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, Mar-Apr 1907 MSS 7952 [notes inserted by transcriber will be within square brackets; preprinted text is indicated by bold font] [ltr. 1, p. 1] 97 Farleigh Road Stoke Newington London March 2nd 1906 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I am here at 97 came in this morning to attend Priesthood Meeting I got two letters from You Yesterday, this is the first American mail we have had for nearly two weeks, and I was ancious as usual to hear from You, I also received a letter from F. W. Otterstrom and some papers from David I will endeavor to an- swer Your letters in their order beginning with No 134 Tell Ruth I was pleased with her letter bless her Say Momma I would [ltr. 1, p. 2 : page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 3] 2 I would give the world to see You both. I almost get home sick to see You “almost” You will know what that means, I had Sister Parker Sister Steel, and Fr[-]g Granshaw out to see Me last Sunday and I am going to go and spend the evening at Sister Parkers this evening Elder Va[-]se is going with Me. I find that I have lots of friends, even more than ever since I left London, I am sorry You dont get My letters regular - but I guess it is owing to the season of the Year and rough seas, I am glad the weather at home is good, I see by the [ltr. 1, p. 4: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 5] 3 papers from home there is lots of spinal meningitis about the same trouble is raging in this country but it is called spotted fever, it is mostly among the children, and they die in a few hours- So You happened to be away when Earl Stratford called, I am sorry but maby he will call again some day. Dearie dont You worry about Me, My throat is over the soreness, and I am alright, some body must have been telling Papa I was awful sick, the letter I got from President Penrose inquiring about My condition was written because He had receivied [ltr. 1, p. 6: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 7] 4 a cable from Papa asking about Me - but Bro Penrose didnt say he had received such a message from Papa and I just accidently found it out, and this is how it was. Elder Soren Peterson happened to be in Liverpool when the message came and it was him that told Me about it, well Dearie I did have a bad throat but it is alright now so You can tell the folks not to worry about Me President Penrose offered Me a change of fields - but I wrote and told Him his offer had come to late but had it come a Year sooner [ltr. 1, p. 8]: blank [ltr. 1, p. 9] 5 I would have accepted but I was satisfied to remain where I am the balance of My Mission He wants Me to Keep him posted from now on in regard to My health and he says I can come to Liverpool and spend a week or two with them there, but the next trip I make to Liverpool I hope will be to Meet You I expect to see the Dr again tomorrow and I will just have them examin Me again to be sure I am O.K. You see all the swelling has not Yet gone out of My throat but it is gradually going away and it May be that they can [ltr. 1, p. 10: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 11] 6 recomend something good to help bring about this result. Yes I did buy some more linnen but those gloves I dont know where You will get them Lillie dont leave until the 14th of this Month, she has the things and I guess she will get them there some day. had I known she was not going until this late I would have sent them by some one else. Say Dearie I just heard that Stratford was held up on the things he took home, to the tune of $900 I hope he didnt pay on those books I told him to let them keep the books rather than pay duty, but President Jones [ltr. 1, p. 1]: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 13] 7 sent a dress pattern home it cost him $600 and Strat had to pay $325 duty on it he must have been an ea[-]sy Mark - I cant imagin what was the Matter of him, but I think He told the custom officers ha had been in one place for over a Year. Yes Dearie the people seemed to be pleased to see Me. I know there is some one else would like to see Me and how I would like to see them, well I hope to before long. Yes Mamma we have had some cold weather for a while past I wish we could have some of that nice warm weather You speak about, I like summer - better than winter. I dont know why I cant sleep - I never [ltr. 1, p. 14: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 15] 8 have since I have been here, I dont think I am so thin, I have not been weighed lately so dont know what I weigh I would just like You to give Me a beating I believe it would do Me good, simply becaus it would come from You. I have not had a letter from Aunt J. yet and I would rather not get her lace but I guess You will have plenty of orders when You come over. so You think it would not be a good Idea to put that post card’s face to the wall - well I guess it wouldnt do. Yes Mamma I am getting along with the Everard affairs - I got [ltr. 1, p. 16: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 17] 9 a letter from the Lawyers telling Me to come down and check up with them the goods have been sold and they brought about 81 lbs - only I think it was eighty - one > ? So You think I talk plain to the ladies Maby I do but, they know Me and I am like an old father so they know how to take Me, Yes Dearie Most of Mrs E- linnen and Etc had been removed but I dont care so long as I get through with this thing I am glad You went to the theatre and I wish I could have been with You. So Groesbecks brother is coming on a Mission. Maby he will come to London. Say Momma [ltr. 1, p. 18: page is blank] [ltr. 1, p. 19] 10 I have not time to answer Your other letter this time I got the clippings - So Odell has quit and S B Young has taken his job - Andelin & Clark didnt get a very good send off - I am not sorry the cows have gone - will get another when I get home - Dearie tell the folks I am alright give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks kiss our precious doll baby for Me and tell Ruth to hug and Kiss Mamma for Papa, come & Bring Ruth if You think best I will tend her when You get here if she will let Me. May the Lord bless You both is the wish and prayer of Your loving husband & Papa x x x x x x x x x x x x Alvin x x x x x x x x x x x [ltr. 1, p. 20: page is blank] [ltr. 2, p. 1] The London Conference. 97, Farleigh Road, Latter-Day Saints. Stoke Newington, N. ——— London, March 8.......1906 [hereafter noted as London Conference letterhead] My Own Dear Millie and Ruth Here it is Friday night late and I have just returned home from Tatenham I have three letters from You to answer and I will make an attempt to do so before I goto bed it is now eleven twenty and I will see how long it takes me Yes I am better please tell the folks I have been very buisy the last few days I havent had a chance to write to any body and I hope You wont think I am worse My throat is better Your prayers have been answered in My behalf. I dont want You to worry about Me and I dont want You to change Your mind about coming over. I have had an invitation from Bro & Sister Crofts for You to come to their house and make Your home there as long as You are in England and I have accepted the offer, Mr Crofts told Me to tell You before hand that he is no Mormon. He is a great joker - but they will make You welcome and I hope You are [ltr. 2, p. 2] preparing to come as soon as You can, please telephone to Papa and Mamma and tell them I got their letters and I am better. I have told the people You were coming and that You were going to bring Ruth and I have had half dozen people ask Me to be sure and bring Mrs Smith to see them and I have promissed that both You and Ruth should come I went to Finsbury Town Hall last Sunday the first time for one month and the people were tickled to death to see Me, some of them have told Me it makes them sick to think of Me going home, I fear they think to much of me. No Dearie Enfield is not damper than London, I am alright now and You must not worry I will meet You in Liverpool when you come over, Yes Luffs were both home sick. Joseph Hanson leaves London Tuesday sails Thursday and May call on You about April tenth if You have not left by then or before be sure Dearie and tell Mamma I am better and not to worry I will write to her in a few days I am going to see the the Lawyers tomorow and hope to settle up before long - [ltr. 2, p. 3] [London Conference letterhead; handwritten text is interspersed with letterhead text] 3 Yes Dearie Tell Farrs they can remain in the house until September - I guess You have however by this time. I think I wrote to this effect some time ago, I hope You will bring Ruth. I fear she could not get along with out her Mother, I guess she is just as much attached to You as You are to her so bring her along I will tend her - and tell Farrs to Keep the hous, I think as You do that we can stick out the old place another winter by having it plastered up a bit, now about the Insurance surely the house Insurance is not run out - I think it is the furniture policy they have reference to - there are two policies one on the house the other on the goods - so dont re Insure the furniture becaus if any thing happened to it where it now is we would get nothing the house is Insured until July or August if I remember correctly find out about it before you renew I am going to try and see sister Cusworths Sister next week. You can explain why I have not been it was January 8th when my neck first [ltr. 2, p. 4] troubled Me, but now I expect to make up for last time You are having pecular weather I fear it will result badly - I got Hesleys photo it is real good, I guess he will get three or for Years in his mission Emily is liable to find she has not such a good bargain as at first expected, Say Dearie, You had better get Bro Nelson to give You some Bank drafts and not carry any more Money than absolutely neces- sary He will fix You up; I will write to Bro Nelson I have got to make some arrangements with him or some one else for some Money - wish You could get about 50¢ for that stock You see we will have to figure on Your return passage. I think it will take about $50000 dollars if we are careful you let Me know as near, well You wont hardly have time to let Me know, I was going to say let Me know about how much You have and can get together, then I will make some arrangements, I do want You to come, we will have a home while here in London and a good one to, I feel sorry for Sister Grant [ltr. 2, p. 5] [London Conference letterhead; handwritten text is interspersed with letterhead text] 5 I guess she would like to come back to this country, Bro Grant wrote to me from Bountiful he told Me he was on the underground - I dont hardly think he went to New York altho he may have done, I should think he could come out now the Smoot trouble is over, Say Dearie Freebairn has been rushing things, I dont reme- mber just how long since they were married but it dont seem very long - I think I will send hima post card, and congratulate him, Say Dearie My companion didnt have the itch - he had boils genuine boils like Job, caused thro a change of climate and food - but I dont sleep with him. I sleep alon and expect to until You come over -ne looking over another of Your letters You ask again about bringing Ruth - do so by all means I can look out for her and we will have a good home to leave her at and a good Mother to leave her with, bless her she never would get over being left, just think of her saying she is going on the tootoo train to see her [ltr. 2, p. 6] Papa, I cant hardly wait until You get here. well Dearie I will look over Your letters again and see what else there is to answer and will answer such questions as I have not already done next time I write give My love to Your Papa and Mamma and all the folks from Liss what on earth ails that girl, I wonder if she will ever get strong, so Ida is going to have a tea party good for her it is about time they are awfully slow it seems to Me, however some of the rest of the family make up for them, well Dearie I do love You with My whole soull and I pray the Lord to bless You at all times and protect My Mamma and precious baby - kiss our doll- baby for Papa and tell Ruth Papa will be on the lookout for her and her Mamma - with lots of loves hugs and kisses for You both I am as ever Your affectionate husband & Papa 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 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X [ltr. 3, p. 1] 87 Fotheringham Rd Bush Hill Park Enfield My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I have just received a letter from each of You and I was pleased to get them. I went to London Yesterday morning at 630 J[--] F Hanson left on the 10 oclock train he sails for home Thursday I went up to see him off he expects to be home with his little family about the fifteenth of next Month and he May have to call and see You after You get home from this land but he will probably call at the house any- way. Fred Granshaw [ltr. 3, p. 2: page is blank] [ltr. 3, p. 3] 2 and his sister leave to day, so does Sister L[--]colin and her Sister. I understand thereis a large company going. Elder Hanson gave me a nice f[-----] a watch fob withYours and Ruths picture in it, so I have two now. Well Mamma I had better answer Your letter, I hope You have stopped worrying about Me by this time. I think I mentioned to You that Papa had cabled but I only learned this by accident My throat is improving - and I expect it to be back to its normal condition [ltr. 3, p. 4: page is blank] [ltr. 3, p. 5] 3 before long, we have been having some extra [--]cly cold weather of late and it dont agree with Me very well but just as soon as summer comes I will be alright We had Dr Allen out to see us Sunday and spend the after noon with us and he remained to our meeting in the evening we had a lovely time he is a fine Man. Now about a trunk, I think I changed My Mind - at least I intended to - I have decided that You better bring a large trunk the larger the better - dont bring anything smaller than that big one of [ltr. 3, p. 6: page is blank] [ltr. 3, p. 7] 4 of ours. You see Dearie I have a couple of big trunks that I got from Sister Everards but they are not Much good and they are both nearly full of stuff, besides I have My steamer trunk which is large enough for us all, I mean all three of us - so if You can get along with a suit case - until You get over, this steamer trunk would do for us going back but we May be able to fill up a big trunk - going back so dont bring a trunk unless it is a large one we can easily fill up our big trunk You [ltr. 3, p. 8: page is blank] [ltr. 3, p. 9] 5 have home, I dont think You will have much use for a trunk coming and if You have You could probably have that one put in Your b[--]t le[--] try and bring something larger than a steamer trunk I know it takes More clothes for women folks and babies than for Men, but see what You can do and if Necessary take a telecope and fill it up with things You will need on the boat and have it checked through to Boston, then You could use that on the boat and allow your trunk [ltr. 3, p. 10: page is blank] [ltr. 3, p. 11] 6 to go down in the hole -Now about bringing Ruth never mind about a go cart I have been here long enough to know hot to get along in the busy streets and we will manage some how besides I have a mighty dear friend over here, she is just like a Mother to Me and she will take care of Ruth when we want to make some quick hard trips She has promised she would, and she will do anything in the world for Me - and for You - You will have a good home while You are in London [ltr. 3, p. 12: page is blank] [ltr. 3, p. 13] 7 I think I todl You all about it in My last letter, since Sister Everard died Sister Crofts has claimed Me as her boy and she is the Mother I speak of so dont worry about Ruth - she will be alright and why shouldnt she see old England as well as any of us - Mr Crofts is not a Mormon but he says he wants to show You that there are good people out side of the Mormons he is a fine Man only he jokes more often than he is serious, but he was serious when he told Me he wanted [ltr. 3, p. 14: page is blank] [ltr. 3, p. 15] 8 Me and My wife and baby to make our home at his house while You were in London so dont worry about a place to stay - becaus it will be the nearest to home of any thing You will have while away. I guess You have received the birds and books by this time, You say You are expecting them. Elder Bateman had a rough voyage they were on the sea about eleven days, Say Dearie before You come I wish You would go and have a blessing just tell Papa You want him to bless You [ltr. 3, p. 16: page is blank] [ltr. 3, p. 17] 9 before You leave - No Lillie Price is not coming she has changed her mind, and she wishes she had taken My advice and so do several other people I have ahd two or three people tell Me they wish they had done as I said- but I tell them they shouldn’t ask for advice unless they expect to take it and abide by it where it is given, she, Lillie will be sorry more than once before she gets another chance like she has had. Yes Well Bruce is ancious for his people to come to Zion we have his [ltr. 3, p. 18: page is blank] [ltr. 3, p. 19] 10 sister Nettie living here with us helping with the work, - Yes I have stopped worrying about the Estate we are settling up some of the a/c now but dont know when it will all be settled You are certainly having strange weather - Yes those clippings You sent Me told that S B Young would take J F Odells job - is it Billie Hampton that is going in with Fred? - Yes Dearie and how I would like to have dropped in while You were alone but I am very ancious now for You to come over and I can hardly [ltr. 3, p. 20: page is blank] [ltr. 3, p. 21] 11 wait well Dearie I will close for this time give My love to Your Mamma and Papa and all the folkd kiss Ruth for Papa and tell her Papa is ancious to see her tell her to hug Mamma for Me and tell her Papa has been saving lots of hugs and kisses for You both for some time - May the Lord bless You both and protect you at all times is the wish and prayer of Your loving husband and Papa XXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX Alvin XXX XXXXXXXXXXXX [ltr. 4, p. 1] [London Conference letterhead] March 18.......1907 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I received Your welcome letter #139 last Friday and I was glad to get it, Joe had written across the top back corner telling Me to forgive him for forgeting to post it the same day You gave it to him it was fifteen days coming over, but I had not been with out letters from You for any great length of time not over a week so I am not going to kick, Bro Hansen got off but I think I told You about it in My last letter. You can rest assured Joseph will call on You when he gets there, I have been sure others would call and they have failed but I am positive this time and I know that he will not fail You speak of the converts and baptis -ms, Yes this conference is growing but the converts are not mine - I have made some friends but none of them accepted the Gospel well I have seen some enter the church [ltr. 4, p. 2] that I have labored with for a long time but usually they are some of those who have had the seed planted by others, or else some that the saints have taken and introduced us to, but I have sown some seed which I expect mature and bring forth fruit at some future date there will be a good work done here in Enfield some day I think the devil knows we are here and his servants under the cloak of religious preachers are following us about warning the people against us. Yes Dearie I expect You to come and bring Me home I feel perfectly satisfied with the counsel Papa gave You with regard to leaving Ruth home. I believe it will be for the best I know about how You will feel about leaving her but she will be alright and and next time I go on a mission she will be old enough to come with You and look after her self, You do just as Papa says and all will be right and You will be able to get about and see all London just as fast as you wish [ltr. 4, p. 3] [London Conference letterhead; handwritten text is interspersed with letterhead text] 3 every body is pleased to hear that You are coming over and they say they are going to stop worrying about Me now that You are coming - I dont know why any body should worry about Me I ought to be old enough to take care of My self, so I will be ancious now until You are here, I wont trouble to buy any thing for Bro Nelsons folks until You get here and then You can do it becaus You will know best. So Bro Bateman got home and You have the birds You should cover up one side of the cage so they cant see out another and then they will sing but they wont sing so long as they see one another You say Bro Bateman had to pay duty on My books, goodness it would almost pain Met to take them home My self, it cost Me two dollars toward a trunk to send them in and no telling what the cost of duty is You didnt say, but what was it - may have been more than the books were worth. Yes Bro Bateman is a nice Man - and You will have to pay him what [ltr. 4, p. 4] ever expense he was put to on them He also had a package of stuff I sent home of scraps from Mrs Everards things there were several pairs of white stockings, I thot if You didnt want them all You could give some of them to Mamma and they would do for her in the Temple that sholl is for You and belonged to Sister Everard, but it is like lots in fact all of her things she didnt take very good careof them. Say Dearie - about Mrs Buckles things. Stratford had her books also, there was a lot of magazines or story papers and a story book of some kind. He didnt surely forget to take or send them to her did he they were done up in a separate package and marked for Mrs Buckle - wish You would give her Stratfords address - and ask her to drop him a card and ask about them, his address is Earl A Stratford 2002 Monroe Avenue Ogden. I hope she gets them becaus she is a funny woman. Sister Steele has been expect- -ing to hear from her for some time about those things, but I guess she is waiting until she receives them all before she writes [ltr. 4, p. 5] [London Conference letterhead; handwritten text is interspersed with letterhead text] 5 Stratford is a very absent minded fellow, and He may have forgotten who those particular things belong to I asked him to send them to her by express So I wish if You see her again You would tell her about it, and dont let her know You are coming over for there is no telling what she may want You to do for her, just remember Me to her kindly - She used to confide in Me and tell Me all her troubles - in fact I some times think that every body in the branch comes to Me with their “Wails” and “Woes” and I have to comfort them. Dearie I am a regular old grannie just like some of them at least I some times feel as such - Say Dearie I sent some Mask faces home I wish You would divide those among the children I told Martha I would send her some Something must be doing at the Bank Certainly Nelson wont work with a fellow like that very long, besides He dont have to, it is a wonder to Me He hasnt flue the coup before this that fellow Adams must be a miserable [ltr. 4, p. 6] cuss, who is he any way - some of M C Cormicks friends I suppose but those dirty outsiders are nearly all a like and I never did care for that class of people. I dont blame Joe for for feeling as he does and preferring to quit rather than be fired, You can rest assured that when Nelson does go he will take some of the customers with him becau he is responsible for the good condition of the bank to day. He has made it what it is, say I sent Freebairn a post card it was a candy. He will laugh when he gets it it was very suitable for him now that he is a daddy-, Dr Allen says the trouble with My throat is not serious, but I must not talk or sing, just keep quiet, and President Penrose has written Me to this effect so I guess I will lay off and do nothing so hurry up Conference and come so that You can start over Dearie I can hardly wait for the time to go becaus I am ancious to see My Precious sweet heart, I have not been out to see Sister Cusworths Sister Yet, but I hope to get out and see her before long I may go this week , Yes I think I [ltr. 4, p. 7] [London Conference letterhead; handwritten text is interspersed with letterhead text] 7 will make up My mind right now to go. So You can tell Sister Cusworth I am going Say Dearie I had a good dinner Yesterday when ever I get good and hungry I go to Sister Crofts and there I get it - we had Chicken, dressing, patatoes greens [-] cabbage cake, pie, prunes, custard, well it was a genuine home dinner I dont tell You each time I go there if I did, I wouldn’t do much else She has moved from Enfield, but when ever we go into 97 we stop off at her house and have dinner - she claims Me as her son, so at that rate You will be her daughter when You get here, I just act like I would at home when I go there I just take possession and make my self at home and do just as I would in My own Mothers house and it is most like home, I neednt tell You much about this place where we are at present You will have a chance to see what it is like for Your self becaus I intend to bring You out here, to see these people they would never forgive Me if I didnt [ltr. 4, p. 8] I have got to write to Momma to day have had a letter from her for some time waiting to be replied to but, but I am a bad one when it comes to writing letters, Alex Nibley is in Liverpool and I expect to hear from him when he comes back this way, I have owed him a letter for a Month and I dont know what he thinks of Me but I guess he has his opinionand he should have and I am going to send out some post cards and let it go at that and call the letter answered - well Mama give My love to Your Mamma and and Papa and all the folks kiss our precious doll baby for Me and tell Ruth to hug her Mamma for Papa, I will soon be able to do this for My self and O what a hug it will be it will contain all the energy I have saved for two Years, I love You better than Mortal life and I pray God to bless You both, and preserve You always - I am as ever Your affectionate husband & Papa with lots of loves hugs & Kisses XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX Alvin XXXX [ltr. 5, p. 1] [Hotel Cecil Coat of Arms] Telephone NO. 4882 GERRARD HOTEL CECIL, Telegram “CECELIA, LONDON.” STRAND. W. C. [hereafter noted as Hotel Cecil letterhead] March 21st 07 My Own Dear Millie From this letter head You will see I am in London Alex is here on his way back to Rotterdam, I have been here with him two days or nearly so I slept here at the Cecil Hotel last night and we layed and talked about the good times which are coming, until the wee hours in the night and it wouldnt do to write all we talked about but I will tell You all about it before long now, we went to the Hippodrome yester- day afternoon and I went and to my lodge to day [ltr. 5, p. 2] 2 and got my suit case and clothes and tomorrow He and I will bid farewell to London, I am going home with him and he is going to try and fatten Me up before You get here - on My way back to London I called and told My Mother - that I was going to leave her - and she hated to see Me go but was glad for My sake so she said but she made Me stop and talk to her for about an hour and a half then I called at g— and got some of My duds throwed them in My grip and off I put. I Met Alex hereaiting for Me we went and had a swell dinner and then we went to the pantomime at [ltr. 5, p. 3] 3 Drury Lane - Sinbad the Sailor, it was grand how I wish You had been with Me - and so we both remarked several times, but then You werent, but You soon will be and then, “O” My Dearie I will just hug You to death nearly - when You get here, that is if You will let Me and I guess You will when I see so Many people with their sweethearts as we did to night and how they cuddled one another I envied them not that I wanted to hug & cuddle the ladies that I saw but I longed to have My sweet heart so that I could sit close to [ltr. 5, p. 4] to her and whisper words of Love in her ears, how I do love You, and when I go home feeling like this I get out Your picture and love that for a while, I showed Your picture to Alex and he said dont she look sweet and I shant tell You just now what else he said but I will tell You all about it when You get here, I will not be settled now until I meet You at Liverpool so be on the look out for Me thare I will be Watching for You -Yes Dearie I am waiting Waiting, impatiently for You, so hurry and [ltr. 5, p. 5] [Hotel Cecil letterhead] 5 come to him who loves You true Leave Ruth home Dearie try and make up You mind to do it, I feel that it will be best and she will be taken good care of and I think You will feel better about it when You get started it may be as bad or worse than when I come away, but we will not be away [ltr. 5, p. 6] 6 from her as long as I have been away from You – the next time I write it will be from Hollond You can send My letters as usual I will be back in about two weeks and mabysooner our Conference is on the seventh of next Month and I must be here by then My companion hated to see Me go and several others also but I cant help that they will loose Me all together before long and it is a good time for them to get used to it, don’t You think so I didn’t decide to go until I met Alex – and he told Me all about what ails My throat he has suffered for one Year and has been even worse than Me and he described My trouble exactly [ltr. 5, p. 7] so I am going to take his advice which has cost Me nothing but it cost him consid- erable – so I hope to tell You that I am a fatty before long and also that My throat is better it is caused through nervousness and worry and nothing but quietness will do it any good so here goes give My love to all and Kiss our doll baby for Me and tell her Papa will hug Momma for here before long but until You come away she must do it for Me – May the Lord bless You both is my prayer Your Affectionately Papa [ltr. 6, p. 1] Boezimsingle 116 Rotterdam Holland My Own Dear Millie and Ruth Alex and I walked the deck of Batavier IV last night while the moon was shining and our conversation was of our sweet hearts, and how we wished they were with us, and what we would do and how we would be willing to sleep two in one of those narrow bunks – of course I mean that He and I would have been willing to sleep together in one of them ?? well we talked about lots of things – and just like a couple of girls we talked about our experiences in love affairs, good weather prevailed for our benefit if was a lovely night and the boat traveled just as steady as could be – up until Yester- day the wind had howled for a couple of weeks but it let up for our bebefit and and begun again to day but not until after we landed [ltr. 6, p. 2] I didn’t see the wreck becous we come passed the Hook of Holland – to early, but I expect to see what there is left of it before I get back to England. I will be able to see it when I go back because the boat I am to go on passes right by it. Alex has given Me a small piece of molding that come off from the Berlin so I will Keep it as a souvenir it has been raining most of the day but is cheering up a but this afternoon , and I am going off with Alex to Groningen tomorrow to attend a conference and then we expect to go out to Amsterdam and the Haag before I go home to England I hope the trip will do Me some good I would like to go back with My throat feeling perfectly well – that is the only thing that ails Me I can eat alright after I get started but still that bump seems to be in My neck I expect to make another trip back to Holland when You get here so that will make eight times across the channel for Me this trip and I expect some time in the far distant future if the [ltr. 6, p. 3] if the Lord blesses Me to make another trip to this country and bring My sweetheart and daughter, I better say family, with Me, family I think sounds better don’t You think so, well Dearie I expect You will come with Sylvester Camron and his wife when they come, did You find out what time You sail and when You leave home – let Me know as soon as You find out – well Mamma Love You and Ruth with all My soul – Kiss Ruth for Me and let her Kiss You for Me – give My love to all May the Lord bless You always Affectionately Yours Alvin [postscript was added at the top of the page, written upside down] P.S. I didnt have time to fill up second sheet but had to wrap it around the other for for people wouldn’t read it through envelope [ltr. 7, p. 1] P.S. Alex sends his Love to You Hoofdkantoor der Nederlandsche en Belgische Zending Rotterdam (Holland), van de Boezemsingel 116 Heiligen der laatste Dagen _____——______ [hereafter noted as Holland Mission Office letterhead] March 27th 1907 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I have just received Your letter of March 11th also one from Birch and Joe which came in the same envelope I was glad to get it had been just one week since your last letter came and over here before I receive an answer to this becaus it takes just about one Month for a letter to go and come I have been expecting to hear when You expect to sail, have You been to see Papa again about Your ticket, You had better let him make arrangements for it, and if Miss Nibley comes first class You come with her, there is a boat leaves N. Y. on April 17th and I hope to hear of You coming on that boat. You have not Yet told Me if any of Your arangements but I presume You will do as I have suggested and keep after Papa and let him look af ter Your ticket – and if He can get You a pass part of the way the better. I hope he can. Say Dearie I am ancious to see You, I think of You every minute. I read Alex what You say about Rhea Nibley coming – he hasnt heard anything yet from his people but he is pleased to know she is coming and so am I Alex is very [ltr. 7, p. 2] ancious to get home to his sweet heart, I expect He will go direct to Canada and bring his girl on to Salt Lake with him, it wont be long after he gets home until he is married, and I dont blame hime, I am feeling much better since I came to Holland but my throat still bothers Me at times but not nearly so bad and if the weather keeps up as it is to day I will soon be alright this is the Most beautiful day I have seen for Months and Months, it is just like summer and the leaves are beginning to come out on the trees and every body is out sunning them selves, it is just lovely and I hope we can have this kind of weather while You are here and then we will have a pleasant time, let Me know just when You expect to sail I expect to go to Liverpool soon as You can and let Me know I am the most ancious fellow You ever saw Alex smiled when I told him what Ruth said about his picture. Yes Sylvester Cannon expects to bring his family with him [ltr. 7, p. 3] [Holland Mission Office letterhead] 3 and they will all be Dutchmen before they get home. You say they expect to leave right after Conference so the 17th is the first boat You could catch - the only boat from Boston leaves on the 20th that is the way our people usually come but I hope You come the other way. You speak of our Insurance, I dont remember exactly what I paid but but I think it was 70¢ per hundred for three Years and if I remember correctly we had two policies, one on the furniture and another on the house - each for one thousand dollars making two thousand dollars Insurance, the Barn was insured separately, with another company, so I would imagin You had renewed both policies - for three Years and if that is the case some mention should be made on the furniture policy - to insu- ure us where it now stands, but You see our furniture is in two places so we cant hardly do that, but when You come over You can tell me all about it, I thot one of our policies was good until July. So if You have occasion to go into the Bank - You can get out the old ones and see what they say - but I guess You had to get these out at the time so You [ltr. 7, p. 4] probably know all about it so I will wait until You come over when we will talk these matters over I hope Will Bruce wont get sick what kind of work is he doing now at the Hospital? is Your Papa still there? Joe sent Me a program of the farewell to be held in honor of Eva T[--]d - I hope You will have a good time at the parties You speak of, that is to bad about Brother I feel sorry for his people, I know him by sight, and I have heard You speak of Bobby Ruth many times what has become of her friend Mrs Hart - I havent heard You mention her of late is she in Salt Lake? - well Mrs Lovey is now separated from her husband for all time unless she is reunited with him by the power of the priesthood and Gospel - just imagin Dearie, to think of not having My wife and baby in the next world would be a hell to Me but this is his position, but we should bury the past with people and I guess his past should not be spoken of but He has much to answer for, and the work he has carried on against the authorities of the church, Gods servants, the cartoons he has made will be shown him now in [ltr. 7, p. 5] [Holland Mission Office letterhead] 5 such a way that he will wish he had been diferent, but I pity him and especially, his wife and baby and Mother Dearie I believe we knew each other before we came to this world, but the recolection of our former acquaintance has been with held from us, but we shall remember those times when we go back to that world, from the first time I saw You to be in Your company I felt that I had known You before, a feeling went out from Me the like of which I had never felt before, I had loved You before we left our home on high, and the sight of You when first we met ignited that fire of love within My soul which has continued to burn brighter from that very minute. I have always felt that You belonged to Me by promise at least, and now You do belong to Me and not only for this short life, but ever after we shall return to those Royal courts on high - from whence we come, we kept our first estate and as a reward for so doing the Lord kept us there until this last dispensation, where He has sent us forth that we might assist in His work in these the last days - and to prove ourselves, to see whether we will keep our second estate, and fit and [ltr. 7, p. 6] prepare our selves, that we may be worthy of the rewards which has been promised to the faithful what a glorious thing the Gospel is, if we will but study its principles, we are seeking after eternal life that we might dwell eternally in the presence of God in the next world with all our loves ones - and this gift of Eternal life is the greatest of all fits bestowed upon man kind and only comes to those who keep the commandments of God and endure until the end , and I do hope Me and Mine can do this. So You dreamed of going to the depot to Meet Me and I didnt come, I guess You were disapointed, but I expect to have a real dream shortly, when I expect to Meet You and You must prepare Your self for a good big hug and maby a dozen of them, well Dearie I have begun to get very ancious and will be until You are here with Me Say Momma I did think of borrowing some Money from the bank , but I have changed My Mind, how much do we owe them now? I have decided the best thing for You to do is tosell some of My sugar stock, and get 4 or 5 hundred dollars all told, we will make some more some day and I want You to have a good time if it takes twice that much, speak to Papa about a return ticket I think a return is a cheaper than one way and You will need it You know and let Me know just what You do and how You are fixed and what ever You do will be alright with Me but I am going to depend upon You as I always have in the past, to do it all Your self - give My love to Your Papa and Momma Kiss Ruth for Papa - tell her to hug & Kiss Momma for Papa - May the Lord bless You in all You undert- akings - and keep You safe is the wish and prayer of Your loving Husband & Papa Alvin [ltr. 8, p. 1] [Hotel Cecil letterhead] April 15-06 My Own Dear Millie and Ruth I received Your letter #144 if came Yesterday, at least it came Saturday night and I got it when I came into 97 Yesterday, I was pleased as usual, and I am Now here at 97 answering it, I came in to London this morning and went for an Auto ride with Elder Allen of the Liverpool office. He and some of his folks got in London last Saturday and they invited Elders Paterson and My self to go with them for a ride so we were J[---]g on the spot when the time came to start, we had a fine time and they left at twelve oclock for the continent where they expect to be gone for about six weeks - we held a Baptism yesterday and <22> twenty two were Baptized we [ltr. 8, p. 2] had a fine time all day Dearie You are a brave little woman and I am glad You have made up Your mind to leave Ruth and I will expect to see You in Liverpool about May 24. I believe I told You that George and Willard have been released and will return home leaving Liverpool on May 24th so You will just about see them I am so glad Sister Taylor is coming with You and how glad John will be he wrote and told Me he wished she could come with You but he dont know she is coming that soon becaus I got a card from him last week and he said just let Me know when You and Sister Smith are coming to Brussels and I will meet You and Show You around and order up Your “horse” for You - he advises that when we get in to Belgium that at each meal where we eat meat it is a good [ltr. 8, p. 3] [Hotel Cecil letterhead] 3 plan to eat a few quaker oats first for they will keep the horse quiet, You know they eat lots of horse meat in those parts and this is one of Johns jokes but I know he will be pleased to hear that his wife is coming, so President Grant kissed You well I did send one to You by him in fact, I sent one by each of them that would be six I believe the girls delivered theirs, and I will make up what they didnt deliver when You get here, I am glad You had such a good