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Alvin Fielding and Amelia Smith Letters, Dec 1906 MSS 7952 [all pre-printed text is indicated by bold font; notes by transcriber enclosed in brackets] [ltr. 1, p. 1] [The following will be represented by “LDS European Printing letterhead” on the future pages; on some letterhead pages, handwritten text is interspersed with the letterhead text] Latter-day Saints European Printing Publishing and Emigration Office 10 Holly Road Fairfield Liverpool Dec 5th 06 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth Here I am as you will see from this letter head - in Liverpool Prest Jones and I came down Monday the folks are allmost ready to leave just finishing their packing, they leave here at 3 P.M and must be on the boat by 12 o clock and it is now nine thirty I tell You they are a buisy lot of people - and they dont feel much like going home except President Grant - I am sending Ruth’s doll with Sister Grant, and she and the girls will call and see You before Christmas mabey they expect to be home several days before Christmas, all being well but if they dont happen to get there before they will probably see you a few days after, I wish I was going home with them it makes Me feel home sick to see them all ready to leave I have had a good time since I got here and I have had some good meals and some good Yankee mince pie and many other [ltr. 1, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 1, p. 3] [LDS European Printing letterhead] 2 good things too, but will go back to the same old grub tomorrow Robert Price wishes Me to remember him to You he feels as tho he knows You, I have Your letter 119 - in which You refer to the fact that I forgot to tell You that I was well - I try to remember and tell You how I am from time to time but it seems as tho I forget now and again - I am well and happy ⋮ have just finished breakfast and have been helping the folks a few minutes they are almost ready to leave for the boat, this letter wont have to be posted until this evening but the best thing I think will be for Me to post it on the boat that the folks are going on then there will be no danger about it getting off, So Winter has begun, I hope You and Ruth wont catch any more cold, So Ruth thought the snow was pretty becaus it was so white bless our precious doll baby - Dessie Grant asked Me if My wife and baby were well and if they were just as sweet as ever, they all think I have a bad case - well I always have had and it gets worse and worse they will call and see You they are [ltr. 1, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 1, p. 5] [LDS European Printing letterhead] 3 are ancious to see My sweet heart and our Doll baby. You mention Andelin & Clark - Miss Clark is here she is going home with the folks and Andelin is coming home on the next boat and I think they expect to be married the[-] unless they change their minds. Yes You told me about the Republicans wining the electon I am sorry that paving project was not defeated it is a sure thing that we will never be benefited any by it - You ask how large a family Bro Ballif has, I think he has seven children, You think Bro Soren Peterson has a better wife than I have but I dont think so, I told You “I think” about our house warming - but for fear I didnt I will just say that we had between sixty and seventy people and lots to eat and a good time. I am glad You had a nice time at Your Ward reunion, I will give Your love to George and Chase when I write to them they are both owing Me letters so I will wait until I hear from them before I write again, So You have come to the conclusion that I will be home when I return, well I guess that is a very good guess but I dont think it will be much more than two Years from when I landed here and it is just ninteen <19> month to day since I landed here in Liverpool - and was here in this office right where I am [ltr. 1, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 1, p. 7] [LDS European Printing letterhead] and I was writing to you as I am doing at this minute just think Dearie - 19 - nineteen Months, Say Dearie Bro Nelson is good to Me just thank him for Me I dont know when I will ever get even with him - or at least when He will ever get even with Me but I hope to do something for him some day. I am glad he has done so well this year, he is very shrued and works hard. Yes I believe to that it is a good time buy sugar stock - but when it goes up to where it was when I left home we will sell out, - we may have a chance to make some money out of our stock’s someday, Yes Sid Saville is on his way home - in fact I guess he is nearley home now - Say that was cute of Ruth when she told You she didnt have any kisses left Well Mamma - I will write again when the folks go - a card at least, give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks kiss Ruth for Me and let her hug and kiss You for Me - give My love to all My friends May the Lord bless You all and especially My own Dear Millie and Ruth - is the wish and prayer of Your loving husband and Papa Alvin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [ltr. 1, p. 8: blank page] [ltr. 2, p. 1] [The following letterhead will be indicated as “The London Conference letterhead” on future pages] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, Dec 7th.......1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I got back to London last evening. I had a lovely time while at Liverpool the folks treated Me fine I went down to the boat with them but owing to the terrible storm which was raging we did not see them set sail - I wrote You a post card this morning but instead of send - ing it separate I will enclose it with this, You will see by the card I am sending You a paper - and I have only put a half penny stamp on it they may want to charge You extra postage on it if they do let them keep the paper we get the same size papers from America fore one cent, and by the way I have been sending You some stars, three at a time have you to pay anything extra on them? or do they go through O.K. I dont want them charging You double postage at that end becaus I fail to put enough on at this end, but we have sent them before - and [ltr. 2, p. 2] they have gone through alright so let Me know, becaus I have sent a similar package to several people and I dont want them to pay anything for them, I wrote to You Wednesday but My letter with all the mail missed the boat thro the carelesness of one of the boys at Liverpool I intended to post Mine on the boat, but I mentioned the fact that I wanted to enclose a card so they assured Me that if I posted the letter by eight oclock it would go out so I waited and they failed to post the mail so You will very likely get this one as soon as You get the other and I guess the Grants will be nearly home by the time the letter comes telling you that they have gone Sister Grant and the girls said they would try and see You before Christmas so that Ruth could have her dollie I would like to see her when she gets it and I do hope it wont get broken it is real cute and I know it will please her, I have sent Your Mamma a pair of black kid gloves which You can give her with our best wishes, I cant emagin that Christmas is so near, but I guess it [ltr. 2, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] 3 looks like winter at home the weather is more seasonable there than here, we have not had any mail as yet this week I guess it is becaus of the stormy weather but we expect letters tomorrow, I briefly answered Your last letter while I was in Liverpool, I should answer several letters from others of the family but I am getting worse and worse when it comes to letter writing, I dont know whether You have noticed it or not, but I guess others have, I have a letter from Hyrum which is unanswered and I received it before the folks come over, and I guess he thinks I am powerful slow when it comes to an- -swering letters Has Hyrum got home yet? I have not heard any thing about it as yet, I guess he will be home for the Hollidays- I have not decided Yet what I will do Christmas. I guess You will have the the same blow out at home. I am afraid, Santa Claus wont send You very much again this year, but I hope he will make up to You some day but [ltr. 2, p. 4] I do hope You have a Merry, Merry, Chirstmas just the same, and above all I hope You will be well, I would just like to pop in and see you looking just like you did the first time time I went up to Your house, I would like to see You both - Miss Granshaw just left here she called around to let Me see her Mistresses baby - it was a real sweet little kid, every body knows that I like babies, but I have not seen any yet that come up to our own - Well Mamma I am going out this after Noon visiting the sick and I have got to shave and do several things before I go - this post card I am sending You was taken from another Post card picture - the plate got broken that is the reason it is not very plain - but You will be able to pick us all out - kiss our precious doll baby for Me and tell Ruth to Kiss and love Mamma for Papa give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks and wish them all a Merry Christmas for Me - I am well and happy and hope and pray that You are all enjoying the same blessings, and My prayer is that the Lord will bless You and Ruth and all - and I send lots and lots of hugs & Kisses for You both - ever Your loving husband and Papa Alvin XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX [ltr. 3, p. 1] [The London Conference letterhead] London Dec 12.....1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I received Your letter #120 last Friday and I was pleased to get it as I always am, So You stopped up after the theatre to write to Me, what time did You go to bed? if it takes You as long to write as it does Me I fear You didnt get into bed until nearly morning and I guess You dont find time hardly to write in the day time, Say Dearie I am afraid You dont go to bed much earlier than I have been doing, and I will now give You the same advice that You gave Me if You dont go to bed earlier I will beat You, I do like letters but I dont want You remain - ing up all night to write them when You should be in bed getting Your rest, I have come to the conclusion that My wife is even better to Me than the other boys wives are to them Elder Sear very often goes two weeks with out a letter, so I can see how much more I have been favored than him, So in the future I want you [ltr. 3, p. 2] to Me as You can and dont stop up all night to do it. I think maby You can find time to write once a week and do it in the day time - I. and if My letter dont happen to come just when I think it should I will be patient but I dont want You stopping up all night to do it becaus You will make Your self sick by doing so. John Taylor is here I am going down town with him today - I dont know whether I told You or not that, John fixed My teeth while I was in Liverpool. He fixed Me all up in good shape and it did - not cost Me a penny He would’nt take anything for doing it, I had a filling taken out that had come loose - and a new one put in and I had another tooth filled and My teeth all cleaned, so I am feeling happy about this - and I am thankful to him for his kindness, how are Your teeth and have You seen to having them kept in shape? Say Mamma I am getting fat - guess what I weigh - dressed just as I do in the summer time, well I got [ltr. 3, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] 3 weighed - Monday and the scale told Me I weighed 150 lbs - and they gave Me a receipt for My weight that is more than I have weighed since I came over, and is the first time I have been heavier than when I got here, so You see there is a little change in Me for the better in this respect - You spake of how fat You were but You didnt say how much You weighed I wish You would get weighed and let Me know then I can tell about what You look like, say Dearie I bought a pair of Gloves for Bertha and I got 6¼- and I dreamed that she wears 6½ how about it, I tired to find where I had her size but couldnt and the more I think of it the more I believe that those I got for her last time were six and a half but It dont seem possible that she wear a ½ size larger than You so I am going to change them for 6½ and if they are to big she can sell them and send Me the money and size and I will get her another pair they cost 90¢ - I wont send [ltr. 3, p. 4] now until after Christmas becaus just at this time they may suspect something and one of the boys sent a nice pair of 200 long kid gloves home in a news paper at Christmas time and the P O department jabbed a sharp instrum - ent through the paper in several places and spoiled the gloves so they May do the same with these if I send them just now. Say Dearie I am afraid if You always see Me as I was when I left home You will be disapointed in Me becaus they tell Me I dont look the same now. and Mamma says You are getting old does she she never told Me so, I wish I could see You, or even a stamp picture of You go down and get a stamp of Your self and Ruth together and send it to Me, I heard of Papa being fined I am glad it was no worse I am glad You had a good time on Thanksgiving day - Sister Grant was disapointed that I didnt go to Liverpool, they will land tomorrow so You may see them in about a week time. Yes Dearie we will take dinner together, I hope next Thanksgiving day, So Mrs Owen has [ltr. 3, p. 5] [The London Conference letterhead] 5 a son good for her. I guess she is happy I guess it will be Berthas turn Next, when will it be our turn? It was to bad about Bro Lyman’s Son. Yes Bro Lyman and I always were good friends and I always did love him, he set Me apart for this mission and You give him My love when You see him I didnt know so many people loved Me - Until I came away, I guess the old saying is a true one - that absense makes the heart grow fonder and not always of the other fellow either, of course Elders who have sweethearts and leave them to come on missions, they are usually the ones that say - “ Of the other fellow” but I dont mean it in this way of course I dont know how it would have been with Me, but maby I would have been like some the rest, becaus You used to tell Me that You would have found another fellow had I been called before we were married, and in such an event I am afraid I would have a miserable old batchlor now but how thankful I am that I got [ltr. 3, p. 6] You before hand, and absense has surely made My heart grow fonder of Millie and Ruth - the two who I left at home and I am looking forward to the time when I can take You in My embrace and enjoy your company again I can tell You it will be one of the happiest times in My life, well Dearie I guess I will bring this to an end I am well and “appy give My love to Your Mamma and Papa and wish them and all the balance of the family – Bertha, Joe, Al Alice, Hen Nell and the children a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for Me, May the blessing of the Lord ever attend You all and especially My Millie and Ruth is the wish and prayer of Your loving and affectionate husband and Papa with lots and lots of loves hugs and kisses for You both from Alvin XXXXXXX X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X XX X X X X X X X X X X X X X X [ltr. 4, p. 1] [The London Conference letterhead] London Dec 15....1906 My Own Dear Millie & Ruth I received Your letter #121 it came Wednesday and I was delighted to get it came just after I had pasted My letter to You I am glad You had a good time on Thanksgiving day So You went a whole week with out a letter from Me and then You got two at once they must have got hung up some where on the way - I am going out to Sister Crofts to eat Christmas Dinner - So You will know that I am well looked after on that day, by the time You get this letter and before you get it Christmas will be over I will think of You [--] on that day - and will try and emagin seeing You all surrounding the table having a good time and in the evening talking about the past and the future and I wonder if they will try and tease You as they did last time Dearie I got the cake from [ltr. 4, p. 2] Bertha and Joe which you sent Me and it is just fine it came in good condition, but some one had stolen the stamps from the package and I couldnt tell what it cost to send it - how much did it cost? I am glad You went to the concert - who went with You I am also glad Papa gave You those things they are useful articles and will come in handy we had a snow storm - night before last - it covered the ground the largest we have had since I have been here - it has been very cold since and I fell sorry for the poor people. I have been out to visist a girl by the name of Sorena Natt - we got a letter from a Mr Bram of Richfield Utah she is his Sister in law she had written him telling of her condition and he wrote to us and asked us to call on her and see if we could do any thing for her, she is also supposed to be a Member of the church and only lived five minutes walk from here but this is the [ltr. 4, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] 3 first we ever heard of her She is not a very good Mormon or she would have come to see us but when we got there she had gone from the place and we learned that she is in a position at South End on Sea - So we didnt learn much about her but I got a chance to tell the lady of the house who I was and give her some Gospel tracts, but she looked as though she knew us, Say Dearie did Jorgensen ever take you those dolls I sent home by him?
You have never said anything about it, and I have been wondering So You think from that post card that I am skinnie - when you get My last letter You will see I am picking up a bit, So the judge promissed to send Papa to prison if he had any more Children, I am mighty glad they didnt send him there this time I think there are lots who were disapointed becaus they did'nt - Yes we had a good time at the Poultry show and I guess George [ltr. 4, p. 4] will be just as bad as ever when he gets home he often sends Me a letter in which he tells me all about his chickens - Yes Lillie Price is going to Utah - she is now in Liverpool - and she has agreed to remain there until February President Penrose wanted her to, there was a boat got in Yesterday with thirty some odd Elders and we expect to get four of them for this conference - Bill James goes home next Month and we expect to loose several more in February - Elder Hansen who come with Me expects to go then and he will call and see You He says You can bet I am going to go and have dinner with Your wife - He is going home a little sooner than two Years becaus of his business, which he left in the hands of other people he is here in the room with Me now, so You can expect him sure. I have said this so many times before I guess You dont pay any attention - but he is just the man that will come - he isnt a stuck up fellow like some - say did [ltr. 4, p. 5] [The London Conference letterhead] 5 Sid Saville call to see You I nearly hurt his feelings when he offered to go and see You Maby if he has been he has told You what I said - I think I told You what I told him - Yes I think Jones likes the job of boss - we still have the old woman cooking and I cant hardly go the stuff she fixes in fact I only eat about and a day here at the house - and then I dont eat what she prepares it is a fright - but he likes it - he is diferent to me - I have a funny stomach I guess and maby I am cranky but if I am you must have spoiled me - by being so particular - but I will soon be out of it and then it will be a thing of the past Elder Seare and I went out and had dinner with Elder Peterson, Barker, Gray, and Sperry Yesterday and we had a good feed and three times this week I have been down town to dinner and when I get one good meal a day I can manage but even in the face of these conditions [ltr. 4, p. 6] I am getting fat - Say Dearie I see that You do say in your letter that You are all well so I will take off My hat to You I was going to say that You had forgotten to Mention this, and before I forget I will just say that I am feeling fine physically - and Spiritually too. I guess You are having a genuine winter No Bro Penrose did not bring his wife with him but he expects her to come over and she may have been on the Aribic which landed Yesterday - Yes this year has slid past with Me very rapidly - I can hardly imagin where it has gone it is a fright to keep track of the time well Mamma give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks I do love You and Ruth with all My heart You are more precious to Me than anything else in this world May the Lord bless and watch over You both and all is the wish and prayer of Your loving husband & Papa Alvin x x x x x xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [ltr. 5, p. 1] [The London Conference letterhead] London, Dec 18th...1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth It is now 2 AM Dec 18th I went to bed at eleven oclock to night, and was sleeping nicely when all at once I was awakened by some of the Elders from the Norwich Conference - who are visiting here in London, who had been out to the Theatre so it was My luck to get up and let them in, there were three others who are on their way to Germany, also at the the show and these had not got back yet none of them took a key with them so when I got comfortably in bed again they arrived so I crawled out again and let them in - then I went back to bed and remained about an hour but I couldnt go to sleep so I got up again and here I am down stairs trying to get sleepy. I spent nearly all day - to day. I mean Yesterday, it is now tomorrow with me. –well I spent the day going back and forth to the Lawyers and it was nine oclock when I got home last [ltr. 5, p. 2] Night. Dearie I did think I would soon be thro with this trouble but It drags along, however it looks much brighter at present and the end begins to look near and I am living in hopes of getting some kind of a settle ment made before long - I have not had any mail from home this week - but I guess it will come in about Thursday I got a letter from George this morning He is well and sends love to You and Ruth He asks Me when I expect My release this is a great question to ask Me - He has had the promiss of his spring conference which will be some time in May or June, he expects to go and spend a few days with Willard before Christmas, He also wants to Know if Millie is coming over to go home with Me, I hope so this has been My greatest desire - ever since I have been here, but if You come I dont expect we will get back before September, George sent a letter to Me by one of the Elders of his Conference - but He didnt get to London – so I didn’t get the letter - and in this letter he had enclosed a Kodak picture of Lillian and the babies which He requested that I send back to him after I had seen it becaus it was all He had, so now - He has got to write to the Elder and request him [ltr. 5, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] 3 to return it direct. I would like to see the picture and I would like to see a Kodak picture of My wife and baby - I think I asked My sweet heart if She would go and have a stamp picture of her self, and the baby we both think so much of, and send it to Me so that I can see You both together see if You cant persuade her to do this for Me, Tell Ruth that Papa wants a picture of her and her Mamma and maby she will intercede in My behalf, I presume You got the pictures I sent home of My self which were taken in the back Yard here, what did You think of the post card picture wasnt that a dandy -? it is almost as thin as a piece of rope isnt it, but I am fattening up a bit now, I weigh about three pounds more than I did then, Say Dearie that cake is fine and it is half gone already. tell Bertha I would give her a big hug for it if I was where I could, You can do it for Me or tell Joe to, which ever You like - or Maby You you had better do it because I emagin she will like a change providing it was her sister that did it - I just emagin Joe is as bad as I used to be - when it comes to anything like that - but why shouldnt he be there is nothing like it I would just like to be where I could try it a few minutes or hours, hours would sent Me better, how about You? [ltr. 5, p. 4] I would'nt be setting up here now if I was with You besides I think I think I could pass away the time in bed with out so much trouble if I had You for a bed fellow, I used to like to lay awake and love You when I was home - but it is awfully Monatonous when You are alone, but I can stand it better alone than to have an Elder in bed with Me especially when he snores. President Grover is in My bed now he is sleeping with Me - or atleast he is a sleeping while I am awake Josph hansen is here with Me he could - not sleep either so he got up - he is reading while I write, and If I dont get sleepy pretty soon I will have to go and get dressed I am at present clothed in My night gown. Say Dearie the shops - look beautiful just now, You will know what I mean when I say "shops" You know all stores are shops in this country, and every body seems buisy - and people are getting ready to s[--]nd the hollidays - in genuine style I think they are worse than we are for this - the stores will all close up Saturday afternoon and will not open up again until next Thursday-, Christmas comes on Tuesday and Boxing day on Wednesday and Saturday afternoon is always a holliday or half holliday here in London, the streets down town are lined with people selling penny toys - they have mary things - of diferent discriptions than You can emagin of - how I wish [ltr. 5, p. 5] [The London Conference letterhead] 5 You and Ruth could see these sights - all the poor people who can get hold of something to sell at this time of Year are out trying to make a little extra money -, "Joseph has gone back to bed: - the poor people are every where in evidence just now and all manner of means is adopted by them to get something, and street singers are thick - Children come night after night and stand on Your door step and sing Christmas carrolls - and aske You to remember them with a few coppers pretty soon we will have the Post man after his Christmas box, then the Police man - news boy - and a dozen more this is a great world and Christmas only comes once a Year and I would like to see every body happy - but there will be many, many, hundred little babes and bigger ones too who will not have a very Merry Christmas - here in London - Yes and in all the world How I wish that old Santa Claus could serve them all alike - I think I will take a stroll through the slums Christmas eve - Just to see what it is like, just for My own benefit - how great is the contrast in the City of London to day - You see the Rich people with their one child and Maby two, well dressed and going in all directions with their arms full if of packages, while on the other hand you can see little half clad ragged erchins looking in the shop windows longing for some of the toys they see there - while again you can see a mother with one baby in her arms and some [ltr. 5, p. 6] times two or three by her side holding to her skirt - while she is trying to sell Matches to the people as they pass bye - and some times You can buy six boxes for a penny - these sights are common the Year round but at this season of the year it is more noticable - the buisy crowds of all clases - going in all directions none bothering him self or her self about the other there dont seem to be any friendly feeling existing between them how diferent, this condition to what it should be, the Savior in whos honor Christmas is held - taught that we should remember the poor - and love all man kind - and above to have Charity for each other, Millions of people claim to believe in Jesus but they have none of these virtues which He had, and , He said, “This is My Commandment-“ That You love one another as I have loved You, but this is only one of the hundreds of command - ments which he gave which have been forgotten by the world - but some day He him self will remind us of these things, and we will have to confess before him that we have not done as He commanded - - and as he says, they are they, who shall be thrust out - until they have learned obedience - Well Mamma give My love to Your Papa and Mamma, and all wish them all the compliments of the season for Me - May the Lord bless My precious Wife and baby and may you have a Merry Christmas and happy New Year is the wish of Your loving husband & Papa - with lots and lots of loves hugs & Kisses for You both from Yours affectionately Alvin [ltr. 6, p. 1] 97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Eng Dec 21st 1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth The Celtic was reported at QueensTown Yesterday with 4000 sacks of mail on board the largest shipment of Mail Matter ever carried by one boat and out of this 4000 sacks I was the most favored of any of the boys, five letters came to Me one from You one from Brother Nelson one from Richard one from Mamma and one from Jennie Sullivan Bro Nelson sent Me $2500 I thot at first a portion of this was for the other boys but He dont say any thing about it Mamma sent Me $500 and Richard sent Me 200 and a fewdays ago I got a letter from Hyrum from Chicago [ltr. 6, p. 2: blank page] [ltr. 6, p. 3] 2 with $500 in it so this with that which You sent Me a short time before makes Me pretty rich old Santa is good to Me and My friends are more than I ever emagined they were, I was was glad to get Your letter it was a dandy long one it has taken some time for it to come and being with out a letter for so long it seems all the more welcome. I cant very well go and spend Christmas with Alex - six or eight of our Elders are going to leave London, so I think I will go over and spend the New Year with him instead Yes Sid Saville is home and as You say I guess he is glad - to be there, I got as I said a letter from Jennie she says [ltr. 6, p. 4: blank page] [ltr. 6, p. 5] 3 she sees Harry often and that she saw Ruth and she is a dandy - she says she dont see You very often but Harry tells her that You are well, I am glad that Mr Odell has learned that the customers like him, So Ruth wanted to go to the party to dance she is learning Young. I am glad You kept her home, espec- ially now that the weather is so unsettled, So You bought her a doll buggy and she found it after You had hid it, She is alright tell Her that Papa is going to bye his Ruth a baby buggy one of these days, I am glad You had the privelege of hearing Papa speak at the ward Say that is an awful sad thing about Mr Ensigns [ltr. 6, p. 6: blank page] [ltr. 6, p. 7] 4 little girl, they have had a terrible time, and no mistake their family has been reduced Tho they have been separated Yet it is good to Know that it is only for time and then they shall have them again some people think there is no satisfaction even in this but to Me there is all the satisfaction in the world - but oh how hard for us to part with our precious babies and I do feel sorry for them, how sad they must be, I am glad You are able to Keep Ruth in doors as well as You do - and I am glad she has lots of play things I have not heard yet if You got those dolls I hope You did, and if you did You can make [ltr. 6, p. 8: blank page] [ltr. 6, p. 9] 5 the other other babies a present becaus I feel sure You will get the one Sister Grant took home I wish You would - see if those people would buy our place, and if so what they would give, I would - not take any less than I gave for it, I would rather rebuild My self some day - and I hope You can do with out repairing, then if we have to rebuild - we wont be out any for repairs I would be willing to loose the repairs, which , cost three or four hundred dollars over and above the actual price of the place but if we cant get the price we paid we better keep it and Improve the [ltr. 6, p. 10: blank page] [ltr. 6, p. 11] 6 property our selves - what do You think? I wish You would see Farrs the first time you have a chance and then consult Papa about it,, and if we did sell it we could erect a new House on the forest dale property, I think I would sooner be there than next to Ashtons, So Will Davis is going to give You abox of candy to send to Me - I hope it will come through O.K. only I hope You keep part of it for Your self dont try to send more than a pound Say Dearie I heard that if you wanted to send anything to Me by taking it to the Des News - wrap it up well - and they will pack it in a box and [ltr. 6, p. 12: blank page] [ltr. 6, p. 13] 7 and send it with other goods to Liverpool - and their charge is 25¢ this is cheaper than postage and they send a box every Month - I think I told You that I got Wills letter and I have answered it, I sent him a little book for Christmas one of the You dont tell Me who the Gentlemen was that told You how much better You look since I left, I am glad You do You looked pretty good to Me when I left - and if You look better now I am glad of it, there is nothing I like better - or pleased - Me more than to hear this kind of News of You You just suit Me and always did - from the first [ltr. 6, p. 14: blank page] [ltr. 6, p. 15] 8 time I saw you and I do pray the Lord that You may both continue well, Remember Me to Aunt Joe when You see her again, also to Will Bruce I am glad He is doing so well So Your Mamma Cow has gone tata, how much did she get for it? I would like to see and hear our doll baby say some of her cute things I agree with You when you say she is the sweetest baby in the world, well Dearie I am well and happy - Chase send love to You - May the Lord bless My wife and baby - Dearie I love you with all My heart give My love to You Mamma and Papa and all the folks xxxx x x xxx xxx xxxx May the Lord bless you both is xxx x x x x x x x x x x x x x x the wish & prayer of your loving xx sweetheart & Papa Alvin xxxxxxxx [ltr. 6, p. 16: blank page] [ltr. 7, p. 1] [The London Conference letterhead] London, Dec 24th..1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I got Your letter #123 this morning one day before Christmas and the $1000! Dearie I fear You cant afford to send Me so much - I wish I was where I could give You a big hug - You are the sweetest girl on earth I do love You and last night I had a good dream about You I thought I met You coming down town and I never saw any body look sweeter than You did I had a good hug and several kisses - and I can just see You as plain - as I saw You in My dream but I woke up be fore we got - back to the house so I was disapointed not to see Ruth and more disapointed to find that it was only a dream - I thought You were dressed in the prettiest blue costume with a lovely hat to match - and I can see You in My emagination - just as plain as can be - Now I want to thank You again for the presents - the cake and candy have not come Yet but I guess they will be here shortly - I will begoing to Enfield to spend Christmas and I will have a nice time, Dearie I am going to leave 97 - I am going to Labor at Enfield after New Year and I am glad for the change - I think it will be the best thing that ever happened to Me - and I [ltr. 7, p. 2] will be near Sister Crofts where I will be taken good care of and we are going to have a lively little branch out there before long - I think I will go to Holland next Friday - for a few days - thank Will Davis for Me and give him My love, Dearie what would You like for a birthday present - I wish You were here where I could get something for You - I am going to get something - but You may not get it until after the 10 of January but I am going to congratulate You now and wish You Many Many happy returns of the 10th day of January - and I will give You several hugs and kisses - in about six Months - to make up for all the things I am owing You for - So Papa Surprised You by calling He dont get much time - I am so glad he called - I guess the dolls got there without them being broken - You dont say anything about the condition they are in - -just emagin Ruth saying she didnt want the black one, that she would’nt have the black one - she wanted the white one! - well she will like the one Sister Grant has for her it is just as cute as it can be and it is a white one as she called it - You tell Me what she thinks of it - I hope it arrives without getting broken, and I Hope You [ltr. 7, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] 3 You receive it before Christmas but Mamma I havent anything for You and it Makes me sick - when I think of - I am glad You and all the folks are well - So Papa thot some of the pictures of Me were better than others - which kind did he mean? the Kodak picture like the ones I sent to the folks - ? Bro John Smith sent us two large Geese again this Christmas and we are going to eat one of them to day and the other after Christmas so we expect to live good for a week - I wish I had been with You at the Theatre - I would like a good laugh - it must have been funny - ! I cant help but laugh when I read what You say about Ruth and the dolls - she knows what she wants Dearie she is just like her Mamma - and I am glad of it - she is a great baby - but I dont like to hear you say she is sassy I guess she gets this from Me so she is like us both - but I guess she would be worse if I was home - becaus I fear I would spoil her - they say the first baby is always spoiled [ltr. 7, p. 4] and I guess there is some truth in it - give Aunt Mary My love and thank her for Me for inviting You to go to the Theatre - give My love to all the folks - No Alex didnt go home with Bro Grant they wanted him to go - but he had so much work to do and his yearly report to get and so he didnt go - she is not well and the Dr told him he never would be as long as he remained in Holland so I would not be surprised if he went home in February I am sorry You have been so long with out a letter I am going to send them a diferent way in the future so that You may receive them earlier in the week - and they wont come two at a time I have learned that the Wednesday boat which I have been sending one of the letters on is a slow boat and that the Saturday boat often reaches New York as soon so I will send My letter the first of the week to Southhampton - Yes Mamma I will spend next Christmas with You and how [ltr. 7, p. 5] [The London Conference letterhead] 5 happy I will be - Dearie I have had the blues for a week or two I dont know why - but I guess it is becaus Christmas is coming - and I got a card from Willard this morning and he seems to feel the same and wishes he is home I got a letter from President Grant this morning and he says they had a very rough voyage - and the stewards say it is the roughest voyage the Baltic has experianced and his Youngest daughter Francis was the only one not sick - So Ruth found a picture of her Papa in a magazine - the little doll girl she dont know her Papa but I am glad she thinks of Me just the same - bless her - yes her Papa is coming home l[-]te - and when You asked if she wanted to go to bed - she said “I guess not” - she is alright - she is a darling “Dearie” and I love You both with all My heart so she balls Joe out when he kisses Bertha - and she is going to laugh at Me when I kiss You well I guess I will keep her laughing then - I am so glad You are all well – Will Bruce [ltr. 7, p. 6] wrote his father that he was going to take dinner and Spend Christmas with You Well Mamma I have just helped to eat one of the geese it was very good, it is to bad about that Young fellow dieing - it seems to Me there has been an awful lot of deaths at the L.DS.H. - since it opened maby they have more patience than the others - well Dearie I am well and I hope and bray that this will find you both the same - I guess you are all buisy to day and I can just emagin seeing You all - give My to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks and I hope You will have a lovely time on Christmas - Praying the Lord to bless You all and especially My Sweet Mamma and our baby with lots and lots of loves hugs and kisses for You both from Your loving and affectionate husband and Papa X X X X X X X X X X X X - X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Alvin X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X [ltr. 8, p. 1] [The London Conference letterhead] London, Dec 29...1906 My Own Dear Millie Christmas is over and we are nearly ready to celebrate New Years Tuesday morning was a beautiful one, it was cold but the sun shined all day we went out to Sister Crofts and had a fine time I have not eaten so much before since I left home, we didnt do much else but eat - we remained all night and the next morning the ground was covered with snow about 8 or 10 inches deep and it began to look like Christmas in very deed it has snowed a little every day since and is at it to day - this is the heaviest storm of this kind England has had for many years and people are freezing to death by the dozens there was a big railroad wreck Yesterday - sixteen killed and Many wounded - the snow prevented the signals to work which caused the accident - well we stayed out to Sister Crofts all day Wednesday and Thursday we ate two Turkeys and a big roast of beef besides - plumb pudding - and a thousand other things - but even with all these comforts, some how My thoughts [ltr. 8, p. 2] wandered home ward and I had a longing to be there with You, Never have I been treated better by any one out side of My very own than I was this Christmas but with all this I got a bit homesick and now and again some one would offer Me a penny for My thoughts but no such price could have bought them - they were of You in that far off land which we all love because it is our home-, and only last night I dreamed of being in the mighty deep on My way home - I have dreamed of you and home quite often of late, and although I like to dream of You it is a disapointment to wake up and find it only a dream I do hope You all had as pleasant and good a time as I did on Christmas and I guess you did. I got a letter from Papa Yester - day, it was a fine letter too I also got a nice Christmas card from Nellie Schofield - she is the girl that was over here last summer - or one of them - she is a relative of Tuds Miss Holbrook also sent Me a card wishing Me and all of us a Merry Chirstmas, So You see they still remember the good time they had while here, Months have passed [ltr. 8, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] 3 since then and when I look back - the time seems only Yesterday but it is longer to look forward to but six More months at the outside will see Me home again, and next Christmas we will spend together - and some day I will try and and entertain some of My Enlish Friends like I have been entertained this Christmas. I hope I wont be like Many of the Elders when I get home and forget all who have been kind to Me-, but it is such a common thing that the people expect to be forgotten as soon as the Elder leaves this country. Bill James got home from Kent where he went to spend Christmas when he got here he had a letter from Saville - but he never mentioned having called on any of our people - did he send you those woolen gloves. I sent home by him? I hope You got the last dollie I sent home - and I would like to have seen our baby when she got it - I think I mentioned to You that I got a nice letter from
Bro Grant. - when they got in Boston I answered it and I also wrote to Bro Lyman and told him what You said - I guess He will be surprised [ltr. 8, p. 4] when he gets a letter from me Say Dearie the candy came and between us all it is most gone - it came Monday evening or Christmas eve and also the cake I got them O.K. and it is just fine, but it cost You considerable to send them how I have enjoyed it and I Kept quite a bit for My self - and I expect to eat it My self, I opened it up the first night and we all had a good feed, and I took Sister Crofts a few pieces - and a piece of the cake - I tell You Dearie My folks are better to me than any of the other fellows people are to them I think I have been much better remembered than had I been home, this is where - absence makes the heart grow fonder Dearie I showed Your Picture to Bro & Sister Scaich and they both said what a fine looking woman - and He said I congra-t ulate You on Your wife and of course - He was surprised to think that “I” should be so fortunate but I am proud to think - I was so lucky - and I am mighty proud of My wife and baby - and they of course thought Ruth was just the picture of her Mother this is what I think and I am [ltr. 8, p. 5] [The London Conference letterhead] 5 proud again for this fact there is no one I would sooner have her resemble than You - You are the picture I adore and I dont care what people say about Me so long as they speak well of You. Well Mamma I didnt go to Holland I telegraphed Alex that I could not come - I have to get out My Monthly Report and it is the first of the Year - and such stormy weather that I decided not to go so I am at home - have got to write to Alex today and explain to him I telegraphed him Yesterday that I would not come - I had to do this becaus he was going to meet me there this morning we are going to have another good feed today and again next Wednesday - and after that I guess our good feeding wont be so good there was none of the boys this Christmas without a place to go - in fact we had more Invitations than we could fill, just think of going and stopping three days with the saints well it is something unusual but that is what we had this Christmas - we are all going out [ltr. 8, p. 6] for New Years too so You must not worry about Me - I hope You all at home have as good a time as I do - Say Dearie I am going to do something and then I want You to do something I am going to buy little Alice a dress - Alice and I would like You to make it for her and I would like You to suggest what I get and let me knowso that I can buy it dour - ing the month of January - while everybody is having sales Bro Nelson has been very good to Me and I dont know when I will ever repay him, what do You think about it? give Me Your suggestions, well Millie Dear and Ruthie Dear I love You with all My heart - and I wish I was where I could hug You both - give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks and May the Lord bless and protect You at all times is the wish and prayer of Your loving and affectionate husband and Papa, with lots and lots of love hugs and Kisses for You both I am lovingly yours x x x x x x x x x Alvin x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x [ltr. 8, p. 7] [The London Conference letterhead] London, Dec 29...1906 Miss Ruth Smith 29 I Street Salt Lake City Ut My Own Precious Ruth Papa has been thinking of his doll baby and her Mamma and I wish I could have been home with You for Christmas what did Santa Claus bring You - did You get Your dollie Papa sent You? I am going to a doll buggy - and then You can wheel Your dolls for a ride - out doors did you have a Christmas tree? - Next Year we will have [ltr. 8, p. 8] one Papa will be home with You then and we will have a fine time, write and tell Me what You got for Christmas - and what kind of a time You had. Papa does love his baby Ruth and would just like to give her a big hug and kiss - I am saving up lots of kisses for You - and You tell Mamma that Papa has lots for her too - You give Mamma a big Kiss for Papa when You get this may the Lord bless My own Precious baby and her Mama is the wish and prayer of Your loving Papa Alvin X X X X X X X X X X X X X X [ltr. 9, p. 1] [The London Conference letterhead] London, Dec 31st..1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth It was just one week this morning since I had the last letter from You and I see by Your letter which came this morning that You were without one from Me for ten days I can’t understand how this can be becaus I have written twice a week and it seems to Me they should reach You oftener than they do but I see that You got three in a bunch and from the answer I got to them in this one, I must have written many things which didnt please You. I was only joking about the baby but, evidently jokes dont sound the same in writing judging from the way You go for Me, and it was not My intention to be sarcastic in the least, but it must have sounded so to You, of course Dearie Your letters are never this way, especially this one, I have read it over four times and, and how You do go for Me Maby I deserve it but I am afraid You were tired and some what out [ltr. 9, p. 2] of sorts when You wrote if so I will forgive You this time, I dont recall what you told Me about Mr Morton, Maby it didnt impress Me very much at the time - I looked up some of Your letters but didnt find the right one, Maby it is just as well that I have forgotten and that I didnt find the right letter becaus You seem to think I did remember and You go on to say that I never did care to remember such things - so if it is so bad as all that, I will acknowledge that I dont care to know any thing about it - Morton seems a pretty decent sort of a chap, as far as I can judge from My short acquaintance with him I have only met him twice but on both of these occasions, I spent two or three days in his presence - did I tell You that Sister Crofts was an old? maby I did make a mistake however she has a daughter - that is married, and the daughter is about 25 years old. speaking of being missed! - from a personal stand point - and speaking for My self I thought You had, it may have only been imagination on My part, but it seemed and does seem real enough to Me, but Maby I have not been missed either, so I have [ltr. 9, p. 3] [The London Conference letterhead] 3 deceived My self all around, but whether You believe Me or not - I emagin I know My own feelings, and they may be sensative, yes I fear they are to sensative but heavens knows, they aught to be hardened, I have not got like McClellan Yet, and God forbid that I ever will - I would rather a hundred times over, be sent home in a box, You may be only joking when you say you are going to find another beaux - but in the future I would rather You would’nt say such things to Me even if it is a joke, it just makes My heart ache when I hear things like You tell of MCClellan - He is an adulterer, which in the sight of God is next to Murder, and for a Man in his position having accepted the Gospel or rather having been born in the church - having gone through the Temple of God making covenants with the Lord, then to do as he has done He is in ten times worse condition than Arthur Brown, Browns death may in a degree attone for his sins - having had his blood shed on account of his wickedness - and having never made covenant with the Lord never having [ltr. 9, p. 4] received the light of the Gospel - while on the other hand Mc - through his standing in the church - and then to comit the crimes You speak of - may become a son of perditon, we are told that adulterers shall be forgiven for the first offence but there is no forgivness for the second, and this only in cases where they repent - Millie I love do love You with all My soul You are most precious to Me- I got the money you sent - I will get you some gloves, tell our baby that Papa will get her a doll buggy, I wish I were where I could share her company with You and listen to some of the cute things she says and see some of the cute things she does I hope Your house cleaning is done and hope Your colds are better, take good care of Your self and Ruth - No I never ‘told bro Bruce about Wills accident His Father told Me Will was going down to take dinner with you on Christmas, I hope You had a good time yes I spent a day or two in Liverpool before Bro Grant went home, You have probably seen them before this - they were going to call on You, I am glad Eva Tud is going on a Mission it will do her good - I am glad You have a chance now and again to go to the Theatre wish I could go with You, I am going to the pantamine next week at Drury Lane - they are playind Sinbad the Sailor - I have heard it is not as good as - Cinderella well Mamma give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks - I have had a slight cold and sore throat for a few days but it is nothing serious - Dr Allen called to see us yesterday he is here in London is going to be here two or three Months - I think I told You about the winter weather we are having it has been just like home weather for a few days well Dearie may the Lord bless You and Ruth and protect You always is the wish and prayer of Your Loving husband and Papa - with lots and lots of Love hugs and kisses for You both - xxxxxxxxxxxx X X X X X X X X X XX X X X X X X X X X X XX X XX X [ltr. 9, p. 5] 97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London Dec 31st 1906 My Own Dear Millie Ten More days and it will be Your birthday - and how I wish I was where I could give You as many big hugs as you are Years old, I wish You Many, Many Happy returns of the 10th day of January and May the Lord grant unto You health and strength, and his protecting care to be over You always - is My wish and prayer for You - Your affectionate husband Alvin [ltr. 9, p. 6: blank page]