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, Oct 1906 MSS 7952 [notes by transcriber are in brackets; pre-printed text is indicated by bold] [Ltr. 1, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, October 1st.......1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth Your letter #105 came Saturday evening and I was indeed pleased to get it - I see it was written seventeen Month from the time I left home, to the day of the Month and also Week Yes it seems as awful long time since I saw You, it was a grand treat however to see the folks, but it was the same old story when they left, they are back home by this time, just think it is almost a Month allready since I left them and I have not entirely gotten over My homesickness Yet I will enclose here with a picture of us taken at Rotterdam on the tenth of August just as we were starting for Berlin, it was taken at the Station, You will be able to see what Your old sweet heart looked like then, I look pretty happy dont You think? well Dearie I was happy so I dont deceive My looks any: on the front row from the left to right. <1st> Alex <2> Sister Nibley - <3> Alice Nibley - <4th> Annie Nibley - then on the back row - starting at the left Tike Thatcher, Le Grand Richards, Luther Howell - Uncle Charlie Nibley, Papa - then comes that fellow that thinks so Much of You, and next to him comes Mamma, I counted Annie Nibley on the front row becaus she stood just in front of us but it looks as though she was nearer the back, than front row, I got a nice long letter from Alex to day and he sent Me three of these pictures, John Taylor took them. Alex told Me all about how sick the folks were and especially his sweet heart, she dont care to go through with it again “unless,, he is with her they have just such a case as I had when I was in love with You, and I think they will be like [Ltr. 1, p. 2] Me, inso much - that their love will increase after they are Married - but it is only natural that it should, I am not as fat now as when the folks left, I am under Dr Hansens care at present - You must not think that I am well - when I say this - but it is like this Jos. Hansen has agreed to increase My weight if I will follow out his instructions - so he and I have fasted 48 hours - and it is now 7 P. M. - and we expect to keep it up until tomorrow evening at this time then he is going to feed Me regular, on good food You will think I am foolish probably to do such a thing but I will tell You how it works - in about a Month - he has guaranteed to Make Me heavier than I was before the fast - and he thinks he can increase My weight 15 - or 20 lbs and that is just what I want so I am going to try his remedy, we have adapted a new rule here at the house, it is this each one of us Elders have to take turn about, preparing diner - at least all the meals for one day - - we dont have to cook them but we are to, instruct the girl what she is to prepare - so we will have a variety - and Maby we will get sick of the Job but I will try and see that we have something good on My day - You say Maby I will have My big Brother over her - do You think he will come, I do wishe he would - then You could come over - and spend a Month at Holly Road I do wish they would send him - have You heard anything about him coming - You speak of Me liking Liverpool - and that You are glad I have found one place in England that I like - Dearie it was only the home there [Ltr. 1, p. 3] [London Conference letterhead] that I liked - Liverpool is not in it with London - and England is not so bad after You see some of the other countries but I think I like home better than any of them - of course we always feel that there is no place like home - but London is a very attractive place - there is something about it that is faciniting - it is such a big place and such a buisy place too - I could spend another Year here - if I had You with Me becaus I would like You to see Dear old England - I guess the trouble over Papa has begun - becaus he is certainly home by this time - and John Baroman would like to have hold of Me - You tell him he is not Man enough to beat Me - I would probably take him and his wife in hand My self if I had them where I could get hole of them I wrote to him and liss since he wrote to Me and I expected them to consider the letter as an answer to their letters and I wrote to them again about a week ago - so they have no kick coming in fact I think I have been better to write letters than nay of My kin, - I believe I am ahead of all of them this is not saying much for them becaus I am not probably - as good at writing letters as I should be, but from now on I dont expect to receive Many more letters from any body but You so I wont have to worry about answering them - I guess Jack will hate to leave his wife and baby - Say Dearie that is to bad about Vic Ensign loosing another baby I do feel sorry for them it is too bad - how bad they must feel - so You went down town to look at some hats [Ltr. 1, p. 4] I wish You were over here I think You could get a hat for half what it would cost You at home although they have some very expensive ones - at some of the shops, I wish You could get You a nice hat - the materials are are very cheap in this country and You could Make You a fine hat if You were only here to select something You like I wish I could get You something but I am afraid I would make a mess of it if I tried - I see from Your letter that You are having cool weather I guess - You will begin to feel better now that it is cooler - and I am glad for Your sakes that it is cooler, but I hope You wont have any early frosts to damage the crops So Ruth was singing a song about Papa coming home pretty soon to buy her a doll baby buggy - I would just like to send her one like they have here and if I had any way of getting one home I would send her one - bless her little doll self, I am so glad You are both well - and I pray the Lord to continue to bless You with good health - kiss our precious doll baby for Me and tell Ruth to kiss and hug her Mamma for Papa - I do love My own dear Mamma and baby - give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks I am well and happy - by by - for this time - May the Lord bless You all is the wish and prayer of Your loving husband and Papa XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX Alvin F Smith XXXXX [Ltr. 1, p. 5] #97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London N. Dear Millie October 2nd 06 I wish You would send Me the directions for Making apple fritters including - that fruit juice dip You used to Make - I think I know about how to do it - but I hate to Make a Mess of it - I am going to be sheff one day a week - and tell Me how to Make those every day plumb puddings - “I know how to Make hard sauce, but I dont Know how to Make Lemon dip so You can tell Me how this is made You can just tell Me how to do any of these things, that You think would be eaisy I am sorry I didnt pay More attention to You when You used to make these things at home - but as long as I was there and had You to do it for Me I had no need of learning - but I used to know how to do lots of things which I have forgotten but there is a few things - Yet that I can do - and I expect to give these fellows something good to eat when [Ltr. 1, p. 6] It is My day even if I have to help get it ready - it is very stormy this Morning has been raining all Night I feel pretty hungry this Morning - it has been 60 hours since I ate anything I feel weak but it wont be long until I will begin eating now - we expect to have a nice light lunch this evening and then I am going to start in packing up and You wont know Me in a Month, I will be so fat at least I hope I will but I fear, Hansen has a hard job on his hands well dearie send Me the directions to Make anything You think is nice - love to You and Ruth and all Alvin [Ltr. 2, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, October 5th.......1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth Well Mamma it is Friday Morning and this evening at 10 oclock will be seventeen Months since I landed in Liverpool - both to the day of the week and Month it is a nice day to day and I hope we will have good weather until after our conference - Conference begins at home this Morning and I would like to be there, I will enclose here with a clipping from one of the daily London papers - after You read it give it to Mamma we are having a warm time even in this far off land over this report - all the world has its eyes on the poor Mormons and old Satan, through his, followers never loses an opportunity, to fight against us and the work of the Lord - it is hard for us to fight against such reports - becaus there are so Many of the people who are just looking for things like this, and not only in the outside world but among our own people and with the help of the Lord I told the the people a few things in our Meeting last night, which will either make them better or worse, I didnt make anybones about what I said - in fact I dont know hardly what I did say but I got warmed up - and then [Ltr. 2, p. 2] they had to listen, becaus I had them where they could'nt very well get out - it is getting to that point where it is either one thing or the other, and I feel and hope that before long there will be a cleaning out and the church will rid of its self of all those who will not stand up for it and fight for right - and by such cases as this - we May be able to tell who those are who are that continually show the white feather It disgusts Me to hear our own people always finding fault and siding in with the miserable scoundrels that are always fighting our leaders and we have plenty of such, but when You see them, You can put it down that they are Latter Day Saints in name only - and if they keep it up they will sooner or later loose even that title becaus they are on the way to apostacy and when the day of gleaning comes they will be chaff and will be thrown out as such - and the sooner the church is rid of such the better for it in all parts - I can tell You the people at home if they only knew it could make it much easier for us in the world and the Elders are continually fighting [Ltr. 2, p. 3] 3 [London Conference letterhead] reports which not only come from outside the church, but from professed Members and of course as You know if a person regardless of his or her standing in the church says anything, people make all they can of the statement, becaus they say well they are members - and as such aught to know, and these are the things and kind of reports that make it hard for us - we can brand the reports from out siders as falsehoods but, people look upon the reports of "Jack Mormons" as being correct - and they say these people belong to Your church - these are they - which the church are better rid of - and sooner or latter it will be - becaus they wont stand such for ever - well Mamma I wish - our people were More united as a people - I guess the Lord has bless them until they have become prosperous and now like in past ages among the saints of old, Many of them feel that they can get along with out the help of the Lord and they become indiferent towards other things, but they will be brought to their senses some day - well Dearie [Ltr. 2, p. 4] I have'nt heard from Mamma since they landed - but I hope to receive a letter tomorrow, from both You and her, how is everything at home how are you and Ruth I feel much better again after My fast - goodness I was a hungry Man I could have eaten an ox we fasted Seventy <70> hours - with out a thing to eat - just think of it - not so bad was it, - I am going to the baths this Morning I will get weighed and see if I have gained since the fast what I lost in the 70 hours they have been trying for three or four days to find an elder who wanted to go home - to look after a company that sailed Yesterday they telegraphed to Frank Tuesday and wanted him to go - they He couldnt get ready, they had an awful time to find some one - but they didnt offer Me the "job" but if they had I couldnt have gone becaus - I am mixed up in the courts - at least I expect to be next week - Say Dearie I am liable to be here a Year from now and if I am I perpose to have you here with Me, - well Dearie I am going to take a swim now and I will write some More to You before time to post this letter as it dont go until tomorrow morning [Ltr. 2, p. 5] 5 The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, October 6th.......1906 Dear Millie This is Saturday morning I didnt finish writing to You Yesterday So will do so now, I went to the baths and I got weighed I balanced the scale at ten stone three and three quarters - or 143 ¾ lbs I am feeling fine after the fast and I can eat like a horse - we have not begun Yet, the arrangement I told You about - we have got nearly all the Elders in for Conference and have decided to wait until after they go out again, we are getting the house fixed up - and it will be fine when it is done - we will have every thing new I asked Frank if he was'nt sorry now that he was going home, but he was'nt we were out on the street in force last night - held Seven meetings - we went out in two crowds, and I guess that this evening will put on end to our street meetings - and I wont be sorry becaus I dont like street meetings much - I don't mind them so much after we get started but it is getting started; - I got a post card from Walt Stevens the other day written from Boston he will probably have called on You before this reaches you - Brother Beesley will [Ltr. 2, p. 6] no doubt accompany him - to show him the way - well Dearie I have just received a big bunch of papers from the Lawyers and I have got to go down and see him at 11 AM - goodness I wish this trouble was over it keeps My mind off from every thing else - the stuff is not worth half the trouble - I have had - and I guess I will have a great deal more pretty quick now - well Dearie give My love to Your Mamma and Papa and all the folks - and kiss our doll baby for Me tell her Papa loves his precious Doll baby and her Mamma - You are mighty dear to Me and I do love You with all My heart - wish I could see You for a little while I would like to have a good romp with our precious Ruth - is she as big a romp as she used to be when She was little I can see her just as plain laying in bed having a good time. it makes Me home sick to think of it - but she will be to big to romp when I get home but just the same I expect to Maul You both when I get a chance - take good care of Your self and Ruth and May the Lord bless you both and preserve You from all harm and danger is the wish and prayer of Your loving and effectionate husband and Papa XX Alvin F Smith XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 3, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, October 9th.......1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I received your very welcome letter No 106 - of Sept 24th it came last Saturday evening and I was pleased to learn that You are both well - You say the folks have not Yet returned home - but they would no doubt reach there with in the next two days - I did expect to hear from them when they landed but no word came - I was ancious about them and have been ever since I see by the Paper that - Musly Owen failed in his first attempt, and is now going to make another - Elder Cummings leaves here tomorrow or next day for home I have told him to phone and let You know when he is coming up - Elder B A Seare and Cummings and Myself were down town the other day and Frank said to Me Alvin take us to that good resturant You speak of and we will have a good meal at My expense - so I took them and we had a fine nine course dinner at his expense and I told him that he could get even with Me by taking dinner with You - I hate to see him go - but it is the same with all of them we learn to love one another we have three new Elders in the field so I presume James and Saville will be the ones to go next - I will send the peace beads for Miss Tud with Frank He could'nt take those flowers I told You about but they didnt amount to much and I may send them later on if I find some one who [Ltr. 3, p. 2] has lots of roon - He is taking some curtains home for Mamma, and he only has a small trunk and he had it filled up - before I got home - I went to the Theatre last evening at Drury Lane to see the "Bandenon" it is the finest thing I have seen in this land, it was so good that I think I will go and see it again in about a week or Month - more likely in about a Monh and the next time I go I will buy the story and send it to You No Dearie Alex has not forgotten his first wife, not by any Means, She is the Mother of his little girl which is about the age of Ruth I think - and he has often spoke to Me about her - and in fact nearly every time I have seen him he has spoken of her and I Know he has not forgotten her, he has told Me of his first acquaintance with Miss S. and some day I will tell you about it - I wont trouble to write it, I know You have always thought at least You have said that it was an eaisy Matter for Men to forget their wives - but Dearie you are mistakened - this time - Alex [-]dvlized that woman and does to this day - and No other woman will ever change his effections for her - "Haro soon they for get, you say" - but they dont forget, they cant forget, I have thought the same about lots of Woman - but I dont a person can forget - either Woman or Man, and I think You can find as Many cases of one as the other I thank the Lord for My precious Mamma and baby - You are dearer to Me by far than My own life, You are a part of My very being - and no one could ever Make Me forget you, and I pray continually that the Lord will preserve You both, There is nothing in this world to good for My Mamma and baby - and nothing but this Gospel would separate Me from You - had I not known this was the work of the Lord I would never have left You, Jesus said - that He that would not leave, houses, brethern, Sisters, Fathers, Mothers - wife, children - lands and all for his sake were not worthy of him and he has also said that these [Ltr. 3, p. 3] [London Conference letterhead] was no Man living - that both left, house or brethern or sisters or Father or Mother or wife or children or Lands for My sake and the 3 Gospel's - But He shall receive an hundred fold - now in this time, houses, and brethern and sisters and Mothers and children and lands, with persecutions - "in addition to these He has promissed us persecutions, and then if we remain faithful - to the end we shall receive in the world to come - "eternal life" Mark 10-29- -Dearie this is Gods greatest gift to Man eternal life in his kingdom - and this is what I want, and what I want Mine to have, what happiness would there be in the next world for Me with out My family - and what happiness would there be for My family with out their families and children - there would be none - the Lord has given to his servants, in this day the same power which was given to Peter - by Christ - that what soever they should seal on earth - should be sealed in heaven - and we were sealed by a servant and Prophet of God - for all eternity and this is one of the teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ - and if we so live and order our lives from time to time that we keep the commandments of the Lord then it is that the Lord is bound to give us the blessings he has promissed the faithful but we must be faithful" to the commandments of God, all blessings from him are predicated on obedience - and it Makes Me feel bad when I hear of our boys refusing to come on a Mission when they are called - two hundred and eleven <211> were called and only eight <8> responded - this is the condition at home - "now" why is it? people are seeking worldly things - and pleasure More than the things of God - the Savior also said seek Ye first the Kingdom of God and its right- -eousness and all else shall be added into You - would to heaven More of our people at home could realize this - the Lord will Keep [Ltr. 3, p. 4] his promisses - and those who are not willing to leave all for Him are not worthy of him and will not receive His blessings - people our people if You please - are seekers after the things of the world - things which will benefit them nothing in the world to come in addition to this they are forgetting the covenants they have made with the Lord and they are cutting them selves off from his presense - He has said for us to treasure up things in heaven - where thieves do not break in and steal - nor Moth or rust corrupt - I am sorry so Many of our own boys refuse to come when called - they are injuring them selves only if they only knew it - we had a fine Conference lots of investigators and all the Elders were in so we have enjoyed our selves emensley I had a good talk with Bro Howell - the Elder that came over with Me - and he said that they had one good investigator - at Portsmouth through My preaching - but I told him it was not Me - but the spirit of the Lord - that Made the impression on her - we can only point out the way - and the Lord and the people them selves must do the rest - of course - He helps us and if he didnt I would have to come home becaus I couldnt do any thing of My self - Dearie You must parden Me for Not acknowledging Your letter with the ten dollars in I was of the Impression I mentioned it once or twice I got it all right - and I think if You look over Tome of My letters, I said something about it - at any rate, I intended too, I am glad You have an opportunity now and again to go to the theatre - I would like to have seen our doll baby at the ward reunion bless her she does enjoy a good time - President Grant wrote Me a letter saying he was going home for Christmas, so I guess his [Ltr. 3, p. 5] [London Conference letterhead] 5 successor will soon be on his way over and I hope it will be Hyrum I was glad John an Liss called to see You - I see You also mention the trouble Misty Owen had to get Christensen to to sign a warrant for Papas arrest that Miserable dog - it almost makes Me forget My self when I think of him and his kind, I am going to write to Mamma this afternoon - I have got to go to the Lawyers and should be there now - that is a job I am almost sick of - I can tell You - it is very stormy to day and quite cold - winter is coming I guess - and I will be thankful when it is over - our house cleaning is nearly over and we expect to be straight again now before long. I am getting behind again with My letters say Mamma I got a card from Miss Reynolds - but she simply sent greetings she said nothing about calling to see You and as You have never Mentioned her calling I take it that she did not call, but I guess she is like the balance of the Reynolds and is bliss with that absent Minded- ness - that characterises them all, well Mamma I am well - and happy and trust that You are all the same at home - gave My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks [Ltr. 3, p. 6] and Kiss our precious doll baby for Me - tell Ruth to give Her Mother a good big Hug and Kiss for Papa - I wish I was where I could do it for My self - but I sent one home to You by Papa and Mamma - May the Lord bless You always is the wish and prayer of Your loving Husband and Papa Alvin F Smith XXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 4, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, October 12th.......1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I got Your letter 107 of Sept 27th it came Yesterday afternoon - I was indeed pleased to get it - I was not looking for a letter - so early in the week - that is the reason I was so pleased - it came as an extra and was a happy surprise to Me another reason is becaus it is twice as long as the last one You ask Me why I didnt Keep My Mother with Me until I came home I wish I could have done, she would have seen something - had she remained with Me - You say they are expected home on the 29th they must have had a good time in the east they landed in Boston on the 18th at least the letter I got from Papa was finished on the 17th and he said they were in sight of land and that they would arrive or land in the morning - so I presume they reached New York on the 18th I said Boston up above but I meant N.Y. our people usually go to Boston - and I guess that is the reason I made the mistake - I have not heard from them since, but I have been [Ltr. 4, p. 2] looking for a letter every since - Yes Dearie, I fear I would have come home had the folks said the word - but they didn't so I am still here - No Dearie I never for a Moment, thought You had been telling what I had told You about Alex - I know You to well for that - but I did wonder who told You and I think I will game Alex about it next time I see him, I see You are still putting up fruit - is it cheap this season, I am sorry You found the folks at Mammas all suffering, with colds I hope they wont result in any thing serious - I hate to hear of any thing being wrong with any of You, so You went to the Matinee to see Will Collin - I saw hm one Year ago in the Dictator - Here in London Miss Dwyer was with him I think I told You about it - so Hyrum tried to tease You about Me - He was only doing it to torment You, He always was a tease and You must not feel bad when he games You that way, You know He told Me [Ltr. 4, p. 3] [London Conference letterhead] 3 when I left home that it would be about two Years, You have not got very much Ch[--]ty for him, wishing that they would send him for 40 Years - or is it I do You like to see separated from him, but I think you are only joshing, You would'nt like to see him separated from his wife and babys - for 40 Years I know You would'nt, and as far us we will let the future take care of its self and we will try and profit by the experiances we have had in the past, You speak of - what is good for the gander being good for the goose the goose in this case has not had much else, but what the gander is now having, that is if You have reference to Me. it May be that you are figuring on Ida having for a time, what you are now having - but never Mind Dearie I will be home one of these and that too in the near future I am glad to hear that Bro Owen is improving - I am also glad his daughter has such a nice [Ltr. 4, p. 4] baby - -Say Dearie I feel sorry for Bertha - I will never forget the sick spells You used to have it is no joke - but You were the bravest little woman I ever saw and You were able to conseal it from all the folks better than any body I ever saw too, but I will never forget, how sick You were - it is a funny thing what an eaisy time some people have while others have to suffer so much - So Aunt Sarah also told You what a hard time Willard had had - well he told Me he had been fatter than he was when I saw him and he did'nt gain all he had then in a week or two - if You were to put us up together and ask which one had been in the hard mission - where grub was scarce they world never pick Willard, I wish what I eat would agree with Me as that which he has been eating has agreed with him, He could live on the fat he has got without eating for a month - but they need have no more worry about him he has been changed to a scioilized [Ltr. 4, p. 5] [London Conference letterhead] 5 part now - I have not heard from Him or George since they left London but I guess they are both well, Yes Dearie every body thinks it would be a good thing for Miss Clark and Andelin to get Married, but they didnt go to Rotterdam, at least I dont think they did However President Grant didnt bring them back with him and I understood they would have to come to England to be married, so they will have to hurry if Bro Grant does it for them becaus he expects to be home for Christmas, I understand now what You ment by Ruth being like Me when it comes to traveling - for the life of Me I could'nt tell what You meant the first time I am glad to hear that Nonnie has another son - give them My love when You see them, I see Dearie from Your letter that You think I was a bit too severe on old Man Reed, Maby I was but I dont care to know him any better than I do - until he repents - apostates are all alike and I dont like any of them, and I could name over a [Ltr. 4, p. 6] dozen that I know of personally that are in similar conditions to him and all apostates must sooner or later meet their doom - and his suffering are simply judgements upon him, I think, however I - wont judge him - but his is simply the experiance of Many others - Never Mind Dearie I hope some day You May be able to take some trips but I want to be with You when You do - You say Alice Reynolds did not call to see You - I believe I told You I had a card from her from Provo So Andrew went back with Jack how can he afford to study - in the east? well My own Sweet heart I guess You have seen the folks by this time - and have heard all about Me - I sent You a photo of My self the other day, I expected one from You of Your self but none has come, I often think I would like to see You and know just how You look at this time so when ever I feel this way - "which is every day" - I just go and get out My pictures and see what you looked like when I left - You will soon see what an old Man your's is - when You get that photo - well Mamma I love You both with all My heart - Kiss Ruth for Me and tell her to Kiss and hug Mamma for Papa May the Lord bless You both - give My love to all the folks - I am Your loving husband and Papa XXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Alvin F Smith [Ltr. 5, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, October 17.....1906 My Own Precious Millie and Ruth I have Your letters #108-109 one came Saturday and the other Monday you cant emagin how Allighted I was I have been very buisy the last two or three days, so much so that it has been impossible for Me to write sooner but to day is mail day, and it is now 6 A.M. I have a thousand and one things to do, but before doing theem I will finish this letter to You and I hope to get it done before the other boys get up. I will be brief this time and will answer Your letters more fully in a day or two, first of all is the house, it almost makes Me sick, but if it must be repaired do it in the cheapest way possible it will never pay to go to very much expense, I wish it didnt have to be done until I get home - however leave it to Bro Tuddenham, and tell him to do just enough to make it safe and keep the weather out until next summer, when I expect to be home then we will make some changes [Ltr. 5, p. 2] and have a new home - we cant afford to expend much repairing the old place so just do what is absolutely necessary and no More - Not about the paving - I hope You will protest such a pavement as they speak of putting in front of our place would be no good - besides ending as it would right in the middle of our place it would be warm out in one winter, I hope the property owners will all object, that measily American party are a bunch of grafters and swindelus, and are continually doing something that is really of no worth in order to steal from the property owners and put taxes on them - but You can readily see how that such a paving or M[--]adamzing would be no good - it would soon wear out and especially at once end when bad weather would come and the trafic began to chop it up - therefore I hope the property owners including Your self has protested against such a swindle I will enclose herewith the notice and I feel just as You say You do and also like the news, and I see that that miserable sheets has been helping to swindle some strangers out of ten thousand dollars - I guess [Ltr. 5, p. 3] [London Conference letterhead] 3- we will all get enough of the so called American party before we get rid of it. I am glad You like the things I sent home - as to those gloves which You say are too large - You had better make Bertha a present of them and I will get another pair for You I bought them for sixes but didnt look at the mark My self and she may have made a Mistake and given Me a size larger - I wish You would tell Me what size glove Your Mamma wears - So Mamma told You briefly how much good her visit did Me well Dearie I must confess that it did Me more good than ever she has told You, it did me good in so Many ways - You will be able see from a photo how much better I look - but photos dont always tell the truth of course they are so expert in photography now that instead of just taking a photo they make a picture of it, that is the case with the one I have sent You it dont look much like Me - they have eradicated all the wrinkles and blemishes until it dont look at all like the orriginal - but since or at least while the folks were here I felt very much like the picture looks - I hope You will be able to recognize [Ltr. 5, p. 4] who it is intended to be - I fear Mamma has over estimated My ability as a speaker, but I do have a few friends - and that is what I endeavor to Make - the Lord has to Make the converts so I try to Make the friends - and You should have said or at least Mamma should have said that - Alvin would give the world to see his Wife and baby - “people at the Station when I met the folks thought I was going crazy I guess - but I fear they would think I had gone right off if I could see You, I presume by this time You have had a longer visit with Mamma and I hope You have also seen Papa - I see by the papers they have had him up - in court, those dirty miserable fellows, who are doing this will some day meet a just reward for their wrong doings - and I wish as would speedily come upon them - Yes I wish Mamma could have stopped longer in fact I wish both of them could have done so - Yes Bro cummings is on his way home he is now more than half way across the Mighty deep - and I guess he will be glad to get home and no doubt will be just as pleased [Ltr. 5, p. 5] [London Conference letterhead] 5 to see Beth as she is to see him - I had a letter from her the other day she asked Me to give Her love to all the elders except Frank and she would do that her self - a letter came for him the same day - so I guess she told him - he had gone so we forwarded the letter to Liverpool, where I think he got it- I am glad it was not Nell who had Typhoid fever at the same time I am sorry for the other Mrs Cox I have not Yet answered Otterstroms letter in fact I have a big stack to answer - I did think I would get caught up but have not done so and dont suppose that I will - it is the same old story about Miss Reynolds and Everett - I am glad You go to the theatre now and again I do too - we have a little recreation - I read that portion of Your which refers to the size shoes Ruth wears, to Elder Seare and he said goodness she much have a long narrow foot, he is a shoe Man he used to work in the Z C M I factory - but if we cant buy ready made shoes we will have them made to order, it was a fortunate thing no body was hurt when the engine attached to the train the folks were on ran off the [Ltr. 5, p. 6] track, I am sorry Richard is so poorly - I hope it is not so serious as You fear, Yes the Everard trouble continues I hope been unable to get the people out of the house - the Lord Lord stands in with them and is trying to works us - so I have refused to pay the rent - and the people claim they cant afford to do so - claiming a right to occupy the house for three Years so I got a letter from the Lawyer Yesterday stateing that the Land Lord was going to attach the goods for his Money this will probably caus the people to dig up them selves I expect I will be sued shortly - and Maby You think I am not sick of this job - well dearie I will answer your letter 109 next time the people are getting up I am well and happy kiss our Precious doll baby for Me and let Ruth kiss her Mamma for Papa give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and Joe and bertha and all the folks May the Lord bless You and Ruth and all the folks is the wish and prayer of Your loving and affectionate husband and Papa XXXXXXXXX Alvin F Smith XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 6, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, October 19.....1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I have nothing of importance to do for a few minutes so will begin answering Your letter #109 of Oct 5th 1906 I can see that I must stop telling You of the horrible sights I see from time to time I never had any such an Idea when I wrote to You, as that to which You refer, it had never entered My mind, I simply thought it would interest You but evidently it did not and I will try and refrain from it in the future, thousands of times since I came over here I have thanked the Lord for his blessings to Me in giving Me the help mate He has, and for other blessings He has given each of us I have perfect confidence in You Dearie and I love you better than My own life and I always have, I dont find fault with You and never have and hope I never will, and some day I hope to prove My love for You I had no intention of hurting Your feelings when I mentioned what I did - You know my feelings in this regard, You have heard Me express them before, but evidently I have made a mistake in repeating it so often but I have mearley expressed My feelings when [Ltr. 6, p. 2] I have seen these conditions and the curse that comes there from - and when ever I have repeated these things to You or anybody else, it was with a desire to show how thankful I was for the blessings the Me and Mine enjoy, You also speak of Miss Sloan coming home, she went home becaus Her Father sent for Her, and it was for the best as Alex has said to Me He is able to do More missionary work Now, and He is not worrying about his girl becaus they are engaged and she will be true to him and his folks felt just as Mamma did about it, and we are working for the Lord now and our time is his and there is no doubt but what we can do more work than we would if our sweet heart’s were with us, becaus I know, individually that if My sweetheart was with Me I would consider Her first - You give Mamma credit for sending Me away from, and You Make the statement that she wont do it again, Dearie You shouldnt feel this way Mamma had nothing to do with it, and I realize You have the hardest time of the two, but the Lord will bless You and if You will look at it in the right light You will be able to see it and we should feel thankful [Ltr. 6, p. 3] [London Conference letterhead] 3 that we are able to do something for his - I wonder some times if You feel like many others when You get My letters, and think that I am to straight laced and that Religion has struck in on Me - well Maby it has and if it has I am glad of it becaus never before did I appreciate the Gospel as I now do and I hope it will continue to strike in and I hope that I will be able to stand up for what is right when I get home, regardless of what people say and think, Now Dearie about bolting the house You will no doubt have My letter previous to this one telling You that I think that the least expensive possible to make it safe until I get home, when we will no doubt rebuild to go to any more expense than is absolutely necessary I am sorry it is so bad and Brown did not tell the truth about it when we bought it, I consider he acted dishonestly and I dont wonder at him not prospering such people seldom do! You can dispose of some of My Sugar stock sufficient to pay what ever is necessary to make the repairs, leave it to Mr Tuddenham telling him to do as good as job as possible for the least expense it will not pay to expend very much because it will have to come down sooner [Ltr. 6, p. 4] or later, I see by the Des News they they have had Papa up, I guess he will be able to pay a fine for Cohabatation, what kind of a Conference did You have? Say Dearie tell Ruth Papa did enjoy her letter - that was cute of Her going to the - Post Box - You will have to keep Your eye on her, bless her - she is the cutest little doll baby on earth - Mamma told Me that Ruth, she thought, looked better than she had for a long time she Met You both down town and she told Me You were both dressed in white and how nice you looked How I wish I could have seen You well Dearie give My love to Your Papa and Mamma how are they especially your Papa is he enjoying good health now - and Your Mamma too. ? also give My love to Joe and Bertha, Heu, Nel, Al and Alice and all inquiring friends - kiss our precious baby for Papa and tell Ruth to write Papa another letter I will send her a letter in with this one that she can answer, May the Lord bless You both - with his richest blessings is the wish and prayer of Your loving and affectionate Husband and Papa XXXXXXXXXXXXXX Alvin XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 6, p. 5] October 20th 1906 London Eng My Own Precious Doll Baby Ruth Papa got your letter and I was just as pleased with it as could be, and You must write to Papa again - Papa saw Santa Claus the other day and He is going to send You a big Dollie for Christmas a dollie that will shut its eyes and go to sleep Papa thinks his baby Ruth is the sweetest and best baby in this big World and I send kisses to You and You must give some of them to Mamma bless My little pet Ruth and Her Mamma - Lovingly XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Papa [Ltr. 6, p. 6 is blank] [Ltr. 7, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, October 22nd.....1906 My Own Precious Millie and Ruth I got Your letter #110 this morning and it just struck Me right - and I guess it was becaus it was a nice long one - and Maby I am feeling better My self, I must have had the dumps or blues, when I wrote the letter to You, which this one of Yours is an answer too, You see Dearie I was some what home sick after the folks left Me and Maby I was feeling this way when I wrote to You - I have a feeling of writing as I feel and I hope I may at this time write You a more cherful letter, becaus I feel fine and Your letter has made Me feel even better Dearie I wont complain about the noumber of letters You write - I am Mighty glad You have been able to write to Me each week and some times twice, but You know how it is, if the more happens to be late and the letter dont come just when it should; in My opinion, then of course I am disapointed - and I dont always stop to think why, the delay has occured - but when You show Me how many letters You have written douring the time I have been away - I [Ltr. 7, p. 2] wish I had’nt said anything but I am always thinking of My Mamma and baby, and I am high strung and have a nervous temperment and probably I worry more than I should - when I stop to figure it up You have written almost as many letters as I have so I guess I wont say any more but I will be perfectly satisfied with one letter each week and if You happen to write oftener then I will be all the more pleased, I will try and not “roast” You any More Dearie You are the sweetest kid in the world - except it be Ruth - and to Me You are both the sweetest folks I guess You have been to good to Me - You know when a person has been humored. he always expects to be, and I guess this is My condition I want to tell You Dearie I am learning to appreciate My wife since I have been away from her, I always did, but we dont always realize this in the fullest sense until we are separated - then it is that we are apprised of their goodness and worth Dearie You have been mighty good to Me always and and since our separation You have been just as good and Maby better, but being absent from You I have not considered it always as I should - I have to do things every day that I did’nt [Ltr. 7, p. 3] [London Conference letterhead] 3 have to do when I was home becaus You did them for Me, and You see I am reminded many times of this fact - now days - and I should appreciate it, whether I do or not and I can assure You that I do - I love You with all My soul, and I know that You didnt write Me short letters for the reason I said and I am sorry I said so - but You must forgive Your faulty Husband - Your letters always interest Me whether - short or long - and If You will continue doing as well as You have I will try and not complain any more I can see how incosist[-]ent I am at times - especially when You show Me as You have in Your letter and it is a good thin for Me to be called down at times, and especially when it is done - as You have done it this time, I just wish I was where I could get a hold of You and I would give You one of the best hugs and kisses You ever had - and I would’nt stop at one either, nor a dozen - I fear. it was very kind of Alice Reynolds to be so considerate - never the less I will remind her of her promiss when I answer her post card - who can - we have confidence in now days - I have proven that it does not pay to believe people when they are leaving here and they promiss they will do certain things, but there has been a few people promiss that I would [Ltr. 7, p. 4] like to have had call and see You I always like to meet people from home and especially if they have seen You and Ruth or any the rest of the family I put My self out considerable - to Make Her visit a pleasant one - and it would have been as little as she could have done to have kept her promiss - but what is a promiss - to some people? “Nothing” then why do they promiss - well I hope I wont Make My self out a L— by making promisses and then breaking them - Say Dearie You did have a good long wait when You went to see Papa I guess he is buisy and I guess He will now work him self down again trying to catch up with his work - but I wish You could have seen him, and I hope You will be able to do so before long You must remember Me to Mr Alder when You see him next time I will be pleased to receive a letter from him - also from Harry - but I guess He like every body else is very buisy but I guess I am no exception to the rule, I do like to receive letters - but when it somes to answering them that is a diferent thing, I was sorry to hear that Richard is poorly I guess He is working to hard - I am glad to hear that the business is good and I hope some day they will be able to pay a dividend - I would hate to see it go much longer with out [Ltr. 7, p. 5] 5 and Richard has’nt much confidence in the Ensign, I dont know anything about the Company more than that some of the Men interested in it are Money[--] Me but I do know that if the business is left to Spencer that they wont make Much - I would rather it was them that owned stock in it than Me - Say Dearie what developements has there been in the case against Papa? Mamma told Me how when they got at the depot Joseph was there to sneak him off to the Bee Hive House - and How He was less frightened than any of them = So it is December now - when Fanny intends to get married, do You think she will? - Say Mamma it makes Me homesick almost to have You tell Me what our doll baby says - but I do like to hear You mention these things - How cute of Her to want Papa to come home from across the sea, and when she asked You what You were eating - and You asked her if she would like some - to have her say - what she did I would like to see and hear Her do some of these cute things - I guess it wont be long until she will be able to read Mother Goose stories to You instead of You reading them to Her, I am so glad she is looking better, I think I mentioned in My last letter that Mamma said She thought Ruth was looking better in fact she mentioned how nice You both looked and Miss Beth Cusworth told Me how sweet Mrs Smith looked when she met You You down town one [Ltr. 7, p. 6] day - I am glad You go to the Theatre now and again I went Saturday in company with the other boys it was a detective story they are trying to imitate Sherlock Holmes - every body said how good it was so we went it was a fright - nothing to it - was very tame - none of us cared very much for it - I am glad to hear that Melissas baby is a little better - So You had Your Uncle Charlie and his wife down to see You - I can emagin seeing her - and I know that You are not sorry she stayed at Your Uncle Wills How diferent she is to Your Uncle - ! Say Mamma I am so glad You are pleased with Your beads and other things and I wish I was where I could get the hug and kiss You say You would give Me - You can save it for Me and You can learn all over how to do this when I come home but I dont think You have entirely forgotten while You have our sweet doll baby to practice on, Well Dearie give My love to Your Papa Mamma Joe Bertha - Al and Alice Heu and Nel and all the folks - kiss our precious doll baby for Me and tell Ruth Papa will come home across the sea son day to his doll baby and her Mamma - and May the Lord bless You both and all this is the wish and prayer of Your loving and effectionate husband and Papa - say Mamma I hope You can read this I have been writing on a table while one of the boys has been using the type writer and the table has been very shaky love to all from Your own sweet heart XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Alvin XXX XXXXXXX X X / X X XXXXX [Ltr. 8, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, October 26th.....1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I have just returned home from the Caledoman Market - Joseph F. Hanson and I went over to buy some curtains for 97 - we are almost thro with our house cleaning and we have a fine comfortable home now, Thanks to Papa. I have a fine bed and I am sleeping by My self, and I wish You were here to help Me occupy it, we have fixed it up just as we would a home of our own - and we have been just as economicle as we could be - we have had inlaid linoleum put on the office floor, hall and Meeting room with a nice carpet on the stairs, have had the furniture reupholstered - new bedding on the beds - with new mattresses in fact nearly everything is new and we are very comfortable and home like. but we have not Yet adopted the new system - about our eating and since we have been so torn up we have had to take pot luck, as the saying is, and to night Joseph and I brought a beef steak home with us but we only got enough for two - becaus President Jones and Jones are not here - Jones is at Enfield holding a cottage meeting [Ltr. 8, p. 2] and Elder Jones has been out all day with the Claytons and Elder Saville but Andelin, is here and we didnt ppose to feed him, so we will have our dinner later on, it is not 830 He came here to day in order to live in England about Six weeks before he can get a licence to be Married - I have been worrying him to tell Me how long He would have to remain here and he has finally told us - that the law requires him to reside here 21 days - before he can get Married - I asked him if He was not afraid some one would steal his sweetheart while he was away from her but he said not but You should have heard the way He said it- it would have made You smile, I had a letter from Alex this Morning He told Me Andelin was coming this way, I think President Grant is putting up for him and Miss Clark expects to come over in about two weeks and then they will be made one;” and it will be a good job, Alex Sent Me one of His photos and I sent him one of Mine, He sends His love to You and Ruth, I expect him over to spend Christmas with Me, I presume You have long Since received the one <> I sent You we boys got out Yesterday and took some of our selves so I will probably send You a home made one before long - and tell Ruth Papa will [Ltr. 8, p. 3] [London Conference letterhead] 3 send her one too! Say Dearie I Sent a couple of dolls home by Elder Jorgensen - they were undressed I didnt have time to get them dressed - I am having one dressed here the size of the Largest one that has gone home - Sister Parker was telling about these cheap dolls - and she is a dress maker - so mentioned that I wanted to get a doll and she said if I would get one she would dress it for Me so I thought I would get one and when I went to buy it, I got three - they all shut and open their eyes - and I thought I would get three so You could give Geraldine and Richard one for Christmas, and when I get the next one home to You You can divide them as You think best but I picked out this one that I still have for Ruth it cost the same as the large one that Jorgensen has taken home - two of them cost Me 75¢ each and the smaller one 55¢ I hope Jorgensen will get them home OK but I told him I would stand all risks becaus he was very accomedating and his trunk was full but he promissed to take as good care of them as he would of his own things, they are hard things to ship, but I hope they will reach You in good shape, and I am thinking of buying My baby a doll buggy if I can get it home, they have some danders over here and if we get one of these it is something that will last us for all of the [Ltr. 8, p. 4] babies we expect to have - and that is saying a big lot becaus I am living in hopes of having a half dozen Yet I can get a fine collar buggy for about three dollars and the first chance I have to send one home I will do so Well Dearie it is now 1145 I have been down cooking Supper - for 4 of us Elder Seare has just returned from Liverpool he went up last Wendesday with a company of Dutch Saints some 52 Women and children none of them being able to talk - United States - and the two Elders who came with them managed to loose the train - the went to buy some cakes to eat on the way to Liverpool - becaus they hadnt had anything to eat since the day before - and the train left before they got back so Elder Seare was left alone with them and he had a regular pic-nic and he is glad to get home - they offered Me the job, but I didnt want it - our foggy weather has begun, it was very thick this Morning - this is only the second however, that we have had this season - and Yesterday was just like a Autumn day at home - we have had lovely weather of late - and this afternoon it was real pleasant - but the air was cold and damp, and I have enjoyed a good fire while I have been in the house [Ltr. 8, p. 5] [London Conference letterhead] 5 Well Mamma I will finish writing to you in the Morning at least I will try and finish filling up this sheet - so will say Night, Night and May the Lord bless My Precious Mamma and baby - Oct 27 - 1906 - well Dearie I have been printing a few pictures this morning becaus the sun is shining and it is a fine day I will send You a couple of proofs of My self and also a picture taken in Liverpool when we were there you will probably recognize all of us - the front row left to right is Elder Marton editor of the Star, Alice Nibley Grace Grant - Ben C. Ruh - second Row Nan Nibley, A F Smith C W. Nibley, Jos F. Smith, H. J. Grant - back Row - Luther M Howell - R. E. Allen, Desie Grant - Mamma, George Sister Grant, I have forgotten the next Elders Name - but next to him come Chase - Walter E Grant and Robert Price - I am going to Make several of this picture and send the folks all one - well Mamma I have wasted so much time this Morning fooling with pictures that I have only got about twenty minutes to go and post this letter, I have not [Ltr. 8, p. 6] written to Papa or Mamma for some time, in fact the time goes so fast it does not Seem possible that it has been so long since I did write but it has been over a Month You can tell them I am alright and I will try and write to them this week - give My love to Your Mamma and Papa and all the folks and kiss our precious doll baby for Papa and tell Ruth that Papa wants her to give Mamma a big hug fro him May the Lord bless You all and potect You from all harm and danger is the wish and prayer of Your loving and affectionate husband and Papa Alvin XXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 9, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, October 31.....1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I received Your letter #111 last Monday morning and I was delighted with the size and contents of same I also got the letter from Your Papa and Mamma it came at the same time and I was pleased with it also and I will answer it in a day or two Yes Dearie our foggy weather has begun it rained all day long Yesterday with out a stop - and it is quite cold but we have had a good summer and fall and must expect some bad weather now, I am glad You are having good weather at home, So Papa was cross with Mamma for keeping to her bunk all across the ocean, I guess she must have been sick otherwise she would have been out and Sea sickness is no pleasant thing, You ask of Fred Luff does Missionary work, No. He does not in fact He is not converted him - self, His wife never was a Mormon but she is the best of the two, Fred is a fine fellow but to proud and fears the friends he has made would turn against him if he [Ltr. 9, p. 2] did missionary work, the boys that were sent out to Wimbledon where he lives to work have tried to get him on the street with them but he says to them I am to well known, around here, the fact of the matter is He is ashamed - to go on the street for fear people will scoff at him - to much pride I fear, He is real good to the Elders and all that but He cant stand the thoughts of being ridiculed and insulted - then You see He is well off and would rather go and play tennis and have a good time that way, Yes I think Andelin and Clark are very well acquainted with each[-] "other" I gave him a shut when he was here - He got talking about Papas sermon conference time and I just went after him in good shape until He was glad to shut up - and I think he wished before I got done that He hadn't said anything about it, Never You mind Dearie about My disapointment - as You call it, at receiving Your letter a day or two earlier than usual, it was a real nice disapointment, Yes Dearie I think My self that I am becoming a regular Englishman, but You [Ltr. 9, p. 3] [London Conference letterhead] 3 will be able to tell better after you get the rest of the pictures I have sent You I am going to send Ruth a picture of her Papa for her own self You think I look skinney - but I think that picture really makes Me look worse than I am and Ruth didnt know Her Papa, but she knew her gang Papa Smith that is pretty good I thinkm but I have sent You another 'Kodak picture of us which is better than that one Yes Alex is a fine looking chap and He is better than he is god looking. Yes the Church bought a fine place in Liverpool the House along cost $2000000 to build and it cost the Church $8,00000 and in addition to the House there is a nice stable and a big lot - they expect to turn the stable into a printing office - and then it will be separate from the house. in their present house the printing of the Star and tracts is done in the basement of the house I am glad to hear that Effie Gardner is able to go to work, give her My Kindest regards when You - see Her next time, I Met one of her cousins - last summer he came through London on his way home [Ltr. 9, p. 4] from a Mission to Germany I have also Met Leu Miller twice since he has been here in England but I believe I have mentioned this fact before, that was an awful sad thing about Burt Needoms wife and baby, I feel sorry for him, No Well Bruce didnt tell his people why his work had been Changed - I hope he is better - I heard from his father that he had changed work - He is better be careful and not over do - by studying late - Yes his brothers and Sister's are good looking and a bright lot of kids I am glad You sent in a protest against the pooing, and I have it is defeated - I guess You have My letter by this time suggesting that You protest, but I felt sure You would, I am Sorry well Tud has Typhoid fever it is to he hoped his case will not be a severe one, I think as You do about Papas case - say that sheets case is a good thing is'nt it - but he will go scot free - I am glad you - are all well, I was real pleased with Your Papas letter - and when You tell Me about what I am Missing it Makes Me home sick to share [Ltr. 9, p. 5] [London Conference letterhead] 5 some of those pleasure with You I would like to have some one put their arms around My neck and and cuddle up to Me what a comfort she must be to You - and I would like to listen to some of her chatter and prattle and You can just but I would like to answer some of her questions, I will try My experiance at using the receipt You sent Me - we have been living on wheat biscuits for a Month and I am nearly ready for a change - Yes Dearie I always did like London but then You know a fellow gets home sick some times and when he does there is nothing sents him and maby this has been My case - London is alright - there are times and often that I have a longing to come back it would be diferent if I had with Me those who are so dear to Me I think I could stand it alright then - but then [Ltr. 9, p. 6] Maby I would be like Luff and prefer to remain with them but, but even then I think I could do some Mission work, well Mamma it is almost time for this to be posted, so I will bring it to a close I am going away out in West London this afternoon to visit some people and dont expect to be back until late this evening give My Love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks - and remember Me to all inquiring friends - and kiss our doll baby for Me and tell her to Love her Mamma for Papa May the Lord bless You all is the wish and prayer of Your loving and affectionate Husband and Papa Alvin XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX