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, Mar 1906 MSS 7952 [notes by transcriber are in brackets; preprinted text is in bold] [Ltr. 1, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, March 3rd.......1906 My Own Dear Millie I have about fifteen minutes to write to You this morning befor mail time Yesterday afternoon in Company with Elder Beesley we visited his Cousin who is a Baptist Preacher we had a conversation with him he is one of those fellows that is saved, but he has not complied with those saving principles which the Savior says are essential. He is like all the rest of them, they are all saved. Christ has done it all but we got his tub to leaking befor we left him and we are going to call on him again one of these days, and see if he can get us down, he will never do it if he sticks to the Bible well Dearie I am getting off the subject. after visiting with him we took a stroll down town and saw all the pretty shop windows and Easter bonnets and then we went to the show to see an opera called the Little Cherub. it was real nice for a light opera it was at the Prince of Wales Theatre so You see this is what I was doing while I should have been writing to you Elder Beesley says to tell you that he went with Me so here it is he is a fine boy, one of the best Elders we have and the best speaker in the Conference Sister Everard was over here Thursday evening and invited Me to dinner one week from tomorrow, She wanted Me to come tomorrow but it is Fast day and I could not go well be in meetings all day long, Say Dearie the Months do go flying it only seems about one week since we had fast meeting, and here I have been home from the continent about two weeks and here it is March the third, isnt this fine I will be home befor You Know it [Ltr. 1, p. 2] I got a nice letter from Alex Nibley the other day and he wished to be remembered to You he was very kind to Me and he wants Me to come over there befor I go home and bring You with Me, He has been appointed President of the Netherlands Mission, and has promissed to show us a good time if we will come and if we can make the riffle we will see that beautiful country in the good old Summer time, becaus that is the season that every thing is at its best I am owing George, Chase and Willard each a letter it seems like it gets harder every day for Me to write letters, and really I am ashamed of the way I have neglected to write to Papa, if I do not look out it will be another Month since I wrote to him, the last time was while I was in Rotterdam, I will try and send him a letter next Mail beaus I wont have time this This morning it was quiet foggy, but the Sun is now shinning, it looks more like the Moon however becaus of the smoke, it is said that Six thousand tons of coal are in suspension in London atmosphere every day during the winter Months, enough to encourage any fog and two Million chimneys all burning soft coal are throwing off, incessant volumes of smut laden smoke, this is what causes London fogs, and I get this information from the star and it also says these are the things that scientific people talk about when they try to explain fogs, this is another quotation which will show You how expansive they are, it is estimated that the fogs cost London five Million dollars a year, that in a single day's fog causes the Metropolis to consume enough gas and electricity in excess of her ordinary requirements to supply a town of 50,000 population for twelve Months, and that fogs leave behind them a deposit of six ton to the the square inch and You could easily believe [Ltr. 1, p. 3] [London Conference Letterhead] this statement if You could but see the dirty old place and some of the large buildings are coated an inch thick with nothing but soot and when ever You blow Your nose it is black as soot I can dirty more handkerchiefs in this down in a week than I used to use in two months at home, I am spitting and blow my nose all the time, I am going out to Cussworth this after noon, they are some of the Saints and the expect to go to Salt Lake befor long that is if their old Man sends them the money they are nice people and Mr Cussworth emegrated about two Years ago, going to Canada first, the fact of the matter is he is a lazy whelp and could not live in Canada becaus he would not work he is now in the City and he has written again and told them to get ready to come this is about half dozen times he has done so, and if he disapoints them this time he aught to be hanged they have had to support them selves every since he left, there is the Mother and two daughters - one of them is Josephs old sweet heart You might ask him if he is acquainted with them when You see him, they wrote and asked Me to come out, So Elder Beesley Cummings [Ltr. 1, p. 4] and My Self are going, well Dearie I will have to shut up or I wont get this letter off on this boat. I am well, have had another Cold for a few days but it is almost better again how is My own sweet Momma and doll baby are You both well kiss Ruth for Me and tell her to Kiss her Mamma for Me I do love My own precious wife and baby - they are more dear to Me than anything give My Love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks May the Lord bless You always - with his choicest blessings, - bye bye for this time with Lots of love hugs and Kisses for You both I am as ever Your Loving husband and Papa XXXXXXXXXXX Alvin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 2, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, March 6th 1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I received Your letter #61 Yesterday morning I also got one from Papa and I was pleased indeed with them, it makes me happy to know You are well Papa told Me what a little busy body out doll baby is and how he watched her the evening You were at Hyrums Well Dearie I went to the depot again this Morning to see some more people off for Zion this time Elder Cottrell, Sister Buckle who has been over here on a visit for the past nine Months, Alice Sanford and several of the Elder from other missions, and Bro Tucker, Bro Tucker is one of the Saints he has been out of empl- oyment for some time and not being able to find work he has gone to Salt Lake and left his little family here, he is a fine Man and has had a position offered him when he gets in Salt Lake - I gave him Your address if he calls on You do not forget to ask him if he is hungry and insist upon him eating becaus that is they they do with us over here it reminded Me of when I left My own Sweet Mamma and baby and I wish him success and the blessings of the Lord this is a poor country to live in that is for a working Man it is all right for wealthy people but they have [Ltr. 2, p. 2] no Consideration for the poor, and I like to see good people emigrate to our country. although we do not encourage emegration, but I can not stand to see people suffer, and especially little children and this is the condition his were getting in two of the Elders have gone to live with her this will help her to live until he can earn money to get them out to Salt Lake. Well Dearie it is after twelve oclock I will go to bed and finish this in the morning. I will now try and finish this letter to You, I intended to tell You what a fine day we had Yesterday, it was just like summer, we did not do any work in the afternoon, just went down town and had a good Sun bath and this morning the Sun shinning again and I believe it will be another fine day. the trees are beginning to come out in leaf and it will not be long now until we will have summer, we visited the Covenant gardens Market place, and saw some of the most beautiful flowers, and first that I have seen since I have been here, we came home and I went over and spent the evening with Sister Everard she is quiet poorly again. but she has a very comfortable home now and it is well furnished, I am going there to dinner again Sunday, I am glad You have seen Bro Burton, I wanted You to keep two of those waist patterns for Your self, I am glad You like them and also the shawl I thought You would like the shawl and I thought those waists were pretty, So You were complimenting [Ltr. 2, p. 3] [London Conference Letterhead] Me when You said I looked like a German, well maby a mustache does improve My looks but I am beginning to feel like You about whiskers they are a nuisance to have and they are a bother to have to be continually shaving them off I will knock mine off when spring time comes, I wont bring them home with Me, I can emagin what David looks like, So You took Ruth down to Nells I am so glad You She likes to go and I am glad You have good weather now and again So that You can go out. So You think Mrs Carmen is not satisfied, I think she will be, just as soon as Summer comes how is Mr Carmen now is he better, remember Me to them all also to Heu or Nell and the Kids, I hope Joe does get a job in the Bank, I am glad the Uncle Sam is so regular in their dividends and I hope they continue to pay them I am glad to hear that the folks have been to call on You, So You have been to see Mojeska - I saw her five or six Years ago when she was making her farwell tom she was about eighty Years old then, she played Lady McBeth that time, she is a good actress, but she could not talk plain when I heard her is she any better now I went to the Theatre the other night I think I told You about it, it was real [Ltr. 2, p. 4] good for the kind, we went out to Sister Cusworths Saturday and we had a real nice time and lots to eat we had a musical evening and ended up by playing “Pit” the fist time I have played since we used to at Your Mammas, I felt just like a kid again and we did enjoy our selves and they want us to come out again, we may go some time befor they leave here, Well Dearie I am well and happy. I long to see You both and sometimes I almost get homesick I dreamed of You again last night it was the same old story - I love You both with all My heart and Soul I am so glad You keep well and I hope You may cont- inue to do so and that the Lord will bless You continually, give My love to Your Papa and Mamma I hope Your Mamma will soon be better maby she will when good weather comes, remember Me to all the folks and kiss our doll baby for Me, tell her that Papa loves his baby and her Mamma and tell her to Kiss her Mamma for Me and You can love our boll baby for both of us May the Lord bless You both is the wish and prayer of Your loving and effectionate husband and Papa, lots of love hugs and kisses for You both from Papa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 3, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Mch 9th 1906, My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I have just returned from Bush Hill Park, we went out to hold a Cottage meeting, we had a very nice time all the boys have gone to bed and the clock is at this very minute striking eleven tomorrow is Mail day again so I thought before going to bed I would just begin this letter and finish it in the morning we received Yankee mail this morning I got a letter from Joe one from H J Romney and one from Joseph, but none from My own dear Mamma, but it is hardly time becaus I had one from You last Monday. thank Joe for his letter and tell him that some day I will answer it Yesterday it rained all day, to day it has been fine altho the wind has been blowing terribly, but I do not mind wind but do not care very much for the rain, Joe Says he supposes when I have been here two Years I will be like H.G. Reynolds and will want to stop longer, this may be true on one condition, and that is if You are here, otherwise I believe I will be ready to come home, I will stop until I am released [Ltr. 3, p. 2] and after that I will fly to those I love, I do love You, and our own precious baby dearer than My own life, You are all the world to Me and words can not express My feelings for You, You are a part of My very Soul and being, and I do thank the Lord for blessing Me with the best Mother and baby in this big world, I used to tell You how much I loved You and You used to make fun of Me I may have acted soft but I am afraid I will be worse than ever when I get home, when I think of the sacrifices You make and all You have to put up with I feel that Yours is the hardest mission and Dearie I pray continually that the Lord may bless You that You may acomplish Your part of this great work, it is not always those who leave their homes that have the hard time but thos who remain at home have equally as hard a mission and I believe harder, and they need the Prayers of all just as much as we do and Mine are ever for You. I do hope You can both continue to enjoy good health this one of the grandest blessings we can have, and one we do not always appreciate, but I feel to thank My Father in Heaven for his many kindnesses to Me and Mine, and it brings joy to My Soul when I look forward to My home coming, and one of My greatest desires is that I can in My weak way fulfill an honorable mission and return home to You. I am happy and the more we do the happier we are, one knows not the pleasure and satisfaction there is in working for the Lord if he has not done it, but there is a joy and happiness that one can not describe Well Millie I think I will go to bed and finish this letter in the morning, wish I were where I could tuck My Mamma and baby into bed and kiss them good night, it is not Your bed time Yet it is only five oclock at home I always go to bed thinking of you and I never forget to kneel down by My bed side befor retiring and ask the Lord to protect You, You must teach Ruth to say her payers, bless [Ltr. 3, p. 3] 2 her little doll baby self and bless her Mamma - I do love You with all My Soul and I think of You more times each day than I can count, “O” I feel some times if I could only just see You a few Minutes and then I open My locket and hug that, I tell You that many times that little present has comforted Me and I guess It will do So many times Yet, well night night will finish this letter in the morning March 10th I have just finished My breakfast it is now 930 it was 830 when I got up, I am very lazy in the mornings I very seldome go to bed befor twelve oclock and some times it is later, I am just like I used to be on Sunday mornings at home, and You know just how lazy I was of course I have some inducements to sleep late then but It is simply lazyness now that keeps Me in bed, I cant sleep if I go to bed earlier I crawled in the other evening at ten oclock, I woke up at “one” and that was the last sleeping I had, I listened to the clock strike each hour until it was time to get up. I have had several such experiances and this is one reason I do not go to bed earlier. Well Dearie President Hoopes has reached New York so he will probably call on You befor this reaches You Elder Reynolds expects to return home early next month so You will probably have him call on You about the first of May, if there is [Ltr. 3, p. 4] any little thing You You would like Me to send You he will be glad to take it for You, he is quiet ancious to get home now he has had all of old London that he wants, he is diferent to Me after he has done considerable good while he has been here he is a good missionary and a very sincere boy - well Dearie I will have to close for this time we have just received a letter from President Grant and we have got to go and change the time of our Conference and telegraph to him if we can do so and we have also got to go and and see a party who has offered to get a hall for us to hold a series of meetings and report to Bro Grant so well say by bye - give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks and kiss our doll baby for Me May the Lord bless You both is the wish and prayer of Your loving and effectionate husband and Papa Alvin F. Smith The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, March 12th......1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I was lying in bed this morning and about Six thirty the post man knocked - a double rap which is a sign of Yankee mail, so I crawled out and I found that among the package of letters he left there was on for Me from You, Your #62 - and to say that I was again pleased is putting it mildly. You cant emagin how good it seems to get Your letters and what a comfort it is for Me to know that You are well I do You both better than words can tell, we are having miserable weather again so I thought I would just begin a letter to You so that I would not have to hurry in order to catch the Mail and send it to You half finished, I see from Your letter You have just put our precious baby to bed, so I would emagin it is getting late but I guess You do not have much opport- unity to write to Me in the day time, and probably like Me You like to be alone and have it quiet when You write, this is My fix I like to be by My self when I write to You and for this reason I some times stay up late in order to be by my self and have it this way- Yes I arrived safely at Rotterdam and returned Safely You have received My letters befor now telling You all about My trip I did have a lovely time and hope to go over there again Some day. No Dearie all the people do not wear wooden shoes altho a great many of them do, they are a fun people and I have a diferent opinion of them to what [Ltr. 4, p. 2] I did before I had the privilege of going into the land of Holland and seeing them My self I bought Me a pair of those wooden Shoes and I sometimes wear them about the house they do look funny and awkward The Queen does not live at the House in the Woods she goes there quiet often but she has never lived there since her Mothers death, the Palace where she lives is right in the business part of the city and it is a very nice Mansion but I would prefer living in the other My self, it is more by its self, in a nice quiet spot Holland is a beautiful place and So is Belgium and I hope some day You May have the privilege of seeing those cities which I visited. Yes Williams and Le Grand are fat, but I believe I am more healthy even tho I am skinnier than most of them one thing I do have good health and feel fine so I have no kick coming, I did not know when I wrote to You from Holland how long I would stay but I was gone about nine days all told and if I had not begun to get short in cash I may have stopped longer. I did not care to borrow, but I had almost enough to take Me to Paris and I came very near going, but when I gave it a second thought I decided to come home it would only have cost about three dollars Railroad fare from Brussels but no telling how much I may have needed when I got there but I hope to take that in som time in the future, and when You can be with Me I hope, So You have been down house helping to make Zina a costume for Washingtons Birth day I bet it was pretty, wish I could have her when she was dressed in it, I [Ltr. 4, p. 3] 2 [London Conference Letterhead] guess she and Einna are getting to be big girls old people like My self dont change much but I guess there will be a big diference in some of the children, by the time I get home, I am glad You called in to see Papa He does like to have you call on him and he always tells Me about it when You do, He is so buisy that he does not get much time to go and see all the folks although there is nothing he likes better than to do so. You speak of seeing Lillians baby and about its eyes being no better what is the matter of her eyes I had not heard that there was any thing wrong I wondered if You had not forgotten to tell Me about Lonie I think I mentioned it in My last letter I got a letter from Joseph telling Me he had another daughter in his family and that he had named it Julina, So Donnie is sick again - or at least feeling like they do when they are that way, well Dearie I think Kessler aught to be sent away from home or have something done to him, He is worse than Me, ten times, I should think Donnie would put a chick on such actions, but Maby she likes it as much as he does, but He is the one that was not going to have a family that is usually the way it goes, but I hope it will not work the other way with Me because I do want a big family, I cant have mor babys in My family than I would like we cant have to many for Me only I cant afford to work a Hard ship on My wife but I hope to be able to have a few more and I believe the Lord will open up the way so that we can have some one to do the wash and [Ltr. 4, p. 4] You can be the baby tender, what is there in this world that can compare with our doll baby Save it be more just like her, a dozen or two would not be to many for Me if I had the way and means to take proper care of them, but You can see what You have got before You if we have a family of this size it is a common thing for some of the people over here to have twelve or fifteen children and I have heard of one or two that has had up in the twenties, but of course they go at it like that brother in law of mine; I hardly think Liss will go to Chicago this Year altho she May do, but I think she had better stay where she is I believe it will be better for John becaus I am afraid if it were me and I had My wife and baby with Me My first thoughts would be of them and I would probably forget to study - however She May go I have no heard anything from home about. I depend upon You for about all the news I have from home, I am glad Joe has got the job at the Utah National Bank, he has got a good "Boss". Say I guess I forgot to maih that programme but we sat on the front row on the left side facing the stage right on the isle and when that champion summer was performing we could almost reach over and take hold of her but of course we did not think of doing any - thing like that, so Ruth claims the New programme bless her she is the cutest doll baby in the world and she makes You go and set down and Show her the pictures, I would like the job and just think when she asks You and says so many words, I bet You just have the best time emaginable, I would just give the world to see and hear her do some of those cute things, I would like to see the dress You have just made for her I know it is pretty and I would like to see it on Her [Ltr. 4, p. 5] 3 [London Conference Letterhead] and I can just emagin how proud You are of her and I am just as proud of both of You and I fancy You are always sewing for and I know that You like to do it. Congratulate Nell for Me and wish Her many Happy returns of her birth day So it has been snowing again it tried to snow here this morning, it rained all day Yesterday and for two or three days now we have had miserable weather, the sun however is Shining this after noon but a cold wind is blowing. Well Dearie I have just had a Gospel conversation with a doctor, our House keeper is playing sick and the doctor came to see her and then he came in the office and we have had him here about half hour and we have just chucked him full of religion, he got so much he could not stand any more and he began to get nervous, and befor going he brought up Polygamy, I asked him in a nice way what he knew about it, well he did not know very much we sprung a few of the old Prophets of God on him such Abraham Isaac and Jacob and then I told him I was a Polygamys s Child and that I was proud of and a few other things we impressed upon his mind it is a caution how they do squirm when You shoote the gospel at them and the teachings of the Savior, it is usually too much for them, but we never miss a chance to bear our testimonys to the people, we want want to leave them with out a Chance to say in the next world that they never heard the Gospel and this Doctor had heart it and there is something about it [Ltr. 4, p. 6] that they don't forget, I found the sample of lace I will try and get some like it first time I am down town. I think it will be cheaper than what You say You have to pay, You can send several samples and I will try and match them for You I think I can get almost any thing like that for about half what You would pay. they have plenty of kinds and most any width at about 3¢ per Yard but it is not as good as this sample but I think I get as good as this for about 5 pence or ten cents per Yard, Yes HG Reynolds will be glad to bring it to You I think I told You in My last letter that he would leave here early in April or about the middle of April, So every body likes Your sholl it cost 150 or 175 I am not sure but the regular price was three dollars if any of the folks would like one I think I can get more for this price. I thought You would like it Some of the boys bought as high as six Elder Reynolds bought one - I believe they still have more of them and I am so glad You like the waist patterns they cost 1.50 each reduced from about three dollars of course they have cheaper ones with the same embrodery but I did not like the material so well as those I sent You. You can get them from 75¢ up to $500 we each bought several of them also I thought they would be nice for summer they have lots of pretty things in this country and I guess some of the things are bargains but I am not such a good judge as You could be, President Hoopes bought enough stuff to last his wife ten years and then some. So Ruth think Joe is about the finest fellow on earth, well I am glad she does and I am glad he likes her and that he is a good baby tender becaus he will be glad of [Ltr. 4, p. 7] 4 [London Conference Letterhead] practice some day, You cant know to much about tending babys it is fine thing to Know especially for a person in his position what will Ruth do when Joe beings to give all his attention to one of his own - well Maby I will be home about that time and then I can take his place so she will not notice it so much. Just think of him getting her to sleep - isn't there anybody there to jolly him, but I guess he dont Jolly very eaisy. He is like You maby and knows how to turn it off - its a good job I am not home I would have some fun, I guess Joe is just as loving a fellow as I ever dared be, and if he is he is all right, the worst wish I have for him is that he will Keep it up, Well Millie dear Conferenece coming we have Changed ours from the 8th of April until he 14th & 15th President Grant is going on a trip through "Rome" so we had to do it, Chase is coming down here to attend our Conference so I will have a chance to see him we are going to have another concert which will be just as good as the last one, and we are going down to Touts this evening to Make arrangements, I wish You were going to be here to enjoy it with us, I see that Ben Davis is going to Salt Lake I heard him sing over here we have all the swell singers over here and I dont bother much to go and hear them I guess I will begin and do so. So that I can have it to say that I have seen and heard them, I als saw by the paper that Miss Mlle Chistie is in Salt Lake [Ltr. 4, p. 8] She and her dog was at the Hippadrome the night I went. Salt Lake is certainly a Theatrical center and the people Should feel proud to think they have all the noted singers & Etc come that way I am glad you have a chance to go to the Theatre now and a gain to see that John S. Linsay has played his last part in his acting in the life we all have to go the way of the world as he has done, I wonder what part he will act in the next one Well Dearie when I started to write to You I thought I would finish it at some future time between now and Wednesday but here I have filled up four pages on both sides, all that I can send in one envelope so I will let it go - I believe I have told You nearly every thing I can think of - I am well and happy, and love You both with all My Soul, just give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks, tell all My enquiring friends hello for Me - ask Joe if he thinks he will be happy when he gets a baby of his own that he can sing to sleep - how is Joe at singing, like Me I guess the babys go to sleep so they cant hear him Well Mamma May the Lord bless You both - kiss My baby for Me - tell her Papa loves his baby and tell her to Kiss her Momma for Me - with lots of hugs kisses and loves for You both I am as ever Your lo[-]med husband and Papa A F Smith [Ltr. 5, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, March 17th.......1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I received two letters from You this week one Monday and another Tuesday and it is now Saturday and I am just beginning to answer the last one I am getting awful bad at writing letters - I intended to do this last evening but in company with Pres Jones I went out to visit some of his relatives and it was nearly twelve oclock when we got "home" as You call it." So I went to bed and decided I would write to You to day. Yes Dearie this is home for a little while Yet to come but I am quiet used to calling it home so I do not notice when other people speak of it. I believe I speak of it as home My self, Say Millie I am sending You a couple or three pieces of lace in a news paper- I do not think it is as good as the sample You Sent Me there is three Yards and some samples of embrodery - it cost two cents- four cents and six cents per yard <2-4-6¢-> and by the dozen yards it comes cheaper if You have time let Me know if it is good enough for You and if I do not hear from You in time, that is befor Harold goes I will buy some that I think nice and send it to You, also send me some samples and I will try and match them, we got the pieces I am sending You just a short distance from home when I go down town I will look [Ltr. 5, p. 2] around and see if I can do any better Elder Reynolds expects to leave here on the 11th of next Month, So the Sugar Stock has been down to par well Dearie I think the best thing we can do is to keep ours it is a good investment and if it ever gets up to the $1400 or $1500 again then we will sell, but it is not liable to for Some time to come I am glad the Uncle Sam pays You monthly dividends hope it will continue, would like to see You make some money out of that Stock, what ever You do make is clear profit becaus the stock did not cost us anything. You have had about half dozen dividends now of three dollars each, You much not forget to pay Your tithing on them, Yes Dearie it would have been bad enough for that Man P.K. to sleep with a girl if he had not have had a wife but that made it much worse, but things like that are not thought as much of in the world as among our people and when one of us does any thing like that then it is terrible - well it is terrible, and I know that the girl as a rule has to stand the disgrace but as I say it is not such a disgrace in thise country but more of an honor and I believe it is beginning to be very much the same in our own country especially among the outsiders, this is a wicked old world - and the temptations are many - and the actions of the people in this country is enough to sicken one almost of the humans race, the other [Ltr. 5, p. 3] 2 [London Conference Letterhead] night when the boys were coming home on the car there was a Young woman got on, and she was drunk - they said she was well dressed and good looking she sat down in the end of the train by and elderly man and before they had gone half mile they were talking to one another and pretty soon, hugging one another, and she claimed right on his lap, right befor all and every body the car was crowded they said is was awful they did every thing but go to one another pretty soon they both got off the car - together - and no telling what was done afterwards, but such actions are common - there is no decency what ever about some of them, but this is the way of the world - So You had a dandy snow storm on the first of March I guess You are sick of winter I do not blame you - we have not had what You could call winter but we have had miserable weather and I will be glad when it is over, Alex Nibley has gone on a trip down through Rome with President Grant I believe would like to Marry some of his girls to the Nibley boys Alex will probably be over here in April to our Conference, Sory I think that Man Langford is a “joy” not a “jory” why didn’t he [Ltr. 5, p. 4] let some of the Elders take those things to Joe - he might have known they would charge duty, the duty is as much as they could cost almost, and there is some one going home from there nearly every month, I dont think I would appreciate that kind of a present, they aught to write and tell them to return them to the sender they would have to do so and then they could forward them by some of the boys. Say that Jennie Smith case is a corker. so all the girls jollied her about her condition, the girls are as bad as the boys to make fun of one another, say but we do have a time with Harold - we torment him almost to death, we been teasing him about Miss Tompkins she is the lazy woman we have here at the house she has been playing sick for a week and she thinks Harold is the finest boy at the house and we have been asking him if he was going to take her home with him, she is a grouchy old maid of <40> summers and always has something the matter with her and we have tried to make Reynolds think that all she needs is to get married and he aught to consider her case poor boy, he thinks at times that we are awful, but some how we cant help but torment him he always takes it so serious, but he is a good boy [Ltr. 5, p. 5] 3 [London Conference letterhead] So Maggie Davis is pleased to have her hubby home I guess she is and I guess He is pleased to be home, so Your Papas Brother is dead, well Dearie I guess that will be quiet a load and worry off from Your Papas shoulders and I believe he is better off, the taxes on the Forest dale lot were 280 that is more than it was last year, So you are going down to spend the day with Mamma on her Birthday I am so glad So Your Cousin is getting ready to get Married good for her she will get a good man, but he soon made up his mind, it is funny how so many people are ancious to get married so soon after they loose their wives - and I have heard of just such cases with the woman, Say Dearie when You told Me about Ruth running to kiss You when You was reading My letter I could almost see the little doll she is the sweetest kiddy in the world bless her I would like to see her do some of her cute things - I tell You Mamma we have got the sweetest baby in the world, I would just give anything to see You both a few minutes - You just wait until I can see You, I tell You it will be [Ltr. 5, p. 6] the happiest time since I used to be with You at home - I will be glad to have a chance to tend our baby again but she will be a big girl then and almost old enough to tend her self she calls letters “lullers” bless her she is a precious baby, So You are getting used to seeing Me with a Mustache, I guess You would be able to get used to it easier than Me I am not accustumed to it Yet it is a nuisance - Well Mamma it is almost mail time so I will ring off for this time I got a letter from Mr Blake he wants Me to come down and see him next Saturday I am going just say hell to all My friends for Me and give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks, tell Ruth Papa loves his precious baby - and tell her to hug and kiss her Mamma for Me and tell her to let her Mamma kiss her for Papa Maby You think I would not like to do this for My self, by crocky it would be a treat but You want there is a good time coming - well Millie I love You both with all My heart You are joy of My life and more precious to Me than anything in this world May the Lord bless you both and all is My prayer for You with lots of love hugs and kisses I am your loving husband and Papa Alvin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 6, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, March 20th 1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth It has been one week to day since I had a letter from You, tomorrow is mail day so I have no letter to answer this time I am well and happy and sick of the miserable weather we are having again, last Saturday we had a beautiful day - it was just like spring - we went Hamsted Heath which is a large natural Park and forest - we saw hundreds of people and all kind of games being played, we had a very nice time, and the next day it rained, and has been at it every since and there is no telling how much longer it will last, we are having genuine March weather I guess I should not complain, but It is natural for Me to kick a little I guess. Well Dearie Harold Reynolds has changed his mind again about coming home He has decided to wait until the 28th he will sail on a better boat and then in addition will be here for our Conference, He is a corker to change his mind, of course this is the last decision he has come to- no telling how long he will feel this way - He may take another change tomorrow, however I will send you some lace by him when he does come, I wonder if I will know whether [Ltr. 6, p. 2] I want to come home or not when I am released, usually the Elders have their minds made up long befor they are notified that they can go - it did not take President Hoopes long to know whether he wanted to go or not, he like many others had decided upon this question long befor his release came - and I believe I will be just as ancious as any of them, we had a letter from President Hoopes written from New York, he was such as usual - and said he was glad he was on that side of the pond and that he would take his next mission in the states I wonder where I will take My next one, down among the “Figis’ maby becaus You know My blessing says I will go to the nations of the earth and the Islands of the sea, well just so they let Me stay home a little while between and then I hope the next time they call Me that they include You also. Well Dearie there it is, March 20th more than eleven Months since I left home, will soon have passed the first mile stone and then I will begin to coast down hill, You know one can always travel faster down hill than up so look and I will Soon be deciding on which boat I am to sail on one more miserable winter in this land and I will come home where, according to your letters, the winter [Ltr. 6, p. 3] 2 [London Conference letterhead] has been as bad or even worse than it has over here, but what is the use of complaining, it is just as I like it that is what I always say when ever we are all together and there is something that does not just Sent Me they seem to understand Me and, they cant say, I am kicking when I say it is just to My suiting. I see that the Philippine Tarrf Bill has been defeated and that Sugar Stocks are liable to advance in price, I fancy. Utah Common would be a good buy and I am afraid I would do some gambling if I was home but as I am not I guess I had better forget about it, however I am glad-for am better holdings in the Sugar Co that the bill has been defeated- it is almost mutual time the people are beginning to Come I am on the lesson so I will finish writing to You after the meeting, I don’t suppose we will have many here becaus it is very stormy and quiet cold, Well Mamma we are beginning to get buisy our Conference is coming and I will be glad when it is over and the worry is past, I think I will try and get them to send Me out in the Country to labor, then I wont have to do any worrying I think I would get fat if it was not that I am such a nervous duck - but the President [Ltr. 6, p. 4] we have now is easier going than the last one, and well I do not know why I should sorry about that maby he will be diferent as time wlls on, but we are expected to do all we can and I will do My best while I am here, but they can send Me and as soon as they like but I am afraid they wont like, at least it dont look as tho they would, I guess I am doomed to stay right here as long as I am on My mission, I went over to Sister Everards after meeting Sunday evening, I was not there to dinner and Sister E came to meeting and wanted to Know why I was not there I went to see her in the middle of the week she was not home so I proved to her that she was at fault for not being at home when I called, I am going over next Sunday, Sister Everard is very good to Me and she has a fine home now and I usually - settle down after dinner in one of her big chairs and have a “snooze” I am going out to Harrow tomorrow. Elder Beesley Cummings and My self, I expect we will have a fine time we di the last time we went out there, I went down to Touts the other evening, to arrange about the programme, Say Dearie talk about untidy girls and house, it beat any time Yet they do not seem to have any pride about them - They will live to be old Maids if every body is like Me - it is a caution for girls with the talent they have to be void of pride, Some times in our meetings I feel ashamed of them becaus of the way they dress, Say I have just been looking over this and [Ltr. 6, p. 5] 3 [London Conference letterhead] about all I have done is find fault with one thing and another I guess You will get tired of such reading so I will stop and finish this in the morning, besides there has been to many fellows talking and gassing for a person to Know what he is doing Elder Reynolds is now at this very minute tossing up a coin to see when he shall go home, it came tails two out of three for him to go home on the 13th, but he has made up his mind for the 28th so there is no telling when he will go I think I will persuade him to stop until the end of April, Maby if I tell him too stop now that all the rest have he will, He does not know what to do becaus he thinks I am disgusted with him for not knowing his own mind well I am still kicking so will stop writing and leave these fellows here and go to bed So Night Night Dearie Well Dearie I am up for the day, it is very cloudy and looks like more rain, we have just finished our breakfast, and it is now 930 AM so You will see we do not get up very early in the morning, we are a lazy lot I never was so bad befor in My life - we get up just when we feel like it - and no sooner, how are You Dearie and how is our doll baby are You both well and how is [Ltr. 6, p. 6] Your Mamma Papa and all the folks, what kind of weather are You having has Spring come Yet - or are You still having winter - did President Hoopes call and see You and bring You the things I sent by him, how do You like that piece of cloth, is it worth what I paid for it, if it is not, it isnt worth much- Say Dearie, how did You like that feather or havent You got it Yet, it aught to be there by now, tell Me what one like it would be worth at home, I bought Me a new coat and visit the other day it is a nice black double breasted square cornered sack - it looks pretty good it is something like that old one of Mine that I used to wear when I first began to call on You. our house keeper as she calls her self, is Still sick in bed - and she keeps Harold buisy running errands - She wont ask any the rest of us to do her a favor becaus we do not symphatise with her, the Doctor tells her there is nothing the matter with her we are going to let her go as soon as she is well, She has been here about six or seven years and she thinks she owns the place and every thing in it, well Dearie give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks tell Ruth to Kiss her Mamma for Papa and You kill her for Me bless You I do love You with all My soul May the Lord bless You both at all times is prayer of Your loving Husband Papa - with lots of love hugs and kisses for both I am as ever Papa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 7, p. 1] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Mch 23- 06 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth My letter came at last, I got it Yesterday morning, it was delayed in coming it was posted in Salt Lake on the 9th and written on the 8th I also received some papers from David Yes I have gotten over the cold You refer to, one has to be careful in a land like this where the weather is so changeable, I am glad You reminded Me that I have not written to Bro Nelson, I am awful I must admit You are the only one that receives prompt answer to their letters I need a jacking up now and again, I will also write to Brother Whittaker, I do really feel ashamed of My self, but it is hard work for Me to write letters, I have not written to Chase since I returned from Holland, but I am going to do so this very day Elder Beesley and My self are here alone, the other boys have gone and in the other districts to hold cottage meetings, Elder B and [Ltr. 7, p. 2] My self spent last evening with some of his relatives we had a very enjoyable time, we spent the evening talking upon the Gospel, they were very much taken up with the views of Salt Lake we took a book of views with us, this will sometimes make an impression upon them when we can not, and when a person can see from photogr- aps just what our part of the country is like they become more interested us and in this way many times we get an opportunity to talk to them and this is what we are here for I went to call on Mrs Brown You will remember Me telling You about her she is the one I wanted that photo for, She was not home I saw her son and he is going away for a couple of weeks and he seemed real sorry his Mother was not home and he would have me promiss that I would come and see her again and especially while He is away from home, he said come and take tea with her she will be glad to have You do so, I promissed him I would, She is a nice old lady and aught to be a Latter Day Saint, we had a very nice time and to Sister Cusworths the other day or Wednesday last we visited the [Ltr. 7, p. 3] 2- public schools of Harrow which is a grand sight these schools are for boys only and they all wear broad rim flat top straw hats and diferent schools have diferent habits of dress, which seemed very odd to us, we visited the old St Marys Church on Harrow hill and in this church Yard is where Lord Byron used to sit and compose his poetry, we sat on the Spot where he sat, there being erected on the spot a marble slab with some of his writings engraven upon it, there is also near the path like You will see in the small catologue I am going to send You a grave and upon the head stone is inscribed - I would like to see You in Your new suit I bet it is pretty - it would look good on You - anyway, So Ruth likes to go home with Bertha and Joe, I guess she thinks she has a claim on them Bertha will have be careful when she gets a baby of her own, becaus Ruth wont like it prehaps, Well Dearie I expect another letter from You tomorrow, I am well and happy give My love to Your Papa and Mamma Bertha Joe Heu and Nell Al and Alice and all the folks - Kiss our precious Ruthy baby for Papa and tell her to hug and kiss her Mamma for Me. May the Lord continue to bless You is the prayer of Your loving Husband and Papa with lots of love hugs and kisses for You both from Papa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [following text is written vertically over other text on page: I am going down to see Mr Blake tomorrow] [Ltr. 8, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, March 28 1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I received Your letter #65 it came last Monday morning I see that You letter had been delayed, I guess however You got it the next day I received a letter from Melissa and Zina this week also I wrote to Bro Nelson last week also to Bro Whitaker I have a score more people that I should write to but I do not know when I will do so, it is almost a month again since I wrote to Papa So You see how neglectful I am and three weeks since I wrote to Mamma I should have writen to You and also to them Yesterday only I had a bit of a headache and did not feel much like writing it is now twenty minutes to ten and I did not get up until until about eight thirty I am awful we seldom go to bed before twelve or one oclock - and I think this is one reason I am so lazy - we are still having miserable weather and I see that You are also, and You have been dreaming of Me again, it is the same old story this is mearly a reminder that I am not to come home until My Mission is finished, You need not worry about Me not treating You well when I come and [Ltr. 8, p. 2] when I do come I hope it will be to stay and not as it has been pictured to us each time we have dreamed of it. the Carmens are having an awful time of it - it seems to Me but they must be satisfied or they would not encourage the rest of the family to come out, I guess I had better mention that I am well while I think of it, I do manage to enjoy good health which I consider a great blessing I went down to see Mr Blake Saturday we strolled around town in the Afternoon and I went out to his house in the evening and visited with him there he is leaving with a lady out in the Cholk Farm district, since his wife and children went back to America - he told me he was home sick to see his family I told him he had only been away from them about four months He said that makes no diference I guess he does long to see them it is only natural, I went over to Sister Everards again Sunday and spent the day with her, she is some better than she was, I believe when the good weather comes she will be all right, She has a very comfortable home, and I usually have a good snooze in one of her big chairs when [Ltr. 8, p. 3] 2 [London Conference letterhead] I go over there, So Harry is getting fat, is he, well good for him - tell him even tho I have not answered his letter, I have not for gotten him it is hard work to write to so Many people, and then I don't expect to write to everybody, it is diferent with a person in My position, when I have to write to all the folks at home while they only have Me or one to write to, but wont have many more Months to worry about it only about thirteen more months, the time is going and let it go - I got a card from Bob Price the other day he said his folks had found out that he was growing a Mustache and that since then he had not received a letter but what they had given him fits and demanded that he shave if off but this is where we have the advantage of of You being seperated - You cant compell us shave them off but it would not take any coaxing to get Me to shave if mine was as poor an excuse as Bobs it wont take much coaxing anyway to get Me to shed mine - it will come off [Ltr. 8, p. 4] Come off one of these bright days Yes Dearie I too wish that I could see our doll baby do some of the cute things You mention the precious doll baby just think of her trying to read a book and Making You and Your Mamma sit down and show her the pictures Zina told Me what a fine time they had with her on Mammas Birth day and how She plays the Piano and sings, I would give all My old shoes to see and hear her do these things, Well the last decision H G Reynolds has come to is that he will sail on the 13th O. but he is a changeable kid really he does not know five minutes ahead what to do, but I guess it has been decided this time for good so You can expect to see him about the first of May all being well, Say Mamma what has become of Moke, I have not heard anything about him for Months, he is one of the family and I like to hear if You still have him Well Millie sweet heart kiss our doll baby for Me and hug her too tell her Papa loves his baby and her Mamma with all his heart- give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks May the Lord bless You both and all is My prayer for You - Lovingly XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Papa [Ltr. 9, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, March 31 1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth This the last day of March tomorrow is fools day, or the day when fools try to deceive the wise I presume the kids will be buisy tomorrow. Well Mamma I received a letter from Brother Whitaker and his councillers with a draft enclosed for five dollars, now I have got to write another letter and thank them they wrote a nice letter asking all about Me and how I am getting along, there was a big batch of Yankee mail came Thursday but none for Me so I have none to answer I expect one next Monday I see by the papers that they have been having high seas this Month, we got a letter from Elder Cattrell who left Liverpool on the 8th of March he said they had a very [Ltr. 9, p. 2] rough voyage, He said a little baby belonging to one of the Saints died from Pneumonia, it had a slight cold when they left and it turned to the worst and it was buried in the mighty deep Cattrell said it was one of the most Sad experiances he ever had - He was president of the company and had the funeral services in charg. I tell You that would be a Sad experiance altho the day will come when ever the mighty deep must give up it dead but it does seem sad to have to this part with dear ones. Many of the passengers were sick well I hope it will be better weather when I come home, I do not want any sea sickness in Mine. I see by the paper You have been having more snow and wind. You have certainly had Your Share of winter, I guess floods will will be the next thing when warm [Ltr. 9, p. 3] 2- [London Conference letterhead] weather comes and the snow begins to melt, Salt Lake certainly aught to have sufficent water supply this season to allow people to use what they need, I presume by this time You have heard from or seen Prest Hoopes, I heard he had been in Salt Lake he promissed to call and see You and take You those things, but I do not know whether he will call or not, the best way to tell is to wait untill they have been home some time, I have a little faith in him however, and I blieve he will keep his word, but I have thought the same of Many of the others that have gone home and who have made the same promisses and who have not kept their word these Missionaries are a pecular crowd [Ltr. 9, p. 4] they are all together diferent while they are here; we soon forget that we have been on a mission many of us I wonder what I will be like Maby I had better not talk, but I am not going to make any prom- -isses and then I will not break any of them. Elder Reynolds expects to sail on the 13th he has finally made up his mind, and he is beginninng to get restless, and ancious, and I do not blame him he has been away from home over three years now, that is quiet a while, longer than I want at one time, Well Dearie Conference will have come and gone before You get this letter how big a crowd do You expect to have this time, is Your dear Auntie coming down this time? You know the one I Me - Your Uncle [Ltr. 9, p. 5] 3 [London Conference letterhead] Charlies biddy as You call her well You must try and put up with it Conference only comes twice a Year, how is our own precious doll baby tell her that Papa loves her with all his heart - I tell You I have got the best Mamma and baby in the world, I love You both with all My soul and I would just love to see You, well Dearie the time is going and it will not be much longer in the future than it has been in past until I will have this privilege nearly one year since I left home - this time next Year will see Me on the ancious Seat, but let it come I will be glad mighty glad to come home when the time comes for [Ltr. 9, p. 6] for Me too, Well Dearie we have still got that sick house keeper with us She is a corker we have given her notice to leave, and She says she will stay as long as she pleases She thinks we aught to Keep her and continue to pay her for doing nothing She has no use for any one here but Brother Reynolds, She likes him becaus he sympathises with her and runs errands for her, She is not in the church and she is continually talking to people about us, the only reason she has been here as long as she has is becaus the diferent Presidents have thought, well I have not got long to stay so I will put up with it She said this morning she was had Freebairn on Groesbeck were here they would wait on her, She is in love with Freebairn many times I have gone down Stairs and found her crying with his photo in her fist it is to bad they are not here to take care of her, she said she would go to Utah on a pleasure trip if some one would pay her way, but she would not go to wash dishes and scrub. So we have been trying to persuade Reynolds to take her home with him, well Dearie I have only got about five minutes to post this so it will go out too day - kiss Ruth for Papa and tell her to Kiss her Mamma for Me - give My Love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks - May the Lord bless You both and all is the wish and prayer of Your loving husband and Papa - XXXXXXXXXXXX Alvin F Smith XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX