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, May 1905 MSS 7952 [notes by transcriber are in brackets; preprinted text is in bold] [ltr. 1, p. 1] Salt Lake City, May 2, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin: I have re- ceived several letters and cards since I wrote you last It is a week to night since I wrote to Liverpool. You must have had a nice time in Chicago and I am glad you did I guess our stores are toy shops beside the large stores in the east – I am so glad that you have been able to see as much as you have. The Falls must be grand and very interesting the cards are so pretty. I guess 5th avenue was a grand sight on Easter Sunday I would [ltr. 1, p. 2] 2. have liked to have been with you to have seen the sights. You can’t imagine how I have enjoyed getting your letters even if they did make me feel blue I am so glad you got my letter in New York, I didn’t know wether you would or not, also one in Boston and I hope you will get the other one. Deary I know how hard it is for you to be away from us, but let’s hope for the time to pass speedily I hope all the weeks won’t be as long as the last two I think they are the longest weeks I have ever spent It is so lonesom without you and I know that it is equally as lonesome or more so for you, but try not to worry we are well and Ruth has two big teeth at the top they look so cute I was going to take her to have her picture yesterday, but I telephoned [ltr. 1, p. 3] 3. to Savages and Mr. Savage wasn’t there so I decided I would take her this afternoon but it rained too hard if it is fine to-morrow I will take her – she will be nine months old to-morrow. She calls every body and every thing “Nan – nan – nan nan” I wish you could hear her say it it is so cute – It seems to me she is getting biger every day she is the greatest kicker I ever saw if she was your bed fellow she would keep you busy keeping the clothes on I tuck her in good and tight on one side and hold the clothes down on the other. She wants to be out of doors all the time she did’nt like it very well to day because it rained & rained all afternoon and [ltr. 1, p. 4] 4. is still pouring. I went to town this morning the first time since you left. I got some insect powder to put in the carpets and some camphor for the big box I haven’t been down to straighten our things as yet for I haven’t felt like going any where. Mamma and I went to the theater last night to see Heartseas by White Whittelsey it was just fin[-] Your father and mother were there your mother had been to Provo for two days Joe has taken us for a drive two or three times the baby is like her mamma she like driveing I got the dividends from the sugar stock yesterday, yours was $16.95 I went in to pay Brother Nelson and he said that there was only $1.75 intrust due so I told him to apply the [ltr. 1, p. 5] 5 fifteen dollars on the principal and I kept the change. He telephoned me Sunday evening and he said if I would come down he would give me a good big hug by proxy. I like to be loved but I think I can do with until you come home I wouldn’t want any one else to love me. Nelson is a great josher he wants Nany to have a very nice dress and he wants me to help select it and plan it and help she and her mother to make it he says he dont mind a hundred dollars and he wants her to have a nice hat to match I got the picture, from Mrs. Field to-day, of me under the grape vine it is about 9 by 12 it is quite a picture I think I shall paspateau it. I guess your Father told you [ltr. 1, p. 6] 6 that Calvin wrote to his mothe[-] also his father he was in San Francisco. I think it wa[-] too bad for Frank to coax him to go. as he ought to hav[-] known better. That bunch of missionaries must have been a gree lot. Williams must have had his hands ful I dont suppose he has ever been out of a Utah before so I should think it must have been quite a job for him. and then to think a man could’nt tak care of his tecked when he had someone to take care of him. How nice of Mr. Calahan to go with you to Buffalo and treat you so nice. You must have thought that you had got in a fine place when you went to the Cosmopolital quite a difference between that and [ltr. 1, p. 7] 7 and the Majestic – I think that farmer that _____ all over the seat ought to have had he head put in. I wonder some times how they ever get to their destination I was glad to hear that your lost man turned up if he had told some one where he was going it would have saved a good deal of worry. I received my comb and spoon and I like them very much they are both beauties, the combe is just about like one the [-]. C. asked me two dollars and a half for. I also received the postals today my but some of those buildings are skyscrapers that Flat Iron building is an odd one isnt it? The letter I got yesterday was just lovely well they are all lovely but it made me homesick to see you and I know from the [ltr. 1, p. 8] 8 letter that you were home- sick when you wrote it but I hope you are feeling better. There is never a minut[-] in the day that I am not thinkin[-] of you and I dream of you nearly every night You are always home just before you are going Other people would say I should nt write like this that it would make you feel worse, but Alvin dear it is like going to a sad play and crying still you get pleasure out of it or we would nt go and that is what I think of telling you every thing, but deary if you would rather I would’nt tell me and I won’t feel hurt about it. Mellissa went home Saturday but she was going back to day John told me she worrys about the baby and wants to be where your [ltr. 1, p. 9] 9 mother can help her tend it. John says she dont feel the same about that baby as she does about other babies he says she worrys about it all the time I told him he could’nt tell me any thing about your own baby being diffe[-] ent to anyone else’s. I saw him when I went in to pay the light bill to-day. Donny’s baby boy was born the moning of the 26th. I haven’t seen it, but they say it weighed ten pounds. The Commerciaal Club are going to California over the new road and I understand your father had transportation for twenty given him. David & Emly and Wesley and Emly are goingI do’nt know who else I wish I was, but they are only going to be gone 10 days. They leave next Saturday. Emly says Lillian [ltr. 1, p. 10] 10. doesnt seem to worry any about George, but maby she can hide it. She has bought her a new black silk coat paid 2000 for it. Joe has got Svenson’s job at Booths Svenson is going to[-] Omaha I understand he is no going to take May with him when he goes she is going to follow him in about a month and then Delly is going with her Alice Roberts came down yes- terday she was to go home to day she is worse spotted than Harry I think. She expects about the 18th of this month. I am so glad you got your union suits and I hope they will fit you I guess you needed them I was afraid you was’nt going to get them I saw Richard today and he says [ltr. 1, p. 11] 11. that he got them off in good time and even if he did get the number mixed a little they ought to haven known where the office is. I do hope that you wo’nt be sea sick and that you will have a very pleasant voyage and a safe landing. I guess I will have to wait for a letter now as I got the last one you wrote before sailing this morning. Well deary Ruth and her mamma sends big hugs and lots of kisses I am teaching Ruth to kiss your picture - she licks it. I think I must draw this scrall to a close May the Lord bless and watch of you at all times and keep you from all harm and danger and sickness is the prayer of your loving and affectionate wife, Millie over x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x [ltr. 1, p. 12] P. S. Alvin do you get any papers? I inclosed a slip or too about F. J. [Four newspaper clipping enclosed of the following titles: “Frank J. Cannon Working Against Mormons”, “A Crisis in the Affairs of the Tribune”, “The Facts in the Case”, and “If You See it in the Tribune - - - Query?”. The clipping come from the Salt Lake Tribune and the Deseret Evening News.] [ltr. 2, p. 1] Letter 6. Salt Lake City May 5, 1905 My Own Dear Alvin: I see by to-nights News that the “Arabic” arived safely at Queenstown at 4 A. M. I presume you were more that glad to see land once more and you ca’nt im- agine how glad I am that you have got that far safely and I feel that you will arrive at Liverpool the same of course you are there now. All of your names were in the paper yours headed the list I sincerely hope that you were- nt sea sick. Now that you have landed I will soon be looking [ltr. 2, p. 2] 2. for a letter. We are all well. Ruth is so cute and so sweet the same little darling. Well Deary the sugar companies consolidated and they notified me to send our stock to get it ex- changed for the new stock share for share. They have issued a million dollars worth of stock This extra million dollars will be proportioned amongst the stock holders. They have the preference to buy some at par. I got a note from Richard today asking me if we were’nt going to take up this extra stock if we would give him the privilege I thought I would ask Brother Nelson about it I guess he will take it up for us I think he told you he would. I shall tell Richard that we are going to [ltr. 2, p. 3] 3. take it up. I also got a note from Hyrum to-day and the check from the Slate Bank that your father had I told you about it in a previous letter Hyrum said I would have to send it to you for your indorse- ment. I won’t inclose the check in this letter because I am not sure that you will get it. I think if you would give me a written order authorizeing me to in- dorse your check I would have no trouble in case I was questioned. I indorsed your check the other day Brother Nelson took it. But if you would rather I would send them to you I will Hyrum telephoned me Wednesday [ltr. 2, p. 4] 4. and said that the Accident Life Insurance Co. had sent a notice to your father stating that you dues for this month amounting to ten dollars were due Hyrum wanted to know what about it I told him what you said that to let it go so he said he would see about it and let me know, so he did and he said we would just let lapse. Is that all right? Ella was up to see me last night they have moved again she says they have moved 6 times in 6 months they are liveing with her uncle cal now. We have had stormy weather near ly all week – it was nice and fine to day – how Ruth does enjoy being out. Bertha got your cards all the folks send love and are very [ltr. 2, p. 5] 5. glad that you have arrived safely. Well sweet heart how are you? tell me just how you feel and be very careful not to take cold. I am afraid you did’nt have enough on to go on the boat since Joe told me what he had on when he crossed in July he said he had his garments to heavy suits of underware a sweater a heavy suit of cloths and a big overcoat and then he nearly froze. I hope you managed to keep warm. I know how you feel the cold. Well my Own Dear Papa I think I must say “night” “night” with lots of love, hugs and kisses I am your very own loveing wife, Millie, from Ruth & Mamma. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x [ltr. 2, p. 6: page is blank] [ltr. 3, p. 1] #7 Salt Lake City. May 12, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- It is a week last Tuesday since I had a letter from you and I ca’nt tell you how long it seems. I am in hopes I will get one pretty soon It do’nt seem very nice not to get a letter after getting them so often. I have just put the baby to bed she is well and is growing fine I got her a little chair yesterday it has a table on like a high chair and it is just fine she likes to sit in it. She can say “Papa” now she says “papa: “pa pa” “pa pa” “dad dad” so cute [ltr. 3, p. 2] 2. She has said “Mamma” a few times she notices everything and every body. How she does like to go out. Bertha and I went to the theater, Saturday night, To see Chauncy Olcott it was fine. Your father & mother and all the children and Maggie and Trannie were there and Lucy and Hyrum ten in all. Sunday evening I took the baby in her buggy and walked down South Temple to Main Street on the way back I stopped in to the Bee Hive a few minutes Your Papa and Aunt Julina were there he gave the baby a marble and a rubber ball then I wandered back I was rather tired. Nell & Henry and the boys were here when I got back. They received your [ltr. 3, p. 3] 3. cards and wished to be re- membered to you. Well that was another Sunday over they are such long days. Monday your mother came up and I went back with her and stayed all day and she brought us <”the baby and I”> back in the carriage Lis came as far for a ride and brought the baby to see if it would make him stop crying. He cried most of the afternoon. They have spoiled him and now they have got their hands full. He is growing like a weed a great big double chin and a face almost as large a Ruths and his limbs are twice as large as they were. We are haveing miserable weather Monday was one of those blustery windy days but it did’ nt rain but it has rained every day since and is still raining [ltr. 3, p. 4] 4. Mamma and I went to town yesterday between the showers. Mamma wanted me to go with her to get a carpet so we went on the car and maby you think my arms didn’t ache from carrying Ruth. We were going to take her in her buggy but You never know when it is going to rain. We have cleaned the pantry this week a good job done. The man was to come to white wash the kitchen to-day - we got allready and he did’nt come mamma went over to see why he did’nt come and he was sick thinks he can come in the morning. “lots of fun” Next week we are going to clean the two front rooms and then we will be through. Just as if [ltr. 3, p. 5] 5. you want to know all this? Well deary how are you have you got your top hat yet. When you get your top hat and your prince abert I want you to have your picture taken and send me one so I can see how you look in them. While I was at your mothers Monday I went in to see Donny she is getting along nicely and she has got a nice baby, he was asleep she said he has big brown eyes. I went into Louies’s and Mamie’s and Aunt Sarahs they are all pretty well. It is kind of hard for Mamie to get around. What do you think deary? Mrs. Joseph Richards and her daughter Louise and Vida are all going to have babies. Dr. Richards says he wont wait on any of them as he cant stand [ltr. 3, p. 6] 6. to see them suffer. It makes a difference when it is his own. A notice came today say- ing that there was a registered letter for you addressed to the office. The notice went to the office and they sent it to Garfield and then it came up here. I do’nt know wether they will let me have it or not but I am going to see about it to-morrow while I was down town yesterday I went in to see brother Nelson but he wasn’t there. Ally Sant’s baby and Sarah have the measels so I guess Ally has her hands full. All the folks send love and best wishes. How is the weather over there? And how do you like the place? Blanch Allen called in the other night I think she is getting grouchyer than ever. She still goes with Burges he is out on the road just now. [ltr. 3, p. 7] 7. Eva Hudson and Rulon Owen are to be married next month. Alvin sweet heart two years seems such a long time the more I think about it the longer it seems, I sincerely hope that it will hurry and pass so that you can be at home with us again. Well deary I suppose you have a partner by this time who is he and how do you like him tell me all about it. Well sweetheart I think I must close for this time with lots of love and hugs an kisses from Ruth and mamma. May the Lord Bless You and be near you at all times is the wish of your loveing wife, Millie. P. S. Alvin dear tell me if the letters that leave via New York on go any quicker than the ones that don’t. [ltr. 3, p. 8: page is blank] [ltr. 4, p. 1] 9 Salt Lake City, May 17, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- You don’t know how tickeled I was this morning when I got your letters – even if one of them did cost me ten cents. I am so glad that you was’nt sick I was afraid you would be but you proved to be a very good sailor. I am so glad that you had such a nice room on the boat I guess some of the other boys were a little jealous. Your union suits must look nice they must look something like the feel of your bathing suit by the way I guess I better get that some time when [ltr. 4, p. 2] 2. I go to the lake. I don’t see how it was that you did’nt get my letter – it has’nt been returned. I can imagine how much you ate when your stomach did’nt want any thing. I bet you was’nt at that table five minutes but I hope you enjoyed your meals better after the first day. I guess you did a little better but you are such a poor eater at best you aught to eat like I do and get fat. So you think you will be wise than ever for staying at home when you come back well I guess I will have to do lots of gadding and visiting while you are away. You know deary it is different with a woman than it is with a man. I am at home all day and you are away and if I go out with you I have to go in the [ltr. 4, p. 3] 3. evening so if I don’t go out in the evening I am at home all the time. It is true I could go out in the day time, but I do’nt like to go out by my self all the time. Maybe I will get so used to stay ing home while you are away that I will be as bad as you, - there’s no telling. I hope you get the pictures printed so I can get them. I am sorry you couldn’t take the kodack. Alvin Smith of the “Western Sporting & Arms” telephoned me the other saying that they had received a letter from the factory saying that the shutter could not be fixed only with a new one and a new one would’nt fit that box therefore it would have to have a new box and to fix it all up it would cost 9 or 10 dollars and they wanted to know if I cared about paying that much so I told him [ltr. 4, p.4] 4. to tell them to send it back as I thought I would rather put that much in a new kodack. Smith said that if it was his he wouldn’t have it fixed – he says it is an old style and an odd size and it costs more for films, than for the size they make now. What do you think about it. You didn’t pay them the three and a half did you? So some of the boys had to be called down. Well you know deary there’s always a few that think they know it all and like to make fools of themselves. So brother Howell made you his confident in his love affair it seems to me you are always being made that by someone. I hope she wo’nt go back on him. I don’t think it was very smart of George to talk like that I suppose he thought it was. So you told [ltr. 4, p. 5] 5. them you didn’t expect an in crease while you were away well I tell you I am very thank full there wont be, but I can tell you I was pretty much afraid for a week. That is our secret no body else knows about it at least I hav’nt said a word to a soul. I think I have received all of your letters I hav’nt received the souvenirs of the boat as yet. Deary do’nt think for a minute that I will ever get tired of reading your letters never mind how long they are the longer the better and I tell you I like to get them they are so good, but I will be glad when you are home again then we can do with out letters. Just think deary it is a month today since you left my but that has been a long month I hope all of them won’t be as long. I sincerely hope that [ltr. 4, p. 6] 6. the time will hurry along. Well sweetheart I will now try to finish this letter I started it night before last, but the teach ers came in and hindered me and soon after they went Ruth wanted me so I went to bed and last night Mrs. Young came down and didn’t go home until after ten so then I went to bed. Brother Groosbeck (Aunt Joseph- ines brother) is one of our teach- ers and he has a son in the London Conference who had been there for about two years. I wish I could say that about you. Don’t you think you are smart getting a write up in Mr. Chappels magazine? I think that will be pretty nice I hope he is sincere in what he says and gives you a good send off. So the time drags It don’t drag around here [ltr. 4, p. 7] 7. the last day or two we are house cleaning we have got the worst of it done now. I have got the dirt out now there is the finish- ing to do. Your mamma telephoned me Saturday to see if I would go for a ride I was just getting ready to take the baby to have her picture so she took me down and then we went for a ride [--]s was with us and we called on Mary Margets Ostler she has a baby girl. I don’t like the baby’s picture very well so am going to take her down again. Lillian had her babys taken the same day, at Fox & Symons. I went to see about your regist- ered letter and they would’nt let me have it, but they told me that it was from Mr. Farby 24 Commer cial block and if I could get a letter [ltr. 4, p. 8] 8 from him saying I could have it they would let me so I went to see him but he was out of town and the girl in the office said he would’nt be back for two or three weeks, but that she would write him and ask him to send me a letter and then she would let me know when it came, but I hav’nt hear any thing from he as yet. If you had given me the power of attorney I would have no trouble. I went to see Bro. Nelson and he said he had the stock exchan- ged and that when the treasury stock was issued he would take it up and he said he could either hold the note against you or sell it and make what he could on it. He said he thought you being away it would be adviseable to sell it and I told him I thought so too. He phoned [ltr. 4, p. 9] 9. night before last and said that he had a offer of $11.80 and he also said that from a word he got on the side that it would’nt be apt to go up any for some time I think he said that the stock would’nt be issued all at once he said what would be taken up now would net you between twenty and thirty dollars. Hyrum and several others went to him and wanted the privelage to by the stock for themselves but he told them he was going to take it up for you. Well my own dear papa I guess a letter would have been pretty nice when you got to Liverpool my letter aught to reach Liver- pool a few days after you. How do you like the green fields of old England by this time from [ltr. 4, p. 10] 10. Poulton has been there fifteen months and he says England is good enough for him and if it was’nt for the expense he would’nt care if they kept him ten years. I guess you will feel lonesome when you leave the boys but it is as you say I guess you will have to make the best of it. I guess you will see Sister Everard when you get to London I presume that is her address you gave me. I hope she will take good care of you. Alvin dear you will be careful and take care of your self wo’nt you? And I hope the Lord will bless you at all times and watch over you. Ruth and I are well in fact we are all well. I think she is after more teeth she bites her little gums so and [ltr. 4, p. 11] 11. it feels as though one is almost through at the bottom. She is getting cuter every day she says “papa” so cute and once in a while I can get her to kiss your picture and once in a while she will kiss me, but she is not much of a kisser. You aught to hear her call the calf she calls it like she calls Mocah. Your mother took us for a ride today we went away out past the penitencary it was just grand driveing and Ruth en- joyed it as much as I did. I continue to get along all right with the cow I have started to wean the calf - I milk leaving her one fourth and then I turn her in. She eats real good now. Mocah went driving with us he is as big a baby as ever. Nell Reed and Phil My res were [ltr. 4, p. 12] 12. married Wednesday afternoon and left in the eving from the ranch - Bishop Whitney preformed the ceremony. She didn’t say a word to the Tuds and did’nt ask them to come over nor did’nt even go over and say good bye, but Phil did. my but they are funny. Bertha and Joe went to the lake to night the wanted me to go but I did’nt care to. My own dear papa I guess you are about tired of reading this scrawl Oh Calvin came back yesterday he said he would’nt have come back if his mother had’nt been so sick. Aunt Mary has had a misscarrage she was quite sick. All the folks send love to you I guess I must say night night with lots of loves and hugs and kisses from Ruth and Mamma I remain as ever yours loveing- ly, Millie. x x x x x x x x x x x x x [following line written along the left side edge of the page, perpendicular to original text] I don’t know Sister Everard but remember me to her. [ltr. 5, p. 1] Salt Lake City, May 20, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin!- I mailed you a long letter this morning but I have just heard from Mr. Timby about that regstared letter and he said I would have to get an order from you. I do’nt know what people think I am but I guess it is buisness. So I will inclose the notice so that you can sign it and then I can get the letter and forward it to you. It is concerning your insurance that you let drop. I told you the wrong name in the other letter. Well sweetheart we are all well [ltr. 5, p. 2] and I hope this will find you the same. I though that London address was Mrs. Everards but after I got I letters sealed Joe saw the address and he said it was the office in London. I think I will take the baby down this morning to sit again for her picture it is such a nice day. She began to sing and paddy cake before her eyes were open this morning oh deary I do wish you could see how cute she is. She gets cuter every day. The mail man is waiting for this so bye bye with lots of loves and hugs and kisses from Ruth and Mamma, Yours with bushels of love, Millie x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x [ltr. 6, p. 1] -#10- Salt Lake City May 23, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin: Your letter came to hand to-day I was so pleased to get it also to hear that you are well and enjoy- ing the sights, but by this time you have started your work and I hope the Lord will bless you in it and make it easy for you. That fox hunt must have been fine I would have liked to have seen it. Quite a difference in the price of seats there and here. Southern is at the Theatre and is charging $3.00 for the best seats the paper says to-night that [ltr. 6, p. 2: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 3] 2. they did’nt have a very larg house last night. Bertha and I went to the Theatre Saturday night it was Nat Good- win in “A Gilded Fool.” It was fine we enjoyed it very much Liverpool must be a lovely place I hope to see it some day, but I guess I never will. Well deary now you are in London where there are plenty of people out of the 7,000,000 I hope you will be able to find a few of the right kind. I guess there is plenty of poverty there. We are poor but we are rich to what many thousands are. I am glad I do’nt have to live in a place where I would have to see such poverty all the time. [ltr. 6, p. 4: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 5] 3. Frank Oddestrom telephoned to-day about his gun I told him he could get it from your mothers so he said he would go and get it he said he wanted to come to see you before you went away – he didn’t know you was going so soon. He wanted your address so I gave it to him and he said he was going to write you. I also gave brother Nelson your address. He bought fourteen shares of Sugar Stock for $140. They would’nt sell it to him in his name nor all in your nam – twelve shares in your name one in Ruth’s and one in my name. He thought it adviseable to sell enough to pay of the $140. He sold 12 shares at 11.90 [ltr. 6, p. 6: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 7] 4. per share which netted 142.80 so he gave me the $2.80 and that leaves 1 share in Ruths name and one in mine. Seeing that he was just going to sell 12 shares and that was made out to you he thought it just as well for me to indorse it for you so I did. He will write you all about it - he says he thinks there will be some more to take up after a- while. While I was down town yesterday I looked for a hat but they do’nt want any thing for them. I did’nt get one, but am going to in a few day I think. We are all well and we are through house cleaning now so that is [ltr. 6, p. 8: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 9] 5. a good job done. I made a cover for the babys parasol and a pretty little quilt and pillow for her buggy Now I think I will make her a coat and a thin bonnet. It was quite warm last week but we have had two or three more rain storms and it has turned quite cool – just fine. Ruth has been saying dad da dad da all day she is quite a talker I cant begin to tell you how cute she is getting. She does like to go down to see the cows and calf and chickens to night I took her down and I let the calf out in the yard and how she did enjoy seeing it tare around the lot – She calls it just like she calls Mocah. She eats [ltr. 6, p. 10: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 11] 6. a crust now. To night I was drinking some milk she wanted some so I gave her a drink and how she did like it. You aught to see those two big teeth they are about a quarter of an in apart they are quite large, but they look so cute, Nell and the boys were up the other day and they all send love also Al and Alice and Bertha & Joe and Mamma and Papa Arvil is leading them a merry chase now he was away every chance he gets – keeps Alice on the jump to watch him then he delights in getting in the water They have a circus. Well Papa Dear I hope you are well and getting along alright [ltr. 6, p. 12: page is blank] [ltr. 6, p. 13] 7. in your new undertaking I know you will I pray for you always and I hope the Lord will bless you I must say night night with lots of hugs and kisses from Ruth and Mamma I remain Your loveing wife, Millie. [ltr. 6, p. 14: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 1] #11 Salt Lake City, May 26, 1905. My Own Dear Alvin:- I wrote to you Tuesday and Wednesday I got another letter which was very welcome so thought I had better answer it. Well deary I see you have started You say it is awfully hard and I know it must be, but I think you have made a pretty good start I would liked to have heard you preach. It did’nt take you long to get some one to take your tracts I hope you will always be able to get people to take them as easei- ly. Alvin dear I would like you to go swimming and have a good [ltr. 7, p. 2: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 3] 2. time, but you must be careful You know you are not used to the cold water I am sorry you caught cold – do be careful and take care of your self. My but you are fat 133 lbs. why I beat that I weigh 145 lbs. with Ruth in my arms. Ruth weighs 19 and I 126 we were weighed to-day. I took her down town in her buggy to-day she sat over for her picture but as soon as she saw Mr. Savage she began to cry we could’nt get her to smile very much. When I left there I went down to your mothers and thought I would put the insec powder in the car- pets, but your mother said I would get all dirt and said she and Fanny would do it to-morrow I put the camphor in the box. I went in to see Mamies baby [ltr. 7, p. 4: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 5] 3. he is a lovely baby born yes- terday morning he has got the blackest hair I ever saw. He weighs 9 pounds. She had a hard time, but said she was feeling a little better to day. Brother Worth- ington brought us home in the carriage and Emma said she would bring the baby carriage up in the morning. Lizzie Owen and Annie came down this evening to tell us that Alice Roberts has a son yesterday morning. Allie Sants baby is getting along fine now so I hear. I always did hear that London was a tough place and I do’nt blame you for calling the people beasts when they act like you say they do. There must be quite a num- ber of Elders comeing home I will be glad when you can [ltr. 7, p. 6: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 7] 4 say you are [-]omeing home it seems such a long time since you left. Ruth and I are both well she has’nt any more teeth as yet Mocah is just as fond of her as ever he is quite contented but when ever any of us go out he wants to follow he went with me to-day. I get along all right with the cow – it did’nt do any good for you to take her up to the pen. It is too far for us to send her out there so will have to get some one to take her to a nearer place. I told Berth and Joe what you said and they laughed. I think Joe is going to build this comeing fall and then I suppose when the house is finished they will be getting married of course I do’nt know this for a certainty. I wish we could make enough on Uncle Sam to pay any ex- [ltr. 7, p. 8: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 9] 5. penses over there and if we could I am not like the person that could’nt find her way. I think Harry has had that lot by Ashtons ploughed I dont know wether he has planted it as yet or not. I got the valuation notices this week for the Garfield property they value the piece with the house at $800. and the barn at $70. I hav’nt got the notices for the other two places. All the folks send love Mrs. Adams has been to Ogden I think she is back now. That Svenson is going to leave Booth’s on the first. Every body there will be glad to get rid of him. Gibson gave Joe a letter the other day to Mr. Fry the man that Sven- son is going to work under. Joe says it was the biggest roast he ever heard. He says that Svenson is the vilest most degrad- [ltr. 7, p. 10: page is blank] [ltr. 7, p. 11] 6. ed lowest thing he ever met. Gib caught him makeing a steal twice and then he paid it and said he forgot it. Well deary I made my hat over and it looks quite nice so I am not going to get me one as yet. Deary don’t you need some money? don’t be afraid to say so. You aught to see South Temple it is torn up right up to 8th east they have started to pave the North side. My but there are a lot of men working on it. Grant Hamptons brother got kill- ed in the Silver King mine day be fore yesterday. I think it was B. H. Hampton. I think he was caught in the ropes of the cage I suppose he was horribly mangled he leaves a wife but no children. Well sweet heart I think I must say night night with lots of love and hugs and kisses I remain your loveing wife, Millie. [ltr. 7, p. 12: page is blank]