Independence, Mo., Dec. 13th, 1906
Israel A. Smith, Omaha, Nebraska
Dear Son:
Yours of the 11th, received yesterday. We were pleased to get a word from you. We also shall be pleased to see you, if it so be that you can put in an appearance over the 23rd; Sunday week, or at any other time; Christmas prefered [sic]. However, the time you can spare to us we will try to duly appreciate.
You can easily find us. Our number is 1214, W. Short Street; it is the Second Street east of Pacific Station, the one where the Electric Car line crosses the Mo. Pacific R. R. The first St is Elm, the Second is Short, on the west side of the car line. We are the third house from the corner, on the north side of the st<r>eet, the first stone stair way that has iron side rails to it. The house has a white front, and has a wide porch on the South and west fronts, or sides. If you can not find us from this description; stop at the Third house on the right hand side of the st<r>eet, and the folks there will tell you where we do live.
We are planning to have TURKEY for dinner Christmas; and were wishing you might be in at the burial, or interment.
I am pleased at the thought of your being in suitable employment, seeing that I am so unlikely to be able to help you to get on in the world. I regret my poverty for my children’s sake far more than for my own. I am nearly done with this world any way; so it makes little difference to me; my needs are few, my wants many, but they can wait; the desire for them is passing daily.
Hale tells me he is at work for the Western Paper Co., “pushing” a pencil, whatever that may mean.
Ever Yours, in paternal love and bonds, Joseph Smith.
