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, Apr 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, April 4......1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I received Your letter #67 it came monday morning and I was delighted to learn again that You are both well, So President Hoopes called I am sorry he did not have time to go and take dinner with You but judging from the way he wrote I guess he was very ancious to get home for more reasons than one He must have been disapointed at not finding his wife at the depot to Meet him when he arrived. He was so sure she would be - Yes they have a nice baby boy, and You knew his wife well I guess she is a nice woman at least he thinks so I am glad You got the things and that You like them, I guess You must have had a good time at Groesbucks, Yes I know Brown He was on the police force when I left home, dont You remember Me introducing You to him on Godbe Pitts corner just before I left home it was on the evening that we went down to Nells, well that was him he used to Labor in this conference [Ltr. 1, p. 2] it was his wife that had the baby while they were here on a mission He is the one that borrowed the money from Sister Everard You will remember I think I toold You about it. Say Dearie what kind of a woman in actions books and otherwise, is his wife and what kind of a girls has Freebairn and what was her name I would like to jolly him, President Hoopes said he had his sweetheart with him but did not tell us what her name was, and How is Groesbeck getting along with his sweetheart, there was quiet a bunch of old London Elders at the party - and Brother Frewin and wife and son were also there, wish I had been there with My sweet heart, So President Hoopes told You about apple garth road 15 - Say when Elder Reynolds gets home ask him if he knows where it is there was several of us that were unable to find it I had been there three or four times before went a diferent time and it is in twist[-]est part of town but I gave it up that night as [Ltr. 2, p. 3] 2 [London Conference letterhead] a bad job the best way to find out about that would be to ask one of the Nibley boys about it, Yes that little English girl that was with the President is his wife Neace and lived in the city where Chase is Laboring, Chase will be down to London next week, we are expecting about 100 Elders to our Conference So Jennie Smith went to the Kiogh Right Hospital - I guess by this time she is a Mother to a fatherless baby, So Aunt M- is liable to be the next in the family to have an increase, just remember Me to Will Davis when You see him again, I will be glad when our Doll baby gets through cutting here teeth, I hope she will be through teething and weaned before summer Say Mamma we have had two fine summer days here - it seems to good to last - but I guess we will have a week of stormy weather to make up for it, Say Dearie I did not mean that I was getting tired of writing to You but it is quiet a job to write to So Manny - but I manage to keep [Ltr. 1, p. 4] up My record to two each week once or twice they have been short but were that kind no better than none Say Mamma I would like to hear our doll baby talk kiss her for Me putting a sholl on and then asking to got ta to on the street Car, and when She says she is going to Joes. bless her little doll self - So You have been dreaming of Me again I wish You could have one good dream about Me but You must not worry about Me- and You need not worry about such foolish dreams - I will be mighty glad when I can again see My own Precious Mamma and baby So you have been having more stormy weather it is a fright the way winter has lasted at home. I did not get such a bargain after all on those waists I sent home, they cost 150 how does it look since You made it I am glad our baby likes books give her all She wants and she knows when she comes to Music and when she does then she wants You to play for her bless her "almost" get home sick to see You Well Dearie I am pretty well, I took a good fast day the other day and I feel better since and yesterday I took a two Mile walk to tire My self so that I could sleep My worst fault is that I do not sleep very good- give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks - and kiss our precious baby for Me and tell her to hug and kiss her Mamma for Me May the Lord bless You each is my XXXX prayer for you Lovingly yours Papa XXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 2, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, April 7th 1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth It is a nice beautiful morning and as it if Saturday again and mail day I thought I would get up and do My duty so that this could go out on the boat leaving here to day and so that You will not be disap- ointed when the day for You to receive it comes I have no letter from You to answer this time, I was out to Enfield again last night holding cottage meeting, and last Thursday Prest Jones Elder Beesley and Elder Wright who is an old friend of mine and a 16th warder and My self went out to Brighton, which is 51 miles from London and on the sea shore, we went down to Baptise a Young Man who has been converted to the gospel we had a lovely time, we came back the same day. they run excur- sions down each week and we had a one day ticket and it only costs 76 or 60 ¢ if You buy Your ticket before the day of the eccursion or if You buy it on the day if costs You 75¢ so it did not cost us very much and I saw the cleanest and nicest city that I have seen while in England [Ltr. 2, p. 2] of course You know what a pretty sea front looks like and they have two large pavilions - built out in the water simlar to the Salt Air - it is a City of about 100,000 in habitants of the wealthy class, it is more like some of the cities on the continent I think I will go down in the summer - for a day and have a swim in the sea, we held a street meeting on one of the public corners in the evening and had a big cowd of attentive people - it was eleven oclock when we got home, we enjoyed the trip very much - I wish You had been with Me when You come over we will go down - there I got a long letter from Jennie Sullivan Yesterday, she tells Me all the news about the shop people- and Many others including herself She said the girls were all getting off but poor old Jennie and that no body would have her, but I guess she has been most to particular in her day, but then I guess it is a good fault She might have had Jim Savage, and if he had been more particular, he would have been beetter off You remember that woman he married. And how she turned out. I guess from Jennie is a back noumber now she says Charley [Ltr. 2, p. 3] [London Conference letterhead] Pratt is to be married this Month She told Me all about Stocks & Etc and apologised for not writing to Me sooner, I also received another nice long letter from Frank Otterstrom, asking Me for advice - and giving Me lots of home News about the college and the changes they are making He tells Me Willard Young has been named as his successor, I heard this morning that Wesley had been called on a Mission to the Sandwhich Islands and that he was to leave this Month Bro Geo M. Cannon Jr is here at the house and a Bro Faulger from Odgen they are on their way to South Africa and it was them that told me about Wesley. they saw Papa the day they left home and they say he is looking real well which news I was very pleased to get. I would like to see some one that had just come from You so that they could tell Me all about You and the baby of course I get all this news from You when You write, but it is nice to talk to people now and again who have just come from home [Ltr. 2, p. 4] I got a nice letter from Papa this week I have no answered it Yet to day is the beginning of Your Conference and I guess there are lots of people in Salt Lake - I would not mind being there My self we hold our Conference one week from tomorrow HG Reynolds sail for home next week, He will no doubt call and see You and the folks Will Millie Dear how are You and that precious Doll baby of ours and all the folks I hope You are all well I am well and happy went over to See Sister Everard Yesterday She has been sick in bed and You aught to See her, she is a sight her face is one mass of cold sores - She looks awful, she is a little better than she has been, but she is not Yet well I am going over to dinner again tomorrow well Millie give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks and kiss our doll baby for Me and tell her that Papa loves his doll baby - tell her to Kiss Mamma for Me, May the Lord bless You both - and protect You at all time from all harm and danger is the wish and prayer of Your loving and effectionate huband and Papa Alvin P.S. with lots of Hugs & Kisses from Papa to You both XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 3, p.1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, April 11..........1906 My Own Dear Millie Your letter with out any noumber dated March 26th came to Me Monday morning, I spent the money You enclosed for some lace I hope it will be satisfactory and that the pieces I seclected will sint. Harrold leaves here to day and he will take the package with him the bills of diferent pieces are in the package for the benefit of the custom house officers, and I marked each bolt so You can judge when you get it whether I paid more than I Should or not, You ask about the Z C M I Stork. I have one share each of Z C M I and State Bank - which Papa gave Me when I was a Youngster Same as I gave that Stock to Ruth the dividends have always gone to him when they have been made out - along with his - although the check is made out to Me, Z C M I pay dividends twice each Year, I had the divident last April before I left home there should be another some time this Month You say I ignored the last letter You wrote regarding these things, well Dearie I remember it well enough, and it was not becaus I upheld Hyrum any [Ltr. 3, p. 2] any such thing, of course I have no feelings My self so it is allright, and You May rest assured that I will have the dividends sent to You, the in the future if by writing to them will do it the Z. C. M. I. however will have to be sent to You as usual, I will also write to Hyrum and ask him regaring the last check from the State Bank, I perfer that You handle those things, and I will ask Papa to send them direct to You instead of intrusting them to anybody else regarding Melissa and the Bowman Boys and those You mention who do so much talking, I know nothing about, I have no desire to know. You will probably be cross with me again when You receive this I have been out of sorts for a week or two but I hope this letter will not carry the same spirit; I look forward from one Mail day to the next very anciously for Your letters and with about two exceptions they have been the greatest comfort to Me especially when I am not feeling in the best of spirits, if I have hurt Your feelings it has been unintentional, and oftimes You say things which are probably imententionably said, which will cause Me, as hard hearted as I may be a few sad moments, and even though I have said, probably more than a hundred time that You and Ruth are dearer [Ltr. 3, p. 3] 2- [London Conference letterhead] to Me than anything in this world even My own life, it is true, tho You do not have or at times seem to have much faith in Me when I do say so I guess I am cross patch, but I am trying to conquer My self, I have many faults and weaknesses but with the help of the Lord I hope to over come them to a degree at least and if I am permitted to live long enough I hope to win the confidence and esteem of all who know Me, and especiously that of Your self and Ruth when I say that I love You both I mean every word of it - Well Dearie I just cant write this morning - I will try and write to You again in a day or two tell our Precious doll baby Ruth to kiss her Mamma for Me and Dearie You love Ruth for Me - give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks and May the Lord bless You both and all of You is the wish and prayer of Your loving and effectionate husband and Papa Alvin XXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 3, p. 4 is blank] [Ltr. 4, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, April, 12......1906 My Own Dear Millie I received your most welcome letter of March 29th #68 and You do not know how good it made me feel Say Dearie Sister Everard is very sick she was taken to her bed Monday and the Doctor say she will not recover we went over this afternoon and administered to Her and and I am going back to night and see her after our meeting. I will let You know in this letter how I find her I fear she is in her last stake, but I hope she May recover, she is or has been very kind to Me, Say Dearie what has been the doing at home - the papers tell us that Bro Cowley and Taylor have been dropped from the chorum and I hear that Geo F Richards - Le Grands father and O F Whitney and D O McKay have been chosen to fill the vacancies, this should be proof that the Church does not approve of plural marriages now days, this will try the faith of some of the weak members of the church, I presume the tribune is howling in great shape about now, Well conference is over at home and I will be glad when ours is over Sunday will end it, we have about 75 visiting Elders here and we have been very busy it is almost impossible to write for the noise and disturbance I guess we will have a crowd at our Conference becaus we are getting considerable advertising through the papers, being the result of sending complimentary tickets to our conceit - I will tell You all about our conference next time I [Ltr. 4, p. 2] write, “—Well Dearie I have just returned from Sister Everards she is no better the Dr. says she is worse I took Angus M Cannon with Me he came in just at the close of our meeting he and his Sister, Sister Lambert I was pleased to see him and he seemed pleased to see Me he told Me I was looking well, we administered to Sister E. she recognized us and was pleased to see Bro Cannon but she is very sick and I fear the worst is coming but I hope that the Lord will spare her life - I feel very sorry and I will go over again in the morning and will let You know how I find her - we have been listening to Brother Cannon tell of some of his experiances since he arrived and also of an interview he had with Jos. Smith of the Re Organite Church so it is now quiet late. I will write some more in the morning April 13th 1906 - I will begin to answer Your letter I have not been over to Sister E. yet but must go pretty quick, say about that lace I sent some of that cheap stuff but I was sorry after I bought it- but I did send some better grade also You can give the cheap away to some lady and Say Mamma You say that those samples were all lace - if that is the case I was fooled I asked for some insertion, I do not know the diference in embrodery and insertion I guess You will have to send Me some samples- I intended this time to send You both lace and insertion I do hope You will like it if You do not You must sell it to some lady that does and I will get You some better grade I tried to Match [Ltr. 4, p. 3] 2 [London Conference letterhead] the sample You sent Me, the last I bought well Dearie I am going over to Sister Everards will finish this when I come back, Well Dearie I have just returned from Sister Everards, she is no better - She said a few words to Me but she is very weak I fear she will not get well I am going back this afternoon and stay with her a while - now I will answer your letter, I am glad you have received another divident from Uncle Sam Say Mamma we are having regular Summer weather it is actually hot it was 72% Yesterday and I believe it is worse to day-two deaths here caused by the heat about 64% is Summer heat, it has begun in earnest and I guess about next week we will be wearing our over coats again this weather is so changeable I will remember You to Alex when I see him, no I do not think he wants any of the G. girls, and You must remember Me to Sister Nibley and Geo A Smith when You see them again So Jennie Smith has come around well She will have to face the music I see the advertisement that Florence Roberts was in Salt Lake I am glad you had an opportunity to see her She is a frequent visitor to Salt Lake You did not miss much by not seeing [Ltr. 4, p. 4] and hearing that man Davie's he is a back noumber and unable to draw a crowd in this country - Yes that old maid that we have is the same one and she is going to leave Harrold can tell You all about her he is a good boy and never finds fault with people but maby he will tell You how he enjoyed running errand for her - No we have nobody to tease now that Bro Reynolds has gone, He sails to day and will probably call and see You about the first of the month Say Mamma if You are unable to read this guess at it becaus I have moved half dozen times to get out of the way of the crowd but they are so thick it is impossible to be by My self - I do enjoy having You tell Me about the cute things Ruth does - I would like to see her do some of them She acts so much older than she is, that is becaus she has not been taught baby talk and I think it is better for her. She is a regular little Mother - and it is good practice as You say and she will be able to tend the next one, well Dearie I have just been cussing some of the boys I have had to move again I have threat- ened, them that I would throw them out, but I do not know how long I will have peace, just think of how she waits on her doll and how she takes it to the “pol” and Etc that is cute and think of her trying to give her doll nanna I can well judge that She handles her doll [Ltr. 4, p. 5] 3- [London Conference letterhead] better than some grown people do there babies, You would think so if You could see the way some of these people handle their babys, I saw one drunken hag going along with her babys head hang- ing down and she was holding it by the heels, in fort. She had it upside down and was unconcious of the fact until a police man got after her it is awful, So our Doll baby makes You go ta tat with her and when She gets tired she asks for her buggy. bless her I would like to take her for a walk and it must be cute to see her ask the blessing - and Yes Dearie My hair is still coming out I am using barax and comphor on it now I hope to stope it probably when it is all gone, I still have a little left So old Ex Marshal Heyword has bought the Cullen Hotel - I would be pleased to hear of Your Papa quitting that Job - but I guess they will be ancious for him to remain with them, well Dearie it is now three thirty and I am not yet through with this letter I will make another attempt, I heard that there was going to be another Knitting works in Salt Lake. I have not heard anything regarding the S.L. for Some time, but I do not fear that Mon Spencer- I never had much confid- ence in him - have You heard Richard [Ltr. 4, p. 6] Say anything about the works and what kind of a business they are doing and what he thinks of the new mane - I would like to Know who is at the back of the business and all about it - well they are liable to loase some Money I dont want any of the Stock not if Spencer is going to run the business they are certainly going into it right - according to the report You ask Me how it is I can’t sleep I have been a little better the past few nights, I feel pretty good again now, So Ruth enjoys playing in the dour Yard well I am glad she can play out doors You will have to watch Her or she is liable to go to Uncle Joes - She is a big girl 31 ½ inches tall good for her, and just think of her meeting the Post Man to get Papa’s “lula” - I am glad You had such a good time on Hyrums Birth Day and I would like to have seen her dance She must get that from “Me” ha ha what do You think well I wish I was as good a dancer as You but I am afraid I am past learning, So Joe is just as bad as Me well I congratulate him, I am glad to hear that Heu is going back to the Con Wagons Mch Co - good for him I hope he will be able to do better than he used to when he was there before I saw a letter from Mr Odell the other day to Mr Blake and he said that last Year had been the best Year in the history of the company - Jennie also told Me that it had [Ltr. 4, p. 7] 4 been one of the best Years they had had - I too wish You were going to be at our Convert - nothing would suit Me better - but I will be glad when it is over we have just received a telegram from Prest. Grant that he will not be here until 7 oclock this evening so we have got to work until that time for Priesthood meeting we have now been waiting all day that means we will have a long session - he got back from the continent and went through to Liverpool Yesterday and is coming back to day. I guess Alex will not be over I have not heard from him since he got back, I received a letter from John the other day and I got a card from Willard and Chase - they are both feeling fine and wish to be remembered to You and Ruth, Chase changed his mind about coming down to our Conference his President is here and speaks well of him he says Chase is making more head way than any other Elder in the conference he is behind in his a/c so I hear and that is the reason he did not come. I am going to write to him and find out how he stands. - I would like to have seen him he is getting firt, Robt Price is here he has just shaved his mustache off he said he had to do it his wife would not allow [Ltr. 4, p. 8] it and he said he was afraid she would quit him if he did [London Conference letterhead] not and I must Say that he looks better with out it, I must be a homley creature with out mine becaus becaus every body goes after Me when I say I am going to shave it off - So Maby I will leave it for a while longer, I am getting used to it but it is a nuisance I cant bear to have it get into My mouth and it Keeps Me buisy training it to stay out I usually stick some paste on it and then it stays straight for a few days - we are going to have our photo’s taken tomorrow in a group, with our long toels on, Well Mamma Kiss our doll baby for Me and tell Ruth to Kiss and hug her Mamma for Papa - give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks and May the Lord bless You both is the wish and prayer of Your loving and effectionate husband and Papa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX A F Smith XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 5, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, April 17.........1906 My Own Dear Millie I received Your welcome letter #69 Yesterday morning and I was delighted to get it and learn of Your wellfare It does me good to know that You are both well, it is now eleven fourty give and I expect to finished this before I go to bed - we have been very buisy the past three days but our conference is over and most of the crowd have gone home but we still have some of them left and with our Conference and the death of Sister Everard I have been very buisy, we will bury her to- morrow at 1030 we had a fine conference, better than the last one and our arrangments were carried out to the letter - but I am glad it is over I presume You heard of Sister E Deathe before You get My card becaus I called Papa - last Saturday, it is going to cost us 37 lbs and 10 shillings - that is the best of every thing and is Cheap as we would do and give her a decent burial, I do feel sorry -and I can’t hardly realize that she is dead - She went off gradually, she was up and out on Monday week and - went to bed Monday night and - died the follow- ing Friday at 805 PM I had just been gone from the house about one hour [Ltr. 5, p. 2] when She passed away, she was so week she could not talk from the time she went to bed - and she did not realize that she was going to die but I feared she would - She seemed to sink away so rapidly and each time I called she would be worse the Dr and the two girls She was living with were with her, She has left a fine furnished home and no will covering it and I guess there will be something doing after we bury her - the people are allready hanging arround the place and are ancious to grab on to anything they can see Well Dearie I have lost a good Friend and Mother - and I had learned to love her and I am sorry She has gone but She was almost Seventy Years old and when people get that old and sickness over takes them they usually go So You are having more winter goodness You will surely have plenty of water this season and Maby it will come in floods - it May be the means of raising the lake - I see they are using a Sand pump our at Salt Air what is this for are they trying to make a hole for people to Swim in, it will not be long now until You will be going out there - I hope You have another pass - So You think You will take [Ltr. 5, p. 3] 2 [London Conference letterhead] a trip out to Roberts You want to look out about how long You stay she is liable to get even with You some time in the future, You know her - the fact of the matter is- well I guess I won't say it, - Yes H. G. Reynolds finally made up his mind to go home he is nearly over the ocean - he forgot to write us a card before sailing - he borrowed Elder Beesleys trunk key and promissed he would mail it back from Liverpool he borrowed it becaus he had lost his but in his excitement he forgot to send it back - I hope he will not forget to give You the package I sent You and Bertha can divide it between You, I was pleased to see the picture You sent of The house and I guess it is Bertha standing in the door it looks like her. Say Mamma dont You worry about Me and another Mission this one will do Me for a while - and regarding My blessing I will send You a copy of them. I believe You will find one of them in the trunk and the other one Papa sent Me afterI got here I have not sent either of them to Mamma, but she wrote it while Uncle John was giving it to Me - I think You have miss interpreted My letter regarding future missions - at least You did My meoning [Ltr. 5, p. 4] I think I have one of those blessings and if I have I will send it to You with the letter and as soon as I can get time I will write out the other and send it to You - I don't believe Miss Ansell will ever get Married Say Dearie the Cusworth family have received the money to take them out and the are going next Month they May call and see You and Brother McIntyre and Wife and baby are going out in June and Sister Mchas promissed to call and see You -I am surprised at Bess Clawson but I am not surprised at Hughes he is a scoundrel from away back and just such another as Hagman when they are not at home nights they can be found on commercial street, but, will if woman like those kind of fellows they are welcome to them but if I was a woman I would hate to Mother children from such block guards, I never had much use for him, he is one of those pretty fellows that all the girls fall in love with but good looks do not count for everything- and I hope My Sisters can all Marry boys in the church - Well Dearie Kiss our Doll baby for Me and tell Ruth to Kiss her Mamma for Papa I dreamed of You last night I thought I was at home and that You were at Your Mothers and I was waiting for You to come home and finally You got there and you had Ruth in Your arms and You both looked just as Natural as You could only I thought You were thinner than You was well I woke up just after I had taken You both in My arms and hugged and Kissed You - well Dearie May the Lord bless you both is the wish and Prayer of Your loving husband and Papa Alvin — "Give My love to all the folks [Ltr. 5, p. 5] Salt Lake City March 15. 1896 [London Conference letterhead] a Blessing upon the head of Alvin F Smith, son of Joseph Fielding and Edna Lambson Smith given by John Smith Patriarch Bro Alvin Fielding Smith by the authority of the Priesthood I bear, I place My hands upon thy head and pronounce and seal a blessing upon the which shall be a guide and a comfort unto thee in time to come. Thou art noumbered among the sons of Zion who were born under the new and everlasting covenant, thus an heir to the blessings, gifts and privileges thereof and thy name is written in the Lambs book of life. Registered in the chronicols of thy fathers with thy brethren and I say unto the be firm in thy integrity, hold sacred thy covenants and honor thy parents that thy days and Years may be long in the land which the Lord they God giveth thee, For thou hast much to do in order to complite thy mission upon the earth. The eye of the Lord has been upon the from thy birth and thy pathway marked out, Be obedient to the whisperings of the spirit and thy duty shall be made known to thee from time to time as thou shalt need by the prophetic vision of thy mind and thou shalt become wise in counsel and valient in the defence of truth and virtue. Live up to thy privileges and thou shall see Much of the world and thy voice shall be heard among the nations of the earth and the Islands in the sea—It is therefore necessary that You be prudent— seek wisdom [Ltr. 5, p. 6 is blank] [Ltr. 5, p. 7] 2 of the Father and prepare thy self for events to come It is thy duty to sit in counsil with thy brethren to exhort the Saints to faithfulness to assist in fathering scattered Israel and and-to guide the Minds of the Youth- Therefore reflect often throughs the Journey of life upon the past, present and future and than shalt gain wisdome by experience, by reflections tho shalt avoid difficulty and thwart the plans of the destroyer and thy pathway shall be made clear. In answer to thy guardian angle will remove barriers from thy way and stumbling blocks from they path and also doubts from thy Mind. And thou shalt comprehend the will of the Lord concerning thee. Thou art of Ephraim and entitled to the blessings of Abraham Isaac and Jacob with thy gifts and privileges pronounced unto the fathers in Israel. Therefore live up to thy privileges and it shall be well with You Thou shalt be prospered in thy labors spiritualy and temporal - Thou shalt feed the hungry with spiritual and temporal food - therefore be at rest in thy mind and firm in thy integrity diligent in the discharge of duty and no power shall prevail against thee, but thou shalt fulfill thy Mission, fill up the measure of thy creation. Thy name shall be honorable in the Lord and live in the memory of the saints, This blessing I seal upon You in the Name of Jesus Christ and seal thee up unto eternal life to come forth in the morning of the first resurection even so Amen. _____ PS Say Dearie it is now ten past two AM I did not find a copy of either blessing so had to write this in a hurry - Hope You can read it [Ltr. 5, p. 8] [London Conference letterhead] [Ltr. 6, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, April 21......1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I have no letter from You to answer at this writing I am expec- ting one however to day - what an awful time they are having in Sanfrancisco. I guess the people around Salt Lake and in neighboring states are excited no doubt You would feel the effects of the shock well I see by this mornings paper that they will be able to save about one fourth of the city, The Lord has promissed us that he will pour out his Judge- ments upon the earth in the last days and especially upon the wicked Sanfrancisco was Certainly a Babylon Scientist are giving reasons, which are their own of course, for all of these wonderful changes and upheaval of the earth's surface and Etc. [Ltr. 6, p. 2] but we look at these signs, or should do in a diferent light - I believe that Signs are the fulfilment's of prophecies which have been uttered by the diferent Prophets in all ages, and like the people in the days of Noah they are not willing to hearken to the words of the Lord through his Prophets and when he does begin to bring down his wrath upon the people and destroy them from the face of the earth - Maby it will be a means of causing them to turn from there iniquity and if they will not they will be destroyed from the face of the earth just as they were anciently, this is certainly a wicked world and and wo unto those who will not do his will and keep his commandments. I guess the Lord could not stand the wickedness of Frisco and for this reason he has brought this Judgement upon those people, when we hear tell of the dreadful caryings on - in Sanfrancisco and especially in the Chinese district it is no wonder to Me that the City has been destroyed the Lord has performed similar acts in all ages of the world when the people have become wicked and have turned from him and now that we are looking in the last days and He has told us that he would Cut his work [Ltr. 6, p. 3] 2 [London Conference letterhead] short in righteousness, we had better heed and pay attention to the words of his Servants the Prophets lest we be incl- uded with the rest who will surely be destroyed unless they repent, the Lord is patient, but wickedness is an abomination in his sight and sooner or later his Judgements must come and I believe they have begun look at the terrible signs all over the world, and see how history is repeating its self, and I was not surprised at the changes which were made at Conference time I do not see how it could be otherwise I believe in Sustaining those who the Lord has chosen to lead his people and when ever those who hold high and holy positions in the church transgres they are dealt with just the same as lay members, we used to talk of those conditions, and allthough there may have been some who have taken other wives since the manifesto, they have done it with out the sanction of the President of the Church, and I believe that that Manifesto was a revelation from God through his Prophet for the people, and if we will not accept the word of the Lord when it comes to us through the proper channels then we should be dealt with and those who have obeyed this revelation [Ltr. 6, p. 4] or commandment they should be dealt with, and in this way it will show to the world that if men who are professed members of the church are not sustained by the church - it will prove to them that the revelation was given in good faith and it will make it easier for us, but I find that our own people usually squell louder than anybody else, how many of us are to quick to publish our own members when we think they have done wrong and how quick to find fault - it is Strange we can not be more united I have just received a letter from one of the Saints who emegrated a months ago which he wrote to one of the Saints in this land and she handed it to Me to read this is a quotation from the letter "Dear Sister this is the threshing flour of the Lord till the people from Me that not to come here expecting to find the streets paved with gold and nothing but Angles flying around playing on Harps and Singing Psalms, We have every thing that will try the people of God and prove them, we have all denominations, Beer houses, and Saloons, Blub houses and houses of ill fame, this is the way he refers to Salt Lake and it is too true - Yes and there are - many many who profess member ship in the church but who are members by name only and many of them are ashamed of the name Mormon. Yes they are ashamed of the Gospel, and they choose [Ltr. 6, p. 5] 3 [London Conference letterhead] for companions those who are not Members of the church and many of them will hear the church and members spoken evil of and they dare not churp - thank the Lord that I know the gospel is true and I am not ashamed of it - becaus I know it is the power of God unto Salvation to all that will believe and obey it, and I hope with the help of the Lord to retain this testimony and I hope I will never be found ashamed to acknowledge that I am a Member of the Church, Well Dearie I guess You will think I am a corker but I hope Me and mine may continue faithful. Well Mamma I have only ten minutes to finish and post this letter kiss our precious baby for Me and tell Ruth to Kiss her Mamma for Papa - has She still got a picture of Me if not I will send another, I was showing some of the Elders My picture when I landed and they looked at it and at Me and they say I have changed so much I guess I will be a old Man in two Years - Maby You wont know Me well Dearie give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks and May the Lord bless You [Ltr. 6, p. 6] and preserve You from all harm and Sickness is the wish and prayer of Your Loving and effectionate husband and Papa Alvin F Smith XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 7, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, April 23rd......1906 My Own Dear Millie & Ruth I was pleased this Morning when I received Your letter of April 9th conveying the good news that you were well Yes I am troubled more than I used to be with the headache but I usually have a fast day then I feel better I fasted from Saturday night until ten thirty last evening and I never eat breakfast on Sunday morning. so Bishop Whitaker got My first letter, well I guess he has the last one by this time, they will have a variety of letters to read when they get one from all the Elders there is quiet a bunch from the Sugar House Ward on Missions and I see from Your letter that [Ltr. 7, p. 2 is blank] [Ltr. 7, p. 3] 2- [London Conference letterhead] Some the rest of them have been Slow also in writing to the Bishop I hope they wont go reading My letters in meeting You know I have heard of them doing such things, and I am glad to think I was no the only one that had not written but I did not think that they had all been like Me especially - when So Many of them used to be so active in the Ward- but it is quiet a job to write to so Many people - and I don’t try to keep up a correspondence with every body in Salt Lake but I did feel guilty for not writing to Bro Whittaker I will try and send him one more letter before I come home [Ltr. 7, p. 4 is blank] [Ltr. 7, p. 5] 3 [London Conference letterhead] I am glad he treats You so kindly, and I guess you will Sure go and listen to the letter reading when they hear from all of the boys no doubt they will need to take half a day off; So You went to a concert at the Tabernacle, I wonder if it was as good as ours we had a fine one, So Joe tended Ruth and put her to bed good for Joe it is good practice tell him to Keep it up, I would like to See our little doll baby do some of the cute things You Speak about, Just think of her being able to take her own clothes off bless her precious little doll self tell her Papa loves his Ruth I am glad She is going to be such [Ltr. 7, p. 6 is blank] [Ltr. 7, p. 7] 3 [London Conference letterhead] a good baby tender it will no doubt Come in handy, at least I hope so, Well Dearie we are going down to Gravesend this afternoon we are holding a series of meetings out there and the boys are waiting for Me so I will finish this tomorrow and I will enclose You one of our hand bills “April 24th we did not have a very large crowd but the people seemed interested Elder Bachman did the preaching, it was twelve oclock when we got home it is 21 miles from London and it takes two hours to go from here <97> - Well Mamma I got another letter from You this morning, and one from President Hoopes I also received a card from Bob Price - and a letter from George. Brother Price has shaved [Ltr. 7, p. 8 is blank] [Ltr. 7, p. 9] 5 [London Conference letterhead] off his mustache, did I tell You about it - he had to do it in order to Keep peace, Say Dearie You speak of a Man by the name of Wagstaff going crazy, is that the old red faced fellow that used to always speak to Ruth, I don’t know that I remember him unless it be this one, I am glad You got Your feather and I have another string of beads for You just like the ones I sent Ida, Hyrum sent Me some Money and asked Me if I would try and get them for him I finally succeeded, I don’t think they are as nice hardly as the ones You allready have but I got You a bunch - and I will send them to You the first chance I get, I thought of sending [Ltr. 7, p. 10 is blank] [Ltr. 7, p. 11] 6 [London Conference letterhead] them by HGR, but he had some that he bought after he saw mine and then he is so absent minded that I thought I would wait a while I see by the paper he has landed at Boston so he will be home in a few days, I am glad Heu is back at the Cow Wagon, and Emma Mc has another baby? Yes the church owns this building, tell Reynolds when he calls that his sweetheart has gone at last and we are at peace again You did have a big crowd Hoopes says it was the largest meeting he ever attended, he said he would like to have gone and seen You but could not make it He has bought a new house and he says he will be all ready for a Call from Me when I get home, Yes I saw that they had made some changes in the Chorum of the Apostles - I think I said something about it the last time I wrote Well Dearie I will answer Your other letter next time give My love to Your Papa, Mamma and all the folks and Kiss our doll baby for Me and tell her to love her Mamma for Papa May the Lord bless You both is the wish and prayer of Your Loving husband and Papa Alvin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 7, p. 12 is blank] [Ltr. 8, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, April 28th.....1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I went out to Gravesend again Yesterday afternoon it was 1145 when I got home, I had to wait a few minutes for My car and I was standing on the curb stone, and I heard some one say “Hello” and I looked up and there stood a Young woman and she brushed up against Me and asked Me if I would’nt like to go home with her, and it did’nt take Me long to answer her, and off she shot to look for some one in her class we go right through one of the toughest parts of London to take the train, and last night I had to come home from the Station alone, there was lots of women prowling about the streets, but this is only the second time in a Year that I have had [Ltr. 8, p. 2 is blank] [Ltr. 8, p. 3] 2- [London Conference letterhead] them accost Me, some of the boys get held up almost every time they go down town after night, I tell You this is tough old world and one of these days the lord will destroy this town just as he has San Francisco Well Mamma, I sent a kiss home to You Thursday. Sister Cusworth and her Daughters left Yesterday on the Arabic, I went out to Harrow Wednesday to help them get off and we shipped their baggage and they insisted on me stopping over night and going with them to the depot so I did so, and I sent by them a kiss for You this time it was diferent to where Aunt Kate Wells left, becaus I suggested it or at least I just simply kissed the bunch of them and told them they were to deliver [Ltr. 8, p. 4 is blank] [Ltr. 8, p. 5] 3 [London Conference letterhead] it to You, they were glad to get off they have been waiting two Years for the chance, Jacob Trayner and D.E. Wilcox sailed on the same boat and Maby they will call and see You, I got a post card from Frank Brozier the other day He is working for Seoucroft & sons, Well Dearie I will answer Your letter #71 of April So You have at least begun to wean Ruth I guess you do dread the thoughts of having her ask You for “nana” well I think it is time and she will be better off if she learns to eat but she has been brought up on pretty good nana and it will probably be hard to give it up, I am glad you are having good weather we have had a couple of fine days but this morning it is storming again the good weather does not last long over here, - President Hoopes told Me that Freebairn was going to be married on the 17th of May to a Miss Sheets, I guess he is a tickled Man Say Dearie I will se that You get both the State Bank and Z C M I dividends and it will not be necessary for You to say anything about it, at present, I think H.S. is correct about the amount being 250 it was two dollars a quarter when I was home or 8% and I think that they increased it to 10% which would make it 250 I am [Ltr. 8, p. 6 is blank] [Ltr. 8, p. 7] 4 [London Conference letterhead] quiet Sure they are not paying 12% but You will be able to tell when You get the next check, No I dont think he is afraid You will spend it, becaus he knows You have a perfect right to handle such Matters in My absence and I feel satisfied You wont be troubled in this way in the future, So Mrs Roberts has weaned her baby at nine Month, it must have been a case of have too, however it must agree with him if he is as fat as You say he is, I am just as fat as I was when I left home - the people began to tell me that I was getting thinner - so I got weighed to satisfy My self and I still tip the scales at 148 lbs - I am feeling My self again now there was time for about a Month that I was kind of worried - more over Sister Everard than anything - but I am all right now, I was surprised to hear of the Death of Willy Dougal - I feel sorry for his family - this is another of Wilcox’s Mistakes - So Ray Naylor is the father of our children and is now getting tired of his wife, well, I think he married more for Money than love but then we hear so Many storys about diferent people it is hard to tell whither they are true or not, maby some body who dont like Ray has circulated the story, I always found him a nice fellow, and I would rather not believe it, I hope at least it is not true, I see he has been appointed to suceed Jos. Geoghegon, in the National Guard - and if the tin soldiers at home are like they are [Ltr. 8, p. 8 is blank] [Ltr. 8, p. 9] 5 [London Conference letterhead] here they will have plenty of admirers and I believe this has always been the case and the average solider here is of the same stripe as O.R Grow and we all know what he was like - Mr Blake told Me that if I saw a girl walking with a soldier in this city or country I could take it for granted she is no good - a English soldier can outrage as many girls as he likes and the law will not touch him and the women will and do make it a business of running arround with these men with pretty uniforms, and they will put up all the money for expences - simply to advertise them selves, it is very much the same way at home - Well Mamma tell our precious doll baby Ruth that Papa loves her and tell her to kiss her Mamma for Me, and You can hug and kiss Ruth for Papa Give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks and May the Lord bless You both - with every needful blessing - the 17th of this Month was the anniversary of the departure of My self and Brothers for this Mission and the 5th of May will bring one year since we reached Liverpool the time is going and let it go, the sooner the quicker Elder Beesley expects to return home the first of June - well Millie giss Ruth for Me and I send lots and lots of love hugs and kisses to You both I am as ever Your loving husband and Papa Alvin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX