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, Sep 1906 MSS 7952 [notes by transcriber are in brackets; preprinted text is indicated by bold text] [Ltr. 1, p. 1] Telephones National - No. 6771. Corporation No. 4747. Old Waverly Hotel, Buchanan Street, Glasgow. A. Cameron, Proprietor. Sept 1st 1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth This is Saturday Morning and September 1st, Summer has gone again, Autumn is now upon us, and Winter will soon be here, then comes Spring and after that I will turn My attentions towards the land of My birth, where dwells My loved ones, Here we are in Glasgow, we arrived here Yesterday, we Met the Elders and among them Bro Murdock who sends his Love to You and the folks, we spent the day - sight seeing and in the evening we held a meeting with the Saints and had a fine time then we made our way back to the Hotel & through the streets that were crowded we saw poverty and cripples on both sides this is the worst Yet - it is worse than London. I wont try to tell You about it, becaus it is Impossible to describe it to You [Ltr. 1, p. 2] Give Me My native land it is good enough for Me and I hope for Mine, allthough I would like My folks to see these conditions, becaus it makes us appreciate home more afterwards, Dearie I dread the thoughts of having the folks leave Me - but I guess they must go and one week from to day they set sail - we are going to Liverpool to day and back to London Monday and will spend the balance of the week there, then I will have to start all over again, and I dread the thoughts but I am going to get buisy becaus I want the time to hurry past it cant go to rapidly for Me, especially now that I have got to begin as it were all over again, we expect to Meet Alex in London and his Mother, she has not been with us on this trip she has been over this part before and didn’t care to come again, well Mamma it is now time for breakfast so will finish this afterwards the folks are all waiting for Me [Ltr. 1, p. 3] Latter-day Saints European Printing Publishing and Emigration Office 10 Holly Road Fairfield Liverpool, Sept 3rd 1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth it is now Monday and I have not Yet finished the letter I began writing to You last Saturday morning, after I began writing to You I was called to breakfast and after breakfast I did not have time to finish writing to You as I had to go with Prest Brown of the scotish conference - to attend to some Matters before we left for Liverpool in the evening quite late and I had no chance to write and we left at 7 AM for Blackburn the next morning where Conference was held and I was up at 530 and it was 1130 when we got back in the evening, and this morning the folks have all gone out, and they wanted Me to go with them but I made an excuse so that I could finish My letter and here I am trying to do so well Dearie I have had a lovely time and I have gained 7 lbs since I have been with the folks every body tells Me I am looking better than I was and indeed I am feeling better - one more week will end My visit with the folks we leave for London in the morning and will remain there until Saturday then the folks will leave for home and then [Ltr. 1, p. 4 is blank] [Ltr. 1, p. 5] [Liverpool letterhead] 2 I will have to settle down to walk again and it almost makes Me sick to think of it, but I will go back and finish up - which I expect to do in about ten Months I think I can afford abo dig in now but it is like starting all over again President Grant expects to go home about the 14th I wonder who will come over to take his place? - I wouldn’t mind living here it is the nearest like home of any place I have been Yet - I have not answered any of Your letters for a week - but I will take the whole bunch when I get back home and I will write You a dandy long letter and answer them all in one. I expect My letter from You is now in London. I will get it in the morning well Mamma kiss our doll baby for Me and tell Ruth to kiss and hug her Mamma for Papa I do love My own sweet baby and and her Mother - Desie Grant asked Me if I had as bad a case on You as ever - I dont know what she knows about it but I told her it was worse - she said she would come and see You when she got home and I told her she could hug You both for Me Mamma and Papa and Bro Nibley send love to You so also does Sister Grant and the girls well Mamma give My love to all Your folks - Your Papa and Mamma and all and May the Lord bless You and Ruth and preserve You at all times is the prayer of Your Loving husband and Papa — X Alvin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 1, p. 6 is blank] [Ltr. 2, p. 1] Hotel Cecil, London, W.C. Sept 5th 1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth This Wednesday and I am here at the Hotel - we arrived in London at one thirty Yesterday - and I spent the afternoon with Mamma we went out and called on some of Sister Jensens people then I took her to the Albert Memorial South Kensington Palace over to Hyde Park - to Marble Arch - Rotten Row - then to Buckingham Palace, Malborow House - and St James Palace and back to the Hotel, then we went to the Theatre I went with Alex and his Sweetheart and the older folks went to the Garrich we saw Edna May in the Belle of May flower it was a very pretty play and she is a beautiful woman - the piece the folks saw was The Morals of Marcus and they said it was fun, it was raining something the storm You tell about when we got out, but [Ltr. 2, p. 2 is blank] [Ltr. 2, p. 3] 2 [Hotel Cecil letterhead] we only had to cross the road to the Hotel but then Willard and Luther Howell and My self had to go to 97 - it was one oclock when we got there and I had to get up early and go to the Depot with Prest Grant so I came on down here and found the folks are just at breakfast so I am writing to You I expect to be buisy this week showing Mamma the sights of London and it just makes Me sick to think of them going home but I will have to Make the best of it, I was pleased to get Your letter. I also got one from Aunt Julina these were the only ones I found upon My arrival home, You speak of the hot weather You have been having and of the awful storm and how much cooler the atmosphere was after the rain, I guess You will not be sorry when summer [Ltr. 2, p. 4 is blank] [Ltr. 2, p. 5] [Hotel Cecil letterhead] 3 is over and for Your sake I will be glad, but I really like it better My self so far I I am concerned they have had several very hot days here the hotest in thirteen Years and I escaped them being away in the North of England I hope from now on the weather will be cooler so You and the sweetest baby in the world will feel better - Aunt J. says the hot weather Makes Ruth cross which is something unusual for her - but it is enough to Make any one cross to have it as hot as You have been having it, I am glad John Tud is better , and you can thank Joe for Me for his kindnesses to You I will try and do something for him some day, I am glad You have had such a good Year for fruit, becaus it is mighey good living I like fruit as well as anything - and I often wish I could have som good fresh fruit like we used to have when I was home, but they dont know what good fresh [Ltr. 2, p. 6 is blank] [Ltr. 2, p. 7] [Hotel Cecil letterhead] 4 fruit is - in this land, I am glad You went out to Cusworth it seems to Me they have not been settled since they got in Utah Yes Dearie I will be able to live on bread and Milk when I get home, I had it for My breakfast this morning so Elder Nelson called and found You in Your dirt, I am glad You like the things I sent, the pin You speak of was a little dutch pin for Ruth So our doll baby claims the blue beads, well let her have them I am sending You some More for Your self well Dearie the folks are ready for Me to go with them so I will close for this time May the Lord bless You both and kiss our doll baby for Me and tell Ruth to kiss Mamma for Me - I do love You both and I will send You both something, when the foks come give My love to all the folks with lots of love hugs and Kisse for You both from Your Loving husband and Papa Alvin [Ltr. 2, p. 8 is blank] [Ltr. 3, p. 1] Hotel Cecil, London, W.C. Sept 11th 1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth You will no doubt think I have forgotten all about You, if You Judge from the brief manner that I have written to You of late, but there is some excuse, becaus I have been been so much on the go that I have hardly had time to do anything and I feel at present some what and I did about sixteen Months ago when I first landed - Mamma Papa and the Nibley folks, and also Miss Sloan, who You mention in Your last letter to Me, left London Saturday evening at 915 Via Charing Cross, on their way home and I felt much the same as when I bid You all good bye - over a Year ago - I have had such a good time with the folks - but the time has gone O; so rapidly I was in their company one Month and it did’nt seem half so long [Ltr. 3, p. 2] 2 they were only in London out of this time six days, that is,” what You could call six days and only five of these were they at liberty to skim things over and they have gone back home having only seen one or two places of interest, besides it takes so long to see things when there is such a big crowd - and had there been only Mamma and Papa - I feel sure that I could have shown them much more than they saw and I feet disapointed that they did not have more time here and that they did not see More than they did, allthough I think Mamma saw as much or more than any of the others, I got a card from her from Dover telling Me that they had reached the boat and were all on board and that she would write to Me again from New York, I can tell You Mamma, I believe if they had said the word I would have come home with them, Willard George [Ltr. 3, p. 3] [Hotel Cecil letterhead] 3 and Alex left one hour befor the balance of the folks and Chase left Me this morning and really I feel home sick and I tried to comfort My self by looking at Your’s and Ruths pictures but this made Me worse, I feel like a new beginner and it will be hard for Me to settle down, but it must be done and I have made up My mind to peg away so that the remaining eight or nine Months will pass as rapidly as the last one has, Uncle Charlie has been good to Me, and I cant express My gratification of his goods to Me so also has Aunt Beck and in fact all of them - and Alex is one of the first Men I ever knew, by the by You met some one who told You about Miss Sloan, Yes Alex and She are engaged she is a real nice girl and she aught to be proud of Alex, Alex has confided much of his love affairs to Me of course they are secrets but what is My secret is also Yours, and You must not, for My sake say anything about this [Ltr. 3, p. 4] 4 they surely have a case on one another it reminded Me of My self, and brought back those happy memories of the past and the fond recolection of the future when I can live again those happy days Mamma will be able to tell You all about these things and Many More when she gets home, how I do wish she could have remained with Me longer, and as I told You before there was but one regret I had and that was that I was not blessed Your presence also, but I hope to have this honor and pleasure before long now, think what a lovely time we have had, we four boys and Mamma and Papa, it did seem so homelike and it was really hard when we were obliged again to separate, their visit to this land was surely a blessing to Me and in fact it has been to this Mission and all the people with whome they have met, and I believe it has opened up the way for such visits in the future, and one regret that I have is that More of the people of the world could not have heard the [Ltr. 3, p. 5] [Hotel Cecil letterhead] 5 grand sermons and gospel talks that were given by Papa and Uncle Charlie I wish that all the world could have listened too, I feel sure that if this could have been that the Lord would then surely cut short his walk in righteousness, becaus never before in My life have I heard the Gospel preached with More power - than I have the past Month and that too by the Prophet of the Lord, and Many times on this trip I have felt bad, that more people of the world were not present to hear those words Well Dearie I will look over some of Your letters and answer them, I have several unanswered - I will begin on #100, I see You were shocked at the post cards I sent You from Portsmouth, No I did’nt see any women bathing at Portsmouth that, is I did not see any body in that kind of a costume - they do not allow mixed bathing at Portsmouth but that is the style suit used at Brighton - Yes I did enjoy the sea bathing we went in twice a day once or twice [Ltr. 3, p. 6] 6 Remember Me to Mrs Field when You write and thank her for Me for the grapes she says she is going to send You Jesse had better keep the snap he has so long as it will last, I am glad they have had a good season, I was pleased to learn that You had received the things I sent by Bro Nelson, so he caught You in Your dirt, I told him to telephone first so as to be sure You were home, but I guess You did’nt look very bad, I would like to catch You even in Your dirt Nelson took some things home for George also, I am sorry the gloves are not large enough, and You speak of the quality these were the best Peter Robinson had but, I will try and get You another par larger than those, and Ruth claimed the blue beads - bless her let her have them I am sending You a nice strand with Mamma I think they are perfect beauties George and I each bought a string of them, I hope You will like them just think the folks will be home about the 25th - this Month will soon [Ltr. 3, p. 7] 7 be gone then Conference then comes winter and Christmas and pretty soon I will be preparing to come home My self, No the folks didnt go Vid Liverpool they went direct to Antwerp and from there to Rotterdam, Yes I was tickled when I saw the folks, and I was pleased with the chance accompany them on their trip, I am glad Aunt Mary took You for a ride I got a letter from Aunt J. the other day, in answer to the one I wrote her about a Year ago I dont expect to write Many more of the folks - now that My time is drawing to a close Several Yet from both families are owing Me letters if I remember correc- tly - I am glad - You saw Hyrums folks and was glad You found them well - Hyrum, I understand has not been well for some time I was sorry to hear of Bro Owens trouble I hope he will recover from the operation, So Annie Owen is a Mother I guess she is happy. the storm You had was a beauty, we are having good weather but it is quite cold, that [Ltr. 3, p. 8] 8 I think so, of course I notice the cold More than some people now for Your letters No 101 & 102 both of which are very short - one three and the other four pages - I see a portion of these letters take up some things that I have allready answered So I will skip over them, You ask how it was Chase didnt go with us, becaus the folks had made all arrangements to leave Holland and had to go before he got there, I was just fortunate enough to catch them I see that You ask Me in Your letter 101 - if Alex has a particular lady friend and in Your letter 102 You also answer the question for Me, and I referred to this in the beginning of My letter, but I Might say while speaking of such things, that Andelin and Blark have asked Bro Grant to Marry them to each other before he goes home and Papa wrote him out the ceremony so I guess they will be one before long and it will be a good job - it will stop all this talk about them then they can sleep together and bathe and people wont talk so much about it [Ltr. 3, p. 9] [Hotel Cecil letterhead] 9 as they would where it was done before marriage, so You saw Jim Madsen in the car - say hello to him the next time You him, for Me. Just emagin our doll baby reading My letter to You bless her tell her that those flies at the bottom of that letter were kisses for her and her Mamma I would like to give You both a few genuine ones, Congratulate Bertha and wish her Many happy returns of the 26th of August, I wish I could have had some of Your sherbert becaus as You know I dont like sherbert? Now for Your letter #102 I see by this letter that You failed to receive a post card which I referred to having written probably it will turn up before You get this letter, I see what You say about Willard and what Mathew has told You they need have no worry about willard, he weighs about 175 lbs - and judging from his looks the food however poor has agreed with him, and he never looked so well before in his life as he does at present, I wish My food agreed with Me as well - the folks need [Ltr. 3, p. 10] 10 never worry about him he may have had it rough but it has agreed with him and he is the same fine kid and is happy as can be, they have exegarated it some when they say he has been living on bread and water no man could live on that and look like the Willard does, he looks better than any of us Dont worry about My hair I have given up all hopes You will have to Make the best of Your old Man if he does come home bald” - I am glad You have a chance to go out to the parks now and again - and I am glad Ruth enjoys it - but I dont catch Your meaning where You say. “She is something like You when You said, This is the kind of life I like” when did I say this and what did I mean? Well Mamma I love My baby and her Mother May the Lord bless You both - give My love to all the folks especially Your Papa and Mamma, I am well and happy but a bit down hearted - but this will wear off in time I guess, with lots of love hugs and kisses for You both from Your own loving and effectionate husband and Papa Alvin F Smith [Ltr. 4, p. 1] #97 - Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London England Sept 14th - 1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I am settling down again we are house cleaning, at present Jones and I have been down town this morning selecting some wall paper, we are going to have a general clean up. this is what happened after Papa saw this old shack, of course Mamma is also responsible - becaus I had talked to her and she got after Papa so we expect to have a decent home here before long now, well Dearie I have six letters from You which I will briefly answer, I say briefly becaus by the time I go through them all it will take several pages- and of course I dont want to tire You out by writing too long letters, these letters date back from July 20th of course I have been writing to You the usual noumber of times each week - even though I have been on the go for the past Month, the folks will be home home about the time You get this letter and they will be able to tell You [Ltr. 4, p. 2] all about Me and this country, Now for Your letter #94 of July 20th there is a portion of this letter that I have answered before so will skip over that part, You refer to My letter of July 5th and what I said about our good time on the 4th - I didnt mean to convey the I did that we couldnt have had just as good - if we had had some ladies with us, but it is just the same with a crowd of girls, there are times where they like to get out by them selves and have a time and they also find times when they like to have Men folks around - I will admit that I like to have the women with Me, and I would have enjoyed Myself More if I could have had You with Me - the happiest times I ever spent were when You and I were together and no one else with us, and I do like to look back upon those happy times for instance the time we were in the canyon, the time You defeated Me with the target rifle and how we gave the people the slip and sat in that cosy little nook by the creek telling one another how much we loved each other - those were indeed happy times and this happiness increased as time went on - and it will only be a few Months until we can enjoy such times again - I guess I had better go back to answering Your letters or I won’t get it done I hardly think I will go to Bedford berrying, since I have spent so much time away - I Must get to work now, So the house is in a worse condition now than when we moved out well Dearie I expect to build it over again when I get home I hope it will last until then - I wish You could get Mr Tuddenham to go down and look at it, but I am afraid it wont pay to patch it up, and if we do anything [Ltr. 4, p. 3] 3 with it, I guess it will be best to tear it down and build it over again, and we cant expect other people to trim up the trees and do just as we would but let it go and we will clean it up one of these days in the near future - You say that I was ashamed to tell You what I weighed - well if I remember correctly at that time it was 133 lbs but I gained about seven pounds while the folks were here, the above weight was when I was stripped, I am feeling better now than I have for some time although I dont look any fatter - I never expect to be very fat - how are You feeling now and how much do you weigh? You speak of meeting the Cusworths and I think I referred to this once before Yes I wrote to Mrs Cusworth in answer to a letter she wrote Me, I have heard several times from diferent people that Mr C. was a worthless fellow - and that he wants to come back to England but that the balance of the family wont listen to such talk, Frank has had several letters from Miss Beth Cusworth - I guess she thinks considerable of him he will be home and will call and see You about Christmas, then You can see the bed fellow I have had since I left You. He is a fine fellow and we have [Ltr. 4, p. 4] had some good times together Yes, You told Me all about Richard promising to go to Berthas and why he failed to come he must have been a pretty sick fellow I hope - that through his associations with Reeds that he wont get like them I have no use for apostates - and dont care to have anything to do with such You will probably think Me funny and Maby I am but, people who are not for us are against us, and apostates are our worst enemies, while, if his visits to their place would do them any good it would be allright, but unless a person be very strong him self - such company will do him more harm than he can do them good - the old Man is only paying for his wickedness - all apostates who depart from the Church and fight against the work of the Lord and His servants have the same hard road to travel, and I can refer You to dozens of miserable people of My own acquaintance - who are diling with similar afflictions as old Man Reed - the road of the transgresser is hard - and He is a transgresser - of the worst kind - having transgressed the Laws of God - and having fought against his work and people - now he is only slightly paying the penalty - and the worst is Yet to come unless he suddenly repents I could forgive him if he would not talk about our people and if he would repent - - the Savior says that we must forgive one another even more than seventy times seven, but He would forgive when he would He is to be the great Judge - and will meet about a Just Judgement - and has told us that it would he wo, unto those who fought against his work - so let us see [Ltr. 4, p. 5] 5 that we do our duty - So Your Papa had that bump taken off from his head and it is allright - that is good - he has had an awful time - and I hope some day to hear that he is perfectly well again this ends - the first of the six letters I was going to answer - and I will never get this at this rate - while I think of it President Grant go’t a cable from Bro Winder “to wait” so he dont know whither he will be released Yet or not ≡ Letter # 95 - You refer to My birthday being in tow weeks - Yes it came and went with out much excitement - I didnt Manage to Meet the folks until the 9th but it was a mighty nice birthday present, it was not only a surprise to Me but it seems to have been to all of You, I am glad You went down to see them before they went Papa told Me all about it and Sister Nibley told Me about seeing You and Ruth at K.O. store the day before - they left, You go for Me for not having better, I am doing a bit better now. It was pretty cute of Ruth to tell where GrandPapa had gone - bless her she is the sweetest doll baby in the world -Rule Owen has a hot time of it, I dont know how I would like that kind of a life, Maby he likes to have her go away and leave him for a while - he only has [Ltr. 4, p. 6] to do the work for one when she is gone Letter 96 - July 30th this is an old time letter of 12 pages - just the kind I like- and it is as big as three or four of the last ones I have received but never the less I like to get any kind of a letter so long as it is from You, No Dearie I wont get the itch if I can help it - My ring worm is better - but I dont suppose it would have been had Mamma not come over here and doctored it for Me - I got a letter - yesterday from Alex he sends his love to You - and Ruth he asked how his sweet heart was when last I saw her - You know he left before the folks - and they two did hate to part but it had to be, but it will only be for a short time - Geo and Willard have gone back to the North and Alex says they hated to go - the worst kind - You speak of Me feasting My eyes while at Brighton no I didnt see any thing that looked good to Me - So the tribe said Papa had gone to Paris for this purpose the Low down currs - that is the work of More apostates, it is nice to controll the politics isnt it.? I see that I have answered - prior to this most of the questions in this letter Say Will Tud is getting quite a family - how is his brother Joe coming - it is nearly time something was happening in that neigh- -borhood, Ruth is a regular little gad about I dont know what we will do with her when she gets older - She does say some cute things and I do wish I could hear her. - the Idea of her trying to Meek Make - she is learning pretty fast I think, I am so glad her appetite is improving, Joe thinks she is the sweetest kid in the town, well she is, she is just like her Mother. I have always told You this Yes Fred spoke well of Millie Atkins as he knew her and all he said about You I can vouch for as the truth, I had a letter from David he said he Met My Daughter on the car - He also sent Me [Ltr. 4, p. 7] 7 a post card photo of him self and family which is fine, I see that Ruth helped You write this letter at least You say she did the dictating - tell her to help Mamma every time then Papa will get good long letters - So Alice Reynolds wrote home and gave the Tuds a lot of hot air about Me No doubt she has called to see You by this time and stuffed You, well just say hello to her for Me when You do see her and tell her I will forgive her this time for the storys she has told but not to let it happen again, becaus I am one of the meanest Men in England Letter #97 Aug 2 - So You took Ruth to see the Circus parade - I guess she would talk about a thing like that for a Month - Mamma told Me nearly all the news and how they met Jack in Chicago and how pleased he was to see them she also told Me about Andrew and why he was in Chicago, I guess he wants something eaisy to do - You know people with small delicate constitutions - usually look for something eaisy - but I wish him good luck, I guess Melissa’s baby is quite a chap. - I have his picture and he looks like a fine baby, Yes I have had lots of Chicken dinners the past Month but I dont expect many more until after I get home now - I told Chase [Ltr. 4, p. 8] You called to see his wife and baby and he was so pleased Chase is a fine boy and a good preacher he can beat any of us, even George - with all his vocab- ulary. the folks went to the circus - and left You all alone how I do wish I could have dropped in about that time, to been with You - and just think where I was two Years ago on that night - came nearly disgiveing My self at Salt Air - - and it was Ruths birthday next day - Yes I though of it and wished I could have been there So You are going to buy her a doll carriage I wish I could see her with that parasol how cute she must look, I am glad she is proud - I like to see people with some pride - No I guess she dont understand who Papa is but I will get acquainted with her when I come home - well Dearie I have gone over four of Your letters will finish the other two next time - it is now five oclock and I must meet Prest Jones at 6 oclock at Shor[--]tch we are going out to visit some investigators and saints so will close for this time hope this long epistle wont tire You - if it does You can read it in sections - give My Love to Your Papa and Mamma, Bertha and Joe and all the folks tell Heu he owes Me a letter - and if he dont hurry I will be home before he answers it - kiss My own doll baby for Me and tell Ruth to Kiss Mamma for Papa I do love My precious wife and baby - May the Lord bless You each and all is the wish and prayer of Your loving and effectionate Husband and Papa Alvin F Smith XXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 5, p. 1] Alvin F. Smith, #97 Farleigh Road 97, Farleigh Rd., Stoke Newington Stake Newington, N. London Sept 17th 1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I started to write to You about thirty minutes ago, I have had the blues all day and it was caused partly becaus I didnt get a letter from You, and I have just this minute placed on the fire the two pages I had written, when I say - fire You will know it is quite cold - otherwise we would not have a fire - but I guess the winter season has commenced, it has been very stormy the past few days, and a fire feels good to Me - and the reason I burned up what I had written was becaus, it didnt sound good - seeing that the long looked for letter just arrived, about five minutes ago, I feel better since it same - I had almost come to the conclusion that something was wrong with You becaus I got a letter from F W Otterstrom last week, he told Me Nell had been sick with Typhoid fever, it is strange that such news should come from out side sources but there may be no [Ltr. 5, p. 2] truth in it and I hope there is not. Now for Your letter - Richard was wrong when he said Willard did not meet us as You will know from My letters allready received that he met us in Paris and I think I have told You of our travels since then, Chase also spent the time with us here in London - and he remained with Me until Tuesday of last week - Yes Joe Everett is home and he promissed Me he would call and see You - so did Miss Reynolds and I guess You have seen them both by this time and no doubt they have told You all about Me - Yes I saw Jerry he is as fat as a pig his mission is agreeing with him - So You actually wish that I had been sent to Germany, So that I could feast My eyes on that french girl often, I dont know what You are driving at, I never said any thing about feasting My eyes on any French, the little girl I told You about happened to be an american, and the finest looking people I saw on My trip were Yonkers - they surpass them all, You must not think that one is obliged to go to Paris to see French women London has plenty of them, but they are not the kind I like to feast on - but I am only human and when I see a pretty girls like the one I told You about, I cant help but admire them, You dont seem to think it was becaus she reminded Me of You that I admired her, but this is a fact never the less and - she didnt happen to be French which added to her attractions as far as I was concerned - and as far as Paris is concerned [Ltr. 5, p. 3] 3 I have seen More - jewels - fine dresses and bear skins, in London than I saw in Paris people dont have to go to Paris to see high life just let them stop off here - and they can see every nationalty - You mention the Grand Hotel and that it would be hard to go - or come back to 97 living - I have found this the case - but here I am and I will make the best of it. Say Dearie the boys want Me to go to the show with them so I will finish answering Your letter tomorrow Sept 18th 1906 - We enjoyed the show very much - we went to - His Majestys Theatre - we saw the Winters Tale by Shakespare, Miss Ellen Terry took the part of Hermoine (Queen to Leontis) she is about sixty Years old - so they say but she is a very good actress Yet, I hope You will be able to get Mr Tud - to go down and see what he thinks of the house - and when You see the Clarks and balance of our old neighbours Just say Hello to them for Me - goodness You dont Mean to say that Ruth wears 5 shoe all ready, she must have a big foot - it must be like mine - I have a long skinny foot - she wanted white shoes - she is a stylish little tad - is she very hard on shoes? I emagin she is fond of a doll that can go to sleep - bless her she is the cutest pet in this big world [Ltr. 5, p. 4] Yes the folks left for home on the 8th and they are just about landing in New York to day - the voyage over here required ten days so I presume - it will require that long to go back and to day makes the tenth day - so in about one more week they will be home - and I wish I was with them but her I am and here I will remain until they tell Me I can go home - I am sorry they could not stop with Me longer it was only an agrivation to try and see this big city in a week - I wish - they could have spent a Month here with Me - then it is a sure thing that I woul'nt been much good after they left - it has been hard enough as it was for Me to start over gain becaus this is what it seems like to Me after being away so long - it is just like beginning a new, I had a pretty good time tracting this morning the people treated Me pretty decent Elder Seare and I are working together and the other day we had a miserable time - they slammed the coal in our faces and tore up our tracts - and we were both disgusted when we got through but I guess the devil was only trying to discourage us and we cant afford to let him do this My troubles with the Everard Estate have begun again the people claim all her property and wont give it up neither will they Move so we are going to have a warm time in the near future I fear - we went over the other evening and told them they would have to pack up and Move and they refused to do so - now we are going to force them out so I may have to spend some of My time attending court - I am sick of the job - wish I had never had any thing to do with it but I am [Ltr. 5, p. 5] 5 unto it now and must get out the best way I can - I tried to forget about it while I was away - but I found about a dozen letters here when I got back so I was soon reminded - some of the letters I have not Yet read and dont know when I will - Well Mamma I had two letters left over from My trip and I will look them over and see if there is anything of special Importance that needs answering So Ruth wanted to write to Papa and tell him to come home tell her that Papa will come home some day to see his precious doll baby Ruth - She calls You fatty - is it becaus You are actually fat or is it just something she has learned to say - So You have spent a day in lesty creek canyon - I wish I had been with You how did You go. I mean how did You get up there - I am glad Bill Bruce has a good home - and a fine family, he often has Me come and take dinner with him, So You took Moke up the canyon with You and he enjoyed his Sunday outing as much as any of You - well [Ltr. 5, p. 6] Dearie as I said I would like to have been with You, but I have converted My self to the fact that - Sunday should not be spent as I used to spend it when I was at home and generally off in the canyons You May think Me crazy - for taking this view of it, but never the less we should not go pleasuring on the Sabbath Day but I was careless - never the less I did know better - and though My carelssness I - got indiferent towards My Sunday duties and no one is to blame but Me for My actions in the past, Yet I would rather You would'nt go up the canyons pleasuring on Sunday - for My sake I have tried to thoroughly convert My self I have always been in possession of a testimony of the Gospel but never the less it had grown cold just - through such actions and Sabbath breaking - I have been a fright in My day - and I can plainly see Now that the time is past - how that I did contrary to that which is right - some people will say that I am a crank and that Missionaries are all alike - after they have been away some time, and the cry is made that they soon get over it after they get home - and how true it is that many of them soon get back into their old ways - and why is it - it is becaus they are not thoroughly converted - and they are ashamed of the Gospel when they get back among their old friends - and are made fun of - for being so sancimon- -ious - Yes it is true that people make fun of us and - while out in the world we can stand it from people who - know us only from hear say and not in our true light but we cant stand the ridicule of those [Ltr. 5, p. 7] 7 at home - who should know better and true it is that Many of those professing to be Mormons - are afraid to confess it when in the company of those who are not of our faith - Yes they are Mormons in name only - those who are ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ - and the name Mormon or Latter Day Saint - which is the correct name of the people of God in this dispensation - will be in a bad fix - one of these times - becaus our Redeemer will be, and is ashamed of all such, and in the day of his coming all of this kind will received their just dues - and they will be the ones that shall receive this command, Depart from Me ye cursed - I know ye not - and as for Me I hope that I may stand steadfast - after I get home regardless of what people might say. Say Dearie Frank has just this minute received his release - and will start for home on the 12th of next Month he didnt make or much worse about it as some do - but it will be the best thing for Frank becaus he could not stand another winter in this land - he nearly died last winter and spring - I guess Bro Seare and I will lunch together after Frank goes [Ltr. 5, p. 8] I guess his people will be glad to hear that he is coming home - He is a fine chap - and has been a good Missionary - now for Your letter 99 - of Aug 13th I see that you go after Me becaus I am so thin and becaus I never Mind what You say - Dearie I always do as You say - if it wasnt that I did I dont know what would become of Me, So You are getting lots of gray hairs - so is Your old Man - I have several My self - So You had a visit from Your Uncle Charlie and his "biddie" as You call her - remember Me to him when You see him again, I guess You are not sorry they that is - she - is staying with Your Uncle Say Dearie that was very kind of Bro Nelson and You thank him for Me and I will also write to him - He is a fine fellow - So He has gone East I presume he will Meet the folks in New York - I hope he does well Mamma I have gone the limit 4 sheets 8 pages - give My love to Your Mamma and Papa - and all the folks give our doll baby a big kiss and hug for Me and tell her to do likewise with her Mamma - I do love My precious folks May the Lord bless You always is the wish and prayer of Your loving and effectionate Husband and Papa XXXXX Alvin F Smith, XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX 97, Farleigh Rd., XXXXXXX Stoke Newington, N. XXXXXX Alvin F Smith XXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 6, p. 1] THE LONDON CONFERENCE. 97, Farleigh Road, LATTER-DAY SAINTS. Stoke Newington, N. London..Sept 22 ............1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth Elder Seare and My self are here alone it is 930 and I have just got down stairs, I had to shave and take a bath this morning and as there was Nothing of Importance for Me to do I stayed in bed later than I usually do, I went out to Enfield last evening and attended cottage meeting we had a lovely time and, we went early so we could go to Sister Crofts as she wished to take us to a flower show an artifical flower exhibit - where they have brought a lot of blend, and crippled girls and put them on show for the benefit of the public so that they can see the wond- erful work these girls can do, in the line of making flowers. and I can assure You it is wonderful - they have girls with all kind of deformatives and they are all sizes and ages and they are expert at making the most beautiful flowers of every discribtion emaginable - some of them are blind some Huntch back some only have one hand - and among them are all kind [Ltr. 6, p. 2] of disformatives - I never saw so many cripples at one time before and I never saw more beautiful flowers - these people were all, perfect when born and these troubles have been brought upon them through "drink" by the parents becoming intoxicated - and while carrying the infant - while it is very small they have dropped it prehaps - and in Many other ways these troubles are brought upon them in some cases it is by feeding the little one liquor - when very Young - and this is very easily to believe becaus I have seen Mothers feeding their Infants from the beer glass - when they didnt look to be More than a Month old - women stand in the public houses from morning until night with their babes in their arms - and I one time I saw a woman come staggering out of a pub - with the baby hanging head down while she held it by the feet not knowing but what she had it all right - an officer woke her up by giving her a good shaking - and placing the infant right side up these are common sights, and that can be seen every day and the result is crippled children - such as I saw Yesterday, I will send You some [Ltr. 6, p. 3] 3 THE LONDON CONFERENCE. 97, Farleigh Road, LATTER-DAY SAINTS. Stoke Newington, N. London............................1906 photos of them - so that You can get an Idea what it is like of course You can only form a slight Idea becaus it is necessary to see it to realize what it is actually like I bought a couple of button hole boquets and I will send them to You by Frank if he can take them so that You can see the kind of flowers they make - of course I wont be able to send them until next Month but probably they will keep until then and when You get them You can put them on the dinnng table and emagin they are real - and think of Your sweetheart when You look at them - I have them in a vase on the table now and the only thing they lack to Make them perfect is the "saint" or perfume they are flowers that well be in season when You get them, it May be that You will have to straighten them out a little but I hope they get to You all right, well Dearie I got another [Ltr. 6, p. 4] letter from Alex he said he wished his sweetheart had not gone home - and he wished to be remembered to You also Mamma and Papa, the poor kid isnt well neither has he been since he came on his Mission but he is under the Dr Care and we hope he will soon get better - I dont know just what the trouble is but he is completely run down - He Says to Me, Say Alvin lets have our sweethearts come over together and take a little trip with us - wouldnt this be jolly - You bet it would - be jolly Me homesickness has not Yet worn off - I guess the folks are about home <&> then You can find out all about Me I did have the best time emagin- able while they were here and the only regret I had was that You and Ruth was not with them - I am just beginning to settle down again we hold our Conference on Oct 7th same as at home, President Grant I guess will be with us again although he didnt expect to be - a week or two ago Sister Grant and Mrs Reter have been in London this week they are going back to Liverpool to day, and I have [Ltr. 6, p. 5] 5 THE LONDON CONFERENCE. 97, Farleigh Road, LATTER-DAY SAINTS. Stoke Newington, N. London............................1906 promissed to go down and see them off - they leave at 12 oclock I am going out to Fred Luffs next Wednesday - Seare and I are going - He has promissed to made a good nut cake - like My wife used to make, so You see I couldnt afford to Miss anything like that we May stop over night - I quite enjoy hollidays now, and I dont know but what I mght just as well have all I can get, - well Mamma I am well and happy - I will have to skip to the depot - give My love to You Papa and Mamma and all the folks I am waiting for that photo of You and I may send You one of Your old Man one of these days - kiss our doll baby for Papa [Ltr. 6, p. 6] and tell her to kiss Mamma for Me May the Lord bless You both and all is the wish and prayer of Your loving and affectionate husband and Papa Alvin F Smith [Ltr. 7, p. 1] THE LONDON CONFERENCE. 97, Farleigh Road, LATTER-DAY SAINTS. Stoke Newington, N. London.Sept....24........1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I was delighted this morning to hear from You again but I wish the letter had been ten times as long only 4 pages equal to one sheet like this when it is written on both sides but I guess News is scarce, it is the same at this end but I usually find something to write about and by repeating thing over once or twice I manage to fill up a sheet or two I have just been writing to Will Bruce - and I will send his letter with this one and I wish You would phone to him and ask him to run down and get it he isnt a great ways from Your place - at least we wouldn't think so me often walk several times that far and take no notice of it, I am a very good walker now days - we do considerable of it over here - I have also been writing to Luther Howell - and I have a card from Chase and another letter from Alex to answer in addition to a dozen or two from other parties I am going to put in the day writing letters and try and catch up - so in order to do so I will have to hurry - but I dont expect My answers to be very long ones - they will be short and sweet like the last few I have received from My sweetheart, I have twenty four letters [Ltr. 7, p. 2] to answer not counting this one I received from You this morning and Most of them are foreign ones I some times wish I had a stenographer to dictate the answers too - so that I could catch up - but there is one consolation it wont last much longer - I dont want You to think that in Making this statement that I mind writing to You this is the greatest pleasure I do have - unless it be to receive letters from You - I have begun to wonder lately if My letters ever to long or lengthy - and if You had begun to write short ones to Me to see if I would take a hint - but I have to say just so much and You must, forgive the weakness I have in this regard, but You can rest assured I wont get tired - of Your letters were tho they be ten times as long as they have been - well Dearie I had better begin to answer Your letter, it is strange You were with out a letter from Me for over a week - I didnt know how to watch the boats while I was on the Continent - and some times I would begin a letter one day and not be able to finish it for two or three days but I think I wrote to You twice a week, I know [Ltr. 7, p. 3] THE LONDON CONFERENCE. 97, Farleigh Road, LATTER-DAY SAINTS. Stoke Newington, N. London............................1906 3 from My own experiance that a week seems a long time becaus it is seldom I get a letter oftener but if it goes over a week then I do get the blues - but I have no complaints to make - I am mghty pleased to hear from You as often as I do - and one word would be better than none at all. No Dearie I didnt send Flora Tuds beeds with Miss Reynolds I will send them with Frank Cummings He leaves on the 12th of next Month You must excuse Me - I couldn't think of anything while the folks were here - and I only saw those girls a few minutes when they were on their way home - in fact I did'nt have time to get them becaus I left for Rotterdam the next day after I got back from Portsmouth - if Frank takes the beads they will be there about the first of November - it is strange Miss R has not called to see You she promssed Me faithfully she would but I have no confidence in human nature - any more, and Maby I will be the same when I get back, but I hope I will have better sense than to promss: - some people have not got : - and many of them never [Ltr. 7, p. 4] intend to call when they say they will - Yes Dearie I fed the fish - I didn't have much to give them but they were welcome to what I did have but I was glad when I got on land we had a nice rough time of it You can rest assured of that - George thought it was funny - but he had his case two or three days after we got on land he was just as sick as we were on the water - but I dont care to be sick again Yet I was not nearly so bad as most of the others - Sid Saville is on the Continent - and he expects to go home in November - So Miss Nibley had a handsome fellow with her - they tried to jolly Willard about her but it would'nt work - Willard isn't worrying about any girl - just now: Yes Dearie You are right about Me weeping after the folks left. I tell You it was pretty tough and I guess I am a big baby over such things - I am wish I could see My own Mamma and baby - their baby is a big fat boy - he is only ten Months old - but he is a Monster and he is as good as he can be they say, he is always good and that they have never had a but of bother with him, we had a fine time while there and they invited us to come again they expect to be in this country about another Year, it has been nearly a Year since they came - Fred is getting tired of his eaisy time - all he has to do is tend the babys and play tim[--]s [Ltr. 8, p. 3] 3 THE LONDON CONFERENCE. 97, Farleigh Road, LATTER-DAY SAINTS. Stoke Newington, N. London.Sept....29 — ....1906 he does have a fine time they have a nice little home - and every thing is so home like - it almost Made Me home sick, there is no place like Home.” they make fun of Me becaus I get out My photos of You every day - and look at them - Bro Seare said Yesterday - it would’nt do for him to look at his as often as I do, but - I can tell You My photos have been a comfort to Me and I cant help but look at them often, I love You better than any thing in this big world - and I can’t help but get home sick once in a while to see You, but the time is drawing near - we hold conference on the 7th of October - then we will settle down for winter, and after winter I will begin to feel like Frank now feels, he has got that - broad smile that comes to all missionaries after they have received their release he will leave here on the 12th of next Month and will be home about the first of November - I have told him [Ltr. 8, p. 4] to telephone to You, and let You know when he was home then You could arrange to have him - come up and take dinner with You, I guess You will get tired of having Me send people to take dinner, but they dont all go - so it is not so bad - but Frank I think will surely call - becaus he will have those beads if nothing More to bring to You - there are not Many now in this conference older than Me - I am now within six of the top - out of 26 - so You see I have seen - several come and go since I have been here - we expect President Grant here to day, he is going over to Holland to attend - conference there He is going to have Andelin and Clark Come to Rotterdam and give a concert then he is going to bring them over to Liverpool and keep them a week then he is going to Marry them they cant afford to pay their own expenses to come over so the Holland Mission is going to put up for them to come Rotterdam, they will give a concert and and try to make enough to help bring them further President Grant wanted us to give a concert here in London [Ltr. 8, p. 5] 5 THE LONDON CONFERENCE. 97, Farleigh Road, LATTER-DAY SAINTS. Stoke Newington, N. London.Sept.....................1906 providing we thought we could make it pay and were willing to pay their transportation from Rotterdam it is a case of charity, they are both busted - and in the face of all this they are going to get Married I presume they will live on love and pay for their Music with the surplus,” President Grant is ancious to Make them Man and wife so that people will stop talking about them - Outside of this I dont think there is any need of them - Marrying - becaus they are certainly very familiar with one another - to much so for Me to think they dont know more about each other than unmarried people should - we decided not to hold a consert - becaus we left it too long and we could’nt get the Hall - and I am very glad of it, but I guess Prest Grant will bring them - back with him even tho he has to pay their expenses himself - so it will be Mr and Mrs Andelin before long - Neither Andelins or Clarks people are in favor [Ltr. 8, p. 6] of the Match, but it is like I told Alex, that the only way Miss Clark would ever make a winger would be to get Married - and then between the two of them they May be able to complish this well Mamma I expect a letter from You either to day or Monday but it is More apt to come Monday becaus this is the day I have been receiving them on for some time time past - I hope You are both well kiss our precious doll baby for Papa, tell Ruth that Papa loves his sweet little doll - and I love her sweet Mamma too - bless You both how I would just like to see You for a few Months - give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks - and all enquiring friends I am well and happy - but still a bit lonesome - since the folks left for home - I see from the papers that there is trouble in store for them when they get there - that dirty Musty Owen aught to be shot - well Dearie May the Lord bless You and our precious Ruth is the wish and pray of Your loving husband and Papa XXXXXXXXXXX Alvin F Smith XXXXX