she will be contented with her present quarters, but I hope she is located for good this time becaus she has been almost worried to death with the last people she lived with, and they were a bad lot - and I am glad she is away from them, I hope You have seen Elder Burton and received the the things I sent by him, So You are having genuine London weather at home, well I do not wonder at You being sick of it well that is what we have nearly all the time and You will know just about how I like such weather, Yes You did tell Me about Will Davos, so Ruth enjoyed Valentine day, bless her she is the best baby in the world and I guess she must be cute and when You tell how she sings, it makes Me wish more than ever that I could see and hear her, I am glad to hear that Lisses baby is getting along so well with his teeth, how many more has Ruth to come through, I am glad You had such a nice time on Your Papa’s Birth day, and I wish too that I could have been there I will be some day just give My love to all the folks, tell Bertha and Joe that [ltr. 9, p. 4] I am glad they are so happy and I do blame Joe for going home early, now “days”, I guess it is natural, I used to do it after I got married, “of course I never used to stay late when I went up to see You” We had our first street meeting of the season last night we had a good sized crowd to listen to us I guess we will be going it full blast befor many more days, especially if the weather keeps fine it is nearly Conference time again when this summer is gone My time will be nearly over, but it no longer drags as it did at first I am happy and well, this morning when we got up it was raining but it has cleared up and the sun is shining and it is quiet warm this afternoon we had a district meeting of the London branches Sunday President Grant was with us we also held a Priesthood meeting in the evening where we listened to much good counsel and had a pleasant time, the Elders presented President Hooped with a coin with his name engraved upon it, and when it was handed to him he almost cried, but he was grateful for our kind remembrance of him, well My own Dear Sweet Mamma and baby I love You with all My heart and soul. give My Love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks, and kiss Ruth for Me and let her hug You and kiss you for Me. May the Lord bless You all ways is the wish and prayer of Your Loving husband and Papa A.F. Smith XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX