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, Feb 1907 MSS 7952 [notes inserted by transcriber will be within square brackets; all pre-printed text is indicated by bold] [Ltr. 1, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, Feb.... 1st.......1907 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth Tomorrow is Saturday and we hold our Priesthood meeting in the morning - I expect to leave here at 645 in the morning for London so I thought I would begin writing to You, with the hopes that I can finish it to night, I have a meeting in one hour from now and I have about ten minutes walk to the place My companion has gone to London to see the Doctors, Allen and Middleton> He has been suffering terribly from Job comp- laint for the past Month and he is now under their care, So it is up to Me to Me to do the preaching unless something unseen turns up, the same Doctors told Me I was not to sing and preach until My throat was entirely well but I will have to leave it to the Lord, I am well enough but My throat still bothers Me a little — +915 P.M. I have just returned from meeting I barely got started when one of the Saints came in so we talked until meeting time [Ltr. 1, p. 2] then we left here together we had a a nice meeting it lasted one and a half hours and he and I occupied the time between us, which was about one hour and a quarter that we talked deducting time for singing and praying- we had two investigators - out - and we are having a good time tracting we are received by the majority better than we were in London - I had some very good gospel conversations today - and we find lots of people who are disgusted with religion and this is just the kind of people we like to run up against - nearly all the people of the world claim to be christians but one only has to compare what they profess, with the bible and what Christ taught to find that are Anti Christs instead of Chritians, Well Dearie I am going to be turned loose - and I already feel like a wild bird that has been caged and turned loose - they are going to put My first counsler in President of the branch - that is Bro Bruce> he is a good man for the position, then My worry about those affairs will come to an end, for which I am well pleased - I am glad to hear that our doll baby is some better and I hope she [Ltr. 1, p. 3] [London Conference letterhead] 3 will be entirely over her trouble when You write again, Say Dearie I am sorry I wrote You such a mean letter, I wont say any thing about it but I hope You will pardon Me, maby I didnt read Your letter right, and I guess I must have been as You say You are while writing the letter I am now answering, You say You are out of sorts, I guess it must have been My mean letter that has caused it, but forgive Me You know what a tender harted fellow I am, well Dearie Sister Everards goods were sold Yesterday they Sent Me a catalogue and I got a letter from them this morning saying that they expected to see Me at the sale, in the letter they were unable to tell Me what was realized but they considered a good price was obtained, the things were sold at one of the best sales rooms in London and I hope we will realize enough to pay some of the debts, I got another letter from the same fellow that threatened to Sue Me, it came this morning I ignored his last letter, He asks this time if I can let him know when his account will be paid - I will send his letter to the Lawyers and let them answer him, I told You about the things which are in My possession [Ltr. 1, p. 4] I dont know yet what Value they will put on them but I may give them something for them - lots of the things could be used over again and Many of the dresses are made out of very expensive silks but when I learn what Value they are going to put on them I will decide whether I want the stuff or not, then when You come over You can see if it is any good or Not - there is one big trunk just full of nothing but dresses of course it dont amount to much as it is in Value but I that it better to take them than have them sold to some second hand fellow for a few shillings - when they may be worth a few pounds - and when such things go into a sales rooms they go to the highest bidder no matter what his bid is, besides first class sales rooms dont handle that class of stuff - I am sorry to hear of Your Papas accident - he aught to insure against such things. He has had an awful time of late, You speak of Your winter weather - it has been trying to snow all - day here - but has made a fizzle at it - thus far, it has been very cold for some time past – with cold winds blowing I will be glad when spring comes - it is the first day of Feb - three More Months [Ltr. 1, p. 5] [London Conference letterhead] 5 are there abouts, I presume You have received the gloves Mr White took home for Me - Lillie Price leaves in a few days and she has some More things for You - Yes Alex is coming home but not until Sylvester Cannon comes over to take his place - and He is not coming until his wife has been confined but Alex has been given the privilege of traveling a bout for his health until that time comes I am owing him a letter and he has also sent Me a post card from Paris since his letter, I must answer it pretty soon George sent Me those pictures, and wrote Me a nice letter he is going home the first of June - I cant find You nor Ruth among the kids and grown folks on those pictures - they are not very good - but the one of Lillian and her babies goodness she is a size and little Lillian is quite a big girl - Yes Jones is still My boss. Enfield is a branch of London or North London but we are by our selves and are enjoying our selves, - You ask Me what I think of the offer You had made You I think it is just fine and I hope You will accept it - Say Dearie what do You think with regard to Ruth - do You think [Ltr. 1, p. 6] it wisdom to bring here with You? I fear would be awful hard on You both what do You think - You must thank Bro Nelson for Me - bless him I just think he is one of the finest fellows going - Yes 21 Months have passed since I left home and the fifth of this Month will Make that Many Months in England - I am glad hear what You say of Bertha - I would imagin she looks worse than You did - is she as sick with as You were? I hope not I am sorry You had such a bad dream about Me, but You dont tell Me what it was and I am glad You didnt - You have had so many of that kind that I wish You could have one decent one, I am sorry so many of the children have colds and Coughs, I do hope they will all soon be well, I am glad Ruth enjoyed that little doll one of the Sisters gave it to Me becaus I made such a fuss over the one Sister Packer dressed - and I thought Ruth would like it Well Dearie give My love to all the folks Your Papa and Mamma and all kiss Ruth for Me tell her to give you a hug for Papa May the Lord bless You both is the wish and prayer of Your loving and affectionate husband & Papa Alvin XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 2, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, Feb.... 5th.......1907 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth Here I am at 97 I began writing to You before I left Enfield expecting to finish it right when I got back but I may stop to Mutual now that I am here - well we have packed up a trunk with books. Prest Jones and I, and Elder Bateman will bring them to You - we bought a tin trunk between us and have given it to Bro Clifford for his kindness for taking them for us I am sending home some of the towels & Etc that I brought with Me I thought I might as well send them while I had the chance - becaus they have been no use to Me so far - if You have no place to put the books - let Mamma take them home - and Keep them until I get there - I had better just explain that Bro Clifford is one of the saints who is going to Utah with Bro Bateman - and he didnt have a trunk nor enough goods to fill one so we took the above action in order to get them home - I have not Yet heard regarding the sale of Mrs E. goods. Nor the Value they have put on these things that I have here, but I am expecting word from them every day- and I [Ltr. 2, p. 2] expect to get them home through You if I do buy them. I was pleased to get Your letter #130 and learn that Ruth was nearly better and that the rest of You were all well. I am going to have the Mfges send You some Samples of Velvet and then You can return Me the one You like best or or two of the samples You like - becaus they may not be able to furnish the exact one You like best - that cloth You took to Burt Needam costs 4/6 - or one dollar and 8¢ per Yard at the time I got the samples it was selling at 100 per Yard - both pieces were the same price that Velvet I spoke of being 42 in was something special - and cost about ten shillings per Yard regular and the sale price was 7 shillings - say Mamma Fred Luff and his wife have gone home they didnt take a trip on the continent - his wife was not very well when they left - I think it was a case of home- sickness more than anything else, - I guess he decided not to do any missionary work - You May run across him before long - at home, the canary birds will leave London in the Morning and sail on Thursday - Dearie that was only a joke when I said - “Your friend Marton” - but Say Dearie he seems to be a fine fellow - and he is a good preacher - what ever he May have been like at home - I will introduce You to him when You come over then You will see what a jolly chap he is [Ltr. 2, p. 3] [London Conference letterhead] 3 I dont know whether Wm Savell Cannon is coming over with Sylvester or Not, but he expects to remain home until after She has been confined - so I take it that She wont be coming with him Say Dearie about Faris remaining in our house, if Your Mamma will board Me when I get home we May as well let them remain in the house I dont know when I will be released but if I can get home by July or August that is if You come over other wise I will be home sooner - and then we will want the place but You will be able to judge how long to let them have it, I dont like the Idea of going back into it until it has been rebuilt and I wouldnt care to Move into a New house in the winter time, what do You think about it? Shall we tackle the old place another winter or shall we make some other arrangements I guess it is just as well not to sell the place I like the Location and Maby we had better figure on making our home there for the present I am glad You told her we would not take less than we gave for the place You speak of Ruth getting her Handker - chiefs - didnt You get a paper with some silk ones in it - I sent You 7 - 5¢ ones I though they were nice - and they were certainly cheap so I just bought a dozen of them, I am sorry to hear that Joe has been laid up - hope it [Ltr. 2, p. 4] Nothing serious - was also sorry to hear that Little Harry is not well. You speak of Your big snow Storm we too had another snow storm Yesterday but there is nothing to show for it today except that it is wet underfoot, Yes Dearie we are settled down in our new lodge and we like it alright, we are doing fine - the people treat us better than they did here in London we are living better and Cheaper than when here at 97 - but I am expecting to live even better than I do at present - in a few months “when I get home”, Say that is News about Emily and her baby - Just think of a Mother giving up her baby that way - She is anything but a Mother - I presume she will want the Youngster back when it grows up - I hope that Nothing happens to the baby, I wouldnt care to farm any of My babies on shares it is alright to send cattle out but I am surprised that they would take it unless she was willing for Me to keep it all together, - How did they send it to Emily by - parcel post - I wouldnt be surprised if they did I am glad to hear that Zina is going to graduate - and Fanny is finally going to get Married well I an glad to hear it and I wish [Ltr. 2, p. 5] 5- Her success - who is she going to Marry? give My best regards to Mrs Adams when You see her again - well Dearie it is almost Mutual time so I will have to hurry up - I see by the paper there has been a big fire in the Templeton building I have heard that the Reorganized Church have had a fire which has been the means of destroying all their records - I also see that the Idaho Sugar Co are going to pay a dividend, this pleased Me - say Dearie, - if You decide to come over which I hope You will do - You will have to find out if You can come with a company - I dont want You to attempt to come alone - how much money can You scrape up You had better sell Your Mining Stock- and I will borrow some Money from the bank - and we will have a good time - I am pleased to hear that all are well - and I do hope You may continue in good health - give My love to all the folks and remember Me to My friends when ever they [Ltr. 2, p. 6] enquire after Me - I got a nice letter from Wilford Beesley - but I believe I mentioned this once before - I am pretty well - with the exception of My throat and that is a regular nusance but I hope to have it fixed before many more days - well Dearie Kiss Ruth for Me and tell her to hug her Mamma for Papa - May the Lord bless You both is the wish and prayer of Your loving and Affectionate husband and Papa. Alvin XXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 3, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, Feb.... 5th.......1907 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I was at 97 Farleigh Rd Saturday evening when Your letter #130 came, I had been in London all day it being the first Saturday in the Month - and Priesthood day and I had just returned from the Dr. where I had been to have him examin My throat. He gave Me some of the nastiest medicine I ever tasted, but it dont seem to do any good so I am going and have him cut My Uvula off - and tonsils too if necessary, I am going to London this morning to get My birds ready to send home I am going to send a lot of books and Stuff that I brought with Me - so I wont have so much when I am ready to come home, and if You come over dont bring a trunk becaus I have plenty of these and You wont need one, well Dearie I will have to go in order to catch My tram So I will answer [Ltr. 3, p. 2] this letter <#130> later on- Feb 7th 1906 - I didnt finish this letter as I expected but I wrote another from 97 which You will receive in place of this one, in which I told You all that I did - while in London Tuesday - I should go to London again to day there is a Meeting at 97 this evening but I am going to remain home for a change, I have been Sorting out My letters and burning up a lot, I have about twenty that I have not answered - and there is no telling when I shall answer them I am going to write to Papa and Mamma to day at least I hope to if nothing happens to prevent Me from doing so, I heard that Lillie Price had changed her mind again about going to Utah on the -7 or to day - becaus of her Sister being sick, this is the Sister that is going with her but I wrote and told her that she had better go while she had the chance and let her Sister come later on, - she has a package for You if she ever gets out there, Sister Gould, Bro Bruces wifs sister that keeps house for him was here last night and what do [Ltr. 3, p. 3] [London Conference letterhead] 3 You think she said - she told Me She wished I was never going back home She said all the folks will hate to see You leave, - I spoke up and said is that So, I have never heard them say so, well she said Maby I am divulging a secret, I told her they would probably be like the saints say the Elders are-, when we are separated a little while they would soon forget all about Me, but she dont think So, She keeps house for Bro Bruce she is a fine woman - and
Bro B. would marry her only it is against the law in this country - a man cant Marry his wifs sister even tho his wife be dead - so I guess they wont get Married until they come to Utah I have been talking to them about going out and Will wants them to hurry and Make up their minds to go, I preach emigration to his kind they are to good to spend all their days here, So He May come out with in another Year, I am going over and spend Friday evening with them. I have not been to buy that silk and lure Yet but will probably go in [Ltr. 3, p. 4] Saturday and get it, I have not been shopping for about four weeks Yes it is longer than that and I feel as tho I would like to go again - Mamma says in her letter that She wishes she could come back to London and stop until she Got tired of it and I wish she could I wish she could come with You but She may have another chance some day - Say Dearie I am going to enclose a post card in this letter for Will and Nara, I wrote it before Christmas and intended to put it inside of a letter to them - but failed to do so and I forgot all about it until I began looking thro My letters where I found it so I wish You would just drop it in a post box I have put a stamp on it - as I happened to have one, it Is only addressed to - Will & Nora but they will get it and You can explain to Will about it when You see him it would cost two pence hapeny - to post it from here, Well Dearie I am well and I hope You are also give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks and Kiss Ruth for Me tell her to Kiss & Hug Mamma for Papa May the Lord bless You both is the wish and prayer of your Loving husband & Papa Alvin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 4, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, Feb.... 12th.......1907 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I am by My self to night My companion has gone to London, so I thot I had better write to You, I got Your letter #131 it came Yesterday afternoon, and I was pleased to get it and learn that You were all well and to know that Ruth is over her cold and cough, My Throat is not much better but it will be in a few days I hope. I have seen a doctor about it, and I am going to see him again this week, I dont want You to worry about Me - I am alright. Yes Dearie I got Your picture and it is just lovely as I told You before, I like them both but the Mounted one is also My choice, Say Mamma I wrote to Papa Yesterday about You coming over and I hope You go and see him about it, Yes Dearie I do think Your waist is pretty I wish I could see it on You it would no doubt look better than it does in the picture, being that You could then see the colors, but it looks fine [Ltr. 4, p. 2] in the picture and so many people have admired it I have stopped worry- ing about the Everard Estate, I feel more contented since we got possession of the goods and sold them but I dont know what they brought - but I got a letter a few days ago from the Lawyers and they said in a few days they would want Me to come and check it up with them, I do wish we could get the thing settled and I think probably before long we will do so, I have not been down town Yet but I may go into London Thursday I am going to write to the Doctors and see if it will be convenient for Me to see them on that night, and I expect to get that silk and lace if I do go in, So Ruth makes You read cock-robin to her ten times a day bless her I do wish I could hear speak some of her pieces, think of her being so old fashioned in her talk, that is becaus she has never had a crowd of kids to play with but she looks more like a little old woman than a baby, Mamma was telling Me what a time they have with Richard he must be a regular [Ltr. 4, p. 3] [London Conference letterhead] 3 little terror I was sorry to hear that it was Your friend Mrs Woodmancy that was dead I read on account of it in the Des News - She is the woman You used to speak of who was so awful clean - and that used to have such a tidy flower garden, I remember You used to tell Me about her and I think her name was Woodmancy She must have looked lovely - when You got her laid out - and I can just emagin how beautiful her clothes did look, I feel sorry for her husband too, She must have known she was going to die, in order to leave such explicit instructions regarding how she wanted to be dressed, and it would not surprise Me if she also mentioned that You were to make her clothes, we cant tell where our turn May come, neither is it the big healthy looking ones that live the longest, but the thing for us to do is to always be ready, - but I feel that I never shall be. I see by the papers You are having lots of snow - but You dont seem to have suffint cold weather to make much ice - we are [Ltr. 4, p. 4] having miserable weather just now in fact for the past two weeks and there is no telling how long it will last - we have had one or two very foggy days, but nothing so bad as we had last Year and I hope it wont get so bad, So JF Odell is going to quit - where is he going to start his his chicken ranch in the state or out of it, who is going to take his job? I dont suppose Farrs have got money enough to build a home but we wouldnt sell to them unless they could pay for the place - I see that bricks have gone up $300 per thousand and brick masons are asking six dollars a day for eight hours work this means something to people who are building - and I dont like to hear it, this will no doubt tend to discourage Farrs, I think I told You in My last letter to let them remain in the house as long as they wanted up until about septembr that is if they will it May be that they wont build, I dont think they will unless they do it through the building society, is their daughter married Yet? or is she still living home. they have a son old enough [Ltr. 4, p. 5] [London Conference letterhead] to be married to, if I remember correctly I am glad You had a nice time at the Theatre how I would like to have been with You, So Fanny, kept her promiss as usual with You, I kind of wish You had given her some little thing just to shame her, but she is to much english Yet to know when to be shamed well Dearie lets wish her joy - Say Mamma we held another cottage Meeting Sunday and had thirty three people present ten of which were investigators how is that? we had the house full and if it keeps on we will need a hall we are going out visiting investigators tomorrow and next day - I had a go with an old Salvation Army woman a couple of weeks a go - She was one of these kind that is saved You Know - she a good woman I believe and she is sincere but Igot her tub to leaking before I left and - and I fear she dont know whether she is Saved or not - She said she believed the bible but she ack- nowledged before I had been there long that she didnt believe many things that it taught, Many of the command- -ments they ignore - and I showed her that they were commandments - and [Ltr. 4, p. 6] and that they were the words of Christ - then I told her that Christ said if You love Me keep My commandments - again He said, He that sayeth he knoweth Me and kepeth not My commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him the old girl didnt have much to say after I got started, and I didnt let up for one hour and twenty minutes belief alone was her theme, Jesus did it all - but I told her that she didnt understand what Faith was and that Faith was only one of the commandments in the Gospel of Jesus Christ - Faith meant more than what she termed belief - becaus Christ said - Verily Verily I say unto You - He that believeth on Me the woreks that I do will He do also and Etc. and James the apostle - Said - But wilt thou know O vain man, that faith without works is dead, - For as the body with with out the Spirit is dead so faith with out works is dead also - well I dont know how the old lady is feeling now but I had her thinking before I left her, She has got the Gospel in her home at least She did have becaus I left her a book that had it in, and I bore her My Testimony - which [Ltr. 4, p. 7] [London Conference letterhead] 7 which will be a witness against her in the last days or judgement day if she dont accept this Gospel She thought that old General Booth was right, but I proved from the Scriptures that He had no authority to preach the Gospel, and according to her statements - He was not preaching the Gospel as Christ and his apostles taught it, therefore He came under the judgements spoken of by Paul the Apostle when He declared to the world, that - If we or an Angel from heaven preach any other Gospel unto You than that which we have preached let him be accursed I am going back one of these days and see how she feels. say Dearie My pen is run dry and it is begi- ning to blot it is getting late also so I guess I had better go to bed- since I began this letter I have been out visiting for two hours, I will try and finish this by using Elder Vanses pen it is more like a stick than a pen, well Mamma the wind is blowing and it has been raining all day, and [Ltr. 4, p. 8] while I sit here I wonder what Kind of weather You are having at home and what You are doing just about now it is just four thirty at home, how I would like to drop in and see You, I am still here in My room alone My companion has not returned from London He went off with out a Key So I am obliged to Set up until he comes home or else get up and let him I just discovered this so I decided to finish writing this letter, Mamma I do love You and Ruth with all My heart and I think of You continually I have our sitting room decorated with My Pictures, and You and Ruth are looking at Me all the while I am in the Room and it is about the same with Me Your pictures do look good to Me, well Dearie give My love to all the folks and friends, Kiss our doll baby for Me and Tell Ruth her papa does love her and her Mamma - and and to Kiss her Mamma for Me May the Lord bless You both is the prayer of Your loving and affectionate husband and Papa} with lots of Love hugs & Kisses for You } both XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Alvin [Ltr. 5, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, Feb.... 16th.......1907 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth It is just 730 A.M. I am here at 97 came from home on the 632 train there is no body up as Yet, so I am going to write to You as it is also Mail day - but I have no letter to answer, it is a beautiful morning altho it rained in the night - we have had miserable weather the past week or two, we are going to hold a Baptismal service tomorrow about 20 people are going to join the church, so in this way also Zion is growing - we are having a good time in our part - the people are beginning to know us, and by the time we call with the third tract they have had about all they want - Friday evening we were and visiting investigators and we had a good time - the only trouble with these people is they wont accept truth, but we are told that in the last days people will love darkness rather than light becaus their deeds are evil and they want to live as they please [Ltr. 5, p. 2] and believe in a religion that will extend to them the promiss of salvation, if they will repent as they call it at the last moment it as eaisy to prove them wrong from the Scriptures and we unusually get them to confess that they believe the bible and then prove from it that they don't. well Mamma, time is flying. nearly twenty two Months since I Elder Hansen was out to visit us at our lodge and he and I were talking about the time we landed and how it didnt seem so long since we got at the St Pancras Station, He is going home next Month and if You are not on Your way over here he will see You - becaus he has agreed to call and I expect to send something home with him So that he will have no excuse for not calling, well the boys are getting up and expect to hold bible class in a few minutes so I guess I will join in with them, I have just got My table cloth or cover back from the cleaners, it is one I got at Sister Everards and it cost her thirty five shillings but it was awful dirty and I had it cleaned - they didnt do as good job as I would have liked and I may send it back - I find [Ltr. 5, p. 3] [London Conference letterhead] 3 also that there is a little Moth hold in one corner - it is a cover Mrs Everard had made to order, it is home embrodirred that is what made it cost so much but it was well worth having cleaned - and You can darn the little hole and it will do for our dining table it is a red one and is just what we want, - until we can get a better one, I dont know how soon I can send it home but will send it on the first chance. I get - I presume - the canary birds are in New York or Boston by this time, that is if all went well and nothing happened to them, - Bible class is over So I will finish writing to You - Elder Seare has just come down from up stairs, You know he is no longer laboring here at the house He has been sent out into the Kent district - to take Bro Batemans place I was surprised to see him - the last time we were together - we were down town buying those things I expect Lillie Price to take home for Me - I get a letter from Lillie Price Yesterday She - didnt go on the 7th but she now expects to go on the 14th Maby Her sister that was going with her is down sick with Scarlet fever [Ltr. 5, p. 4] and She wants Lillie to wait until She is better - She is liable to slip up on going if she puts it off much longer - Fred Granshaw and his Sister are going out Next Month and I may be able to get them to take something home for Me I have not heard from the Lawyers as Yet, if I take this stuff of Mrs Everards I will try and send some of the old dresses or new dresses home they are good stuff and can be used and if I get a chance I will send some of them with Fred Granshaw and his sister; well Dearie I am going to see the Doctors to day and see if they can remedy My throat trouble - I am alright save for this one thing - give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks - and kiss our precious doll baby for Me and tell her to Kiss Mamma for Papa how I would like to see You both I do love You with all My heart and I pray the Lord to bless You both and protect You from all harm and sickness - as even Your loving husband & Papa with lots of hugs love & Kisses for You both XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Alvin XXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 6, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, Feb.... 17.......1907 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I have been here at 87 Fother- ingham Road - Bush Hill Park - Enfield all day - they are having a Baptismal Service as I mentioned in My letter Saturday - and Mr Coleman who we live with went to the Baptized Elder Vanse and Miss Coleman also went so I have been home all day I went down to the Doctors last night and they operated on My throat - at least they cut My Uvula off, the operation was a simple one but the after effects are worse My throat has been awful sore since in fact the sorest throat I ever had but since it is cut off I have quit hacking & spitting - and trying to spit up the thing - You see it was badly swollen and very long - so that it hung way down in My throat - this caused Me to be continually cou- ghing which irritated My throat and each time I would do any talking it seemed to Make it very [Ltr. 6, p. 2] bad - Dr Allen got after Me when I went to see him last night and he told Me I hadnt done as he told Me I should, but I am going to take his advice this time - Say Dearie He is one of the finest Men I ever Met in My life - and smart - She is just as bright as they make them when I left or just before I left his room - he said Now I want You to go home, stop in the house three or four days - stop talking - doctor Your throat with that medicine and take a good rest - so here I am doing as he hath commanded, He is just as careful and precautious as he can be, and I have decided to be like him for a few days at least - and do as he shas said, I can better afford to keep quiet and get over the trouble rather than disregard his counsel and get worse - - So I am in a way now to Improve - I wrote to Alex to day, in answer to letter I got from him Yesterday in which he told Me to He had received My long delayed "Brief" that is what he calls My last letter so I that I would surprise him for once by being prompt, He [Ltr. 6, p. 3] [London Conference letterhead] 3 Has been doing Some more traveling this time in Belgium & Germany - Visiting Brussells & Cologne - He says he saw some gay sights in Brussells - it being the Carnival season, of course he dont take time to tell Me what it was like I told him I expected You to come over, He said he hoped You would get here before he left - He says he will tell You a "few', and I wont have any more wife than a jack rabbit - I told him I would take a chance on that I was not afaid of anything he could tell You, He is a great josher - but a fine fellow John Taylor is going to have his wife come over this summer or Spring I hope she decides to come early - and you can come at the same time, Sylvester Cannon is coming soon after April conference So I guess there will be some one to acompany You, Alex says he wishes I could persuade his sweet heart to come over, I told him I guess She would come if He asked her to, He sends love & Kisses to all My folks So You come in for the biggest share [Ltr. 6, p. 4] I see by the Des News you are having very rainy weather and some floods and very mild tempiture - it rains every other day regular over here but we expect bad weather just at this Season, Say Dearie I dont know but what it would be a good Idea for You to bring a trunk if You dont we may want one and that big one of Mine would be just the thing - You could bring sufficient things in a Suit case so as You would-not need the trunk and it could be checked on to Chicago and from there to Boston and from there to Liverpool and I could look after it from there well Dearie - I am feeling some better this afternoon dont worry about Me I am alright - give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks Kiss Ruth for Me and tell her to give her Mamma a big hug and a bunch of kisses for Papa May the Lord bless You both is the wish and prayer of Your loving husband & Papa XXXXXXXXXXXXXX Alvin XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 7, p. 1] [letterhead is vertical on the page] [letterhead includes emblem] HOTEL CECIL. TELEPHONE NO. 4882 GERRARD. STRAND. W. C. TELEGRAMS "CECELIA, LONDON." 87 Fotheringham Road Bush Hill Park Enfield —London My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I thot I would just drop you a few lines and answer Your letters which I received this week I got one Monday and another Tuesday and I was pleased, I didnt expect two So close together, the first letter is noumber 132 - of Feb 4th and in it You speak of being with out a letter from Me for over a week and I suppose the wash outs were the cause, becaus in the next letter from You #133 You speak of receiving two letters from Me on the 5th and another on the 6th so they all came to You in a bunch, the terrible washouts at home must be awful I saw by the paper - that most of the trouble was in Weber canyon warm weather so early in the season is not all together a good sign, You are apt to have some late [Ltr. 7, p. 2] frosts, Yes Luffs had enough of England I presume they are home by this time, I think I told You about them leaving here; He will no doubt have lots to tell when he gets home, I did'nt know about Mr Saville going on a mission but I heard he had been called - so that I would ask You if You had heard about it, I guess it was not correct, So Ruth knows her Papa from the picture with the mustache, well then Dearie I guess I will have to leave it on Say Mamma about how large is Ruth, You know I cant hardly emagin, but I was out visiting the other evening and the lady had five children the oldest one only Seven and one of them will be three Years old in June he is quite a big boy and I wondered if Ruth was as large of course I see her as she looks in these pictures but I guess she is larger than that, considerable [Ltr. 7, p. 3] [Hotel Cecil letterhead] 3. it is strange that she will only have one of the pictures as her Papa. I am glad Coulsen is better, and I am glad he came home with You from Hyrums - You must have had an awful time gett- -ing home but I am glad You had a good time, I have not been out to See Sister Cusworths Sister Yet but expect to go one of these days, when You see them again, remember Me to them I am sorry Your Mamma still suffers with rhumatism, probably she will be some better where the good weather comes, Dearie I dont know when we will ever get even with Bro Nelson, but You take him up on his proposition sell Your, Uncle Sam Stock that will help You out some, and I hope You will keep track of the interest we owe Bro Nelson so I can try and square things some day, April is a good Month to come in, and there will [Ltr. 7, p. 4] surely be some one coming then that You can be with for company Yes I guess Alex will be going home some time in May, but if You come before he goes we will go over to Holland, and give him a call I am glad You had such a nice time at Berthas, I wish I could have been with You, I would like a genuine good meal, but there is good times coming - I have not enjoyed My eating for a few days on account of My throat I wish I could have seen Zina in her graduating dress I can just emagin it did look good Say Dearie about those fool cows if You cant get what they are worth I wish You would write to Burt Davis and ask him if he will pasture them for three or four Months, we will kill them and use the meat our selves, that is better than giving them away but I want You to get rid of them some how, I think we could have [Ltr. 7, p. 5] [picture of a hotel] HÔTEL VICTORIA & ENGLISCHER HOF ALB. RIEDWEG,PROPRE LUCHERNE 
Elder Vaus wishes to be remembered to You He says He knows Your picture and hopes to Know You Some day 5- one of them butchered when I get home and we could corn it down and sell a portion of it $2000 isnt much for a cow but if You cant get Burt to take them sell them at any old price, I should think now that spring is coming he would take them at about one dollar per Month, try him anyway before You let them go at that price, I think I have answered Your letter [Ltr. 7, p. 6] 6- #132 - So will begin on #133 what do You think of this serap paper I am using - it is all I have until I go where I can buy some, Forty five minutes from Broadway - what on earth kind of a show was that?
I am glad You enjoyed I am glad too that Ruth liked it. how well I remember Ruths first show, She didnt understand much about Theatres then. I told You that I had been to the Doctors and I can tell You since Saturday I have had a dandy sore throat, I have been trying My hand to day at making Some of Mammas medicine and I think it is some better this evening - say Dearie You shouldnt have such dreams, I am alright - I am not as fat as Charlie Murphey Yet, but there is still more of Me left than [Ltr. 7, p. 7] 7 than You could carry around in Your arms Say Dearie I do take care of My self we live better than when we were at 97 - You tell Dessie Grant not to tell You such yarns and give My best regards to all of them when You see them again they are fine people and I wish You would get well acquainted with them So Hyrum is off on another mission to Arizona - He is kept pretty well on the go, So Hyrum had to buy Ruth over before he could get her to go to him, she must be a funny kid - she hangs onto her Mother in good shape She wouldnt let Your Papa sleep in the chair - I guess She didnt think He was comfortable, so she wanted [Ltr. 7, p. 8] 8- to make him so, and I guess You think about right when You think she is a cute baby, I am sorry Bro White called while You were away from home but he may drop in again and see You, Yes we are with a family - at least there are two of them Father and old Maid daughter - the father - WH Coleman was baptised Sunday. they are good people, well Dearie I guess I had better Close for this time give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks. Kiss our doll baby for Me and let her give You a big hug and kiss for Me - with lots of love hugs & Kisses for You both and ever praying the Lord to bless You both I am as ever Your loving & Affectionate husband & Papa Alvin XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [Ltr. 8, p. 1] Feb 26 - 07 87 Fotheringham Rd Bush Hill Park Enfield My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I have not received My letter for this week but I am expecting it today, I got a nice letter from Alex Yesterday also one from President Penrose Say Dearie Did You read of the terrible wreck of the SS Berlin, at the Hook of Holland last Thursday, it was a terrible affair, it is the same boat which Alex George and Willard Sailed on after leaving London last Summer the same night that the folks left for home [Ltr. 8, p. 2] Alex went out and Saw the wreck the Same day it happened He could See the people clinging onto the wreckage and he said it was a horrible sight - and I can just emagin that it was, Say Dearie I hear that Rea Nibley is coming over to go home with Alex, try and find out when She expects to come maby You can come together - I will send You the latest picture of Alex it came last evening, well Dearie I still have a letter from You a portion of which is unanswered So I think I will look it over and reply to it - Yes Zion is growing [Ltr. 8, p. 3] 3 but I will be satisfied if the Lord will bless us with one at a time but if twins were to come to us they would be welcome, I wish we could have some of that spring weather You speak of, it would just suit Me, we keep a fire all the time and it has been very windy and cold the past week or two, and espec- ially did it blow last Wednesday the day of the wreck or at least the day the boat left on its journey, the velocity of the wind was 100 Miles an hour - and I said to Elder Vause while we sat here in [Ltr. 8, p. 4] the house that I would not care to be crossing the channel or North sea, So AY Bowmans wife has gone off again She is a Corker - she has to have a change just so often, Dearie do You think she is a good woman? I dont know why I feel as I do towards her but I doubt her Virtue and I fear she is not true to him, I think it was through his worrying about her that brought him home from his Mission I am glad You had a good time at the party- Yes Dearie it was a caution how we used to stop up when we were counting, but it dont do much good for Me to go [Ltr. 8, p. 5] 6 to bed I dont sleep only about two hours each night I will be able to live with out sleeping before long, So You went to the Andelin Clack concert, She cant sing I have been at places the past Year and a half where she has made the same excuses, she is loosing her voice and She knows it so she makes excuses so people wont find it out - the only she will ever make a singer is to marry andelin and get him to make one for her - She might raise Some but she will never be one her self from Now on she is always sick when You want her to [Ltr. 8, p. 6] sing but she is lively enough at her times So Burt Needam is going on a Mission, that was very kind of Ezra Taylor to fix Your teeth, I think I told You that I had Mine fixed up - John Taylor did mine well Dearie My throat is getting better slowly - give my love to your Papa and Mamma and all the folks and kiss our doll baby for Me I do love You both with all My heart and I pray the Lord to bless you both I am as ever Your loving and affectionate husband and Papa with lots of love hugs and Kisses for You both - Alvin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX