Frederick Paulin to FA Pauline, 15 Dec c1886-1888

[Date estimated between 1886 and 1888]

Acock’s Green, Wednesday Dec 15

My dear Fred,

Your very acceptable and thoughtful Xmas box came quite safely and has been conferted and gone to reduce our most pressing obligations affording us gratification and relief and fixing a thankfulness to you for such assistance –

We hope the weather at least helps to prepare you for a cheerful time shortly which will have passed and become history by the time this reaches you. It certainly doesn’t smile here for today a dark dirty fog envelopes everything around and is accompanied by falling snow and sleet which makes everything cold damp dreary and desolate. We hope this description of climate is now prevailing with you and from your several allusions to the climactic conditions on your side we are consoling ourselves that there are some members of our family who are at least better off as regards weather which is always competent to reuse a lower one to cheers depress and makes the

Existence corresponding by pleasant or intolerable. We had a fairly indulged autumn up to the last week or two so we suppose the inferior and faulty specimens which appear to have been reserved for a contrast we have to be home, if with a grin

You will have by this time my letter to you respecting spicer’s overture as to you acing for them in Victoria + distric on salary and com + shall be f which will come to get you news in answer to is which will come I dare say in comm

Say when you next write after receiving this whether you would recommend a despatch of “asbestos fire proof” paint to you. The Asbestos co have divided themselves into two sections latetly, the asbestos will in the future receive district attention from the paint department and the latter will be under the managing directors control, Mountford of Clement S Birm the same who sent out some paint some time since but which didn’t

Reach you. In the paint department many improvements have been effected and it is now made in all colours the form of paint still provides for out door rough work and the improved is prepared for indoors dados friezes and decorative purposes whilst it is claimed for it great resisting power as to fire or water. It can be met over other paint if necessary. For warehouses churches, hospitals, offices, repositories of art + shipbuilding as a safeguard against fire at sea it is of great value.

Mr Cutler who has been in costly litigation with the Mayor +c of Windsor as to the value of the waterworks at Eton which has been take over by that body (council) subject to arbitration as to compensation for same has last week in the House of Lords lost his compensation and has been saddled with the heavy costs. We are sorry it is so.

We are all pretty well some [illegible] your mother is I am happy to say better she was very unwell a fortnight since from overwork and chill and kept her bed for a few days which rest with

Good nursing mainly no doubt helped her very much. Ask Ernest to attend to the small charge on the Cyanite freight as Mr Evans of the CPR 88 command wishes it promptly paid + I have not paid it because Ernest told me not to do so and I have informed Mr Evans that my sons with to carry the preliminaries themselves so as to form a precedent for our future – a big future I trust.

We rejoice you write hopefully and quite think more + more that you are all better off and likely to be more so than if you had remained in England. The Commercial features here are atrociously bad, lifeless

We have in store the plum pudding boiled yesterday and they gave me a taste last evening for tea + my word they are toothsome. In 10 daysnow (Dr) we shall all be keeping Xmas and the mental telegrams to + fro will be doubtless frequent + festive in memory as in days gone by.

Your mother has had a nice long letter from Mrs Ernest with which she is much pleased and will write back in a few days.

Hoping you are all well + happy together.

Your Affectionate father.

Cheat sheet

Mrs Ernest – wife of Ernest Paulin, Emma Jane Jennings – already in Victoria

Mr Cutler is Mary Cutler Paulin’s brother William Henry Cutler, who inherited the Windsor and Eton Waterworks from their father John Cutler in 1843. The waterworks were taken over by the city of Windsor, and the letter talks about the fight for compensation which reached the House of Lords

September 20, 2020 0

Visit to London – settling father’s estate, 1894

PS Acknowledgements to Taylor Bed

London

August 1, 1894

7:30 pm

Dear Fred

It is quite clear from your letter sent to hand – 5:30 pm to day and dated 16^th July that some letters have gone astray and never reached you. I have informed written you about the middle of June that my Uncle John left what he had between his brothers William and George(my late father absolutely but had my father died before said Uncle John I was to get his half. So there is nothing to expect from that source – we shall not appoint new trustees until we get possession of all the papers obtainable

We shall we hope soon be through here now and one heartily sick of the many obstructions we have had to encounter and clear away then we shall get down to Birm and do all we are able to sell the AG House if we don’t succeed to leave instructions for its sale in proper hands. We shall exercise discretion in the Clifford case. He has clearly broken covenant in conveyance. Bob has been thoughtful and kind to us in the way of finance – we hope soon to act said

And are trying to finish of the 2^nd inst. This is the date when we left England in 1888. The “Sarnia” sails on the 24^th. I am glad the samples from Taylor Road have arrived in Taylor Road in every where an advertised firm for Cocoa +C. Their written terms read thus-

“[illegible] receive on to be forwarded to Taylor Rd and on completion invoices and BH will be sent to us to hand in to buyer who is expected to remit Taylor Rd at once Bank draft at 30 d/s unless they should receive specific instructions from us to hypothecate the documents this the Bank of BC in which case they would be duly protected.

So start on selling if you can. Show the samples and prices to Charlie tell him the terms. We get 5% on cocoa chocolate or mustard and 2/s only on chicory – I have sole agency for BC for the cheapest and best soap in the [illegible] Crossfields of Warrington. Your Mom often talks of the dear ones at Victoria and seems to be always thinking of you. She sends her love to you all. Violet is already dreading the voyage.

We write in much affection from your Dad

We will have written dozens of letters to you amongst you

September 18, 2020 0

Frederick Paulin to his son FA Pauline, 26 Apr 1883

Memorandum “La Invincidad” Works

Summer Row, Birmingham

Wm Trott & Co

Cigar Manufacturers

April 26^th 1883

My dear Fred

We received yours dated April 7^th by last delivery yesterday. It came to hand just as I was finishing a little gardening for want of daylight. I am getting the place gradually into form in the way of pruning + planting the gravelling and decorative department remains much as when you were here. The peas are just thro’ and I have saw dusted their rows to keep the birds off. We have had some 10 days or so of really favorable weather since you left, this changed however into a very uncomfortable condition of North East Wind with occasionally an introduction of snow or hail or sleet. We are all pretty well, the East wind seems to be bent on mischief especially in the way of chills + eye affections, my own + 2 or 3 of the little ones having been inflamed thereby – otherwise the hedges are coming freshly green again and would make rapid progress with more sun + warm showers. The land is dry and would benefit by some warm rain. We have some climbing plants viz woodbine + others about the port + brick piers of the bays which I purchased a few days ago at Cave’s Mosely St if these do well + grow freely the front bare effect will

Soon be changed. The front beds are sowed with annuals having the larger kinds lupins, sunflowers poppies sweet peas +c in the back ground. We will describe the progress of our floral and vegetable crop as it assumes sufficient importance and interest to be worth notice. We have a letter from Louise who is as I think I told you in last, at Swansea and has a very comfortable place there with kind people. She writes very cheerfully and will be pleased to be told about your Winnipeg letter. We are hoping now to hear that your first venture will be a big success in the way remunerative and that your employer will know sooner how to appreciate you that Chas Collins did. I called there 2 days ago + he gave me the Comm coming to me some 3.11.0 odd. We are told that his manner has been of the 2 worse than ever since you both left. Wens to the tiring journey you had in the train and that you have comfortable apartments. The extra expense provides for it. Winter seems to linger in the lap of spring with a vengeance this year and we have concluded in hope that you are both well tho’ you do not [illegible] your condition of health. I shall be interested to follow your impressions as time goes on and opinion on your future. I am again in an uncertainty of occupation. Trott is adopting shifting tactics (now that he thinks he has made a connection) by putting me on an impossible commission footing + I am seeking other arrangements with some one else – the best market of course I can find my connection – Trade during the last 3 months has been exceptionally band and cash invisible. One Richard Paulin kept a bakery some years ago and related to grandpa as a cousin. Mrs Weyman builders wife was his daughter. Much love – hoping to hear again. From your affectionate father FP

September 16, 2020 0

Letter from Frederick Paulin to his son FA Pauline, 16 Apr 1883

Acock’s Green, Birm Ap 16 1883

My dear Fred

We have received your 2 letters, 1 from Portland after the pcard from Belfast + the other Ex Chicago date 31 March. By this time we hope you are settled in Winnipeg and that you find it an improvement on Chicago and approving + encouraging for the future. By this post comes 2 Henley ado to you like to look through them. The Brooklyn came to grief within a few hours of leaving Portland on her way back with bilged plates on a ledge of rocks + was logged, she may be got off again, divers at work on the wreck. We are having a dry time here and some rain will be most acceptable the ground is dry as an ash heap. Trolb is shifting about in his tactics and things do not look hopeful, he has cut me down to impossible commission which will necessitate some change. Ernest + George have started in lodgings today in town off the Bristol Road, this will be I hope satisfactory all round. The choir were pleased to hear you had reached Chicago, so far on your road to your destination. Mrs Braund have been over her to tea + spend a few homes today she is well and all are anxious for your next letter. I have found a suitable (I think)place for Louise at Swansea to teach 3 little boys and make herself useful between whiles + got on the 26^th inst. I have sent the box of books cards +c such a handsome lot back to Sutton’s which arrived a day after you had gone. I wrote Sutton’s that it had come too late and they returned a very nice letter of regret +c that it had not been in time. They are at TJ+Co pretty miserable I hear, M Charles trying his best to make times very uncomfortable. Mr Smith appears worried and misses you both very much. The Henley folks are well. We heard two days ago. I forgot to add Suttons will send you out another box of papers books +c whenever you wish it – your Mother + Louise will write you perhaps in this,

From your very affectionate father.

September 14, 2020 0

Frederick Paulin to Frederick Arthur Paulin, 2 Apr 1886

Hurst’s Temperance Hotel

Hood Street

Liverpool

April 2^nd 1886

My dear Fred

The enclosed came this morning addressed to me here. It is doubtless intended for you written to go in another envelope but in the hurry enclosed in the one addressed to me. You suspect will have the letter intended for me, but I shall know when I return the afternoon to AG. Poor Mama is I know chaotic just now. I left the voyagers 4 on the “Adriatic” yesterday afternoon, by my last tender afterwards immediately I took some food and then the boat down the Mersey to New Brighton and stood on the pier there as the “Adriatic” passed at 6:30 pm. I waved and flew the coloured flag as I did when I left the “Adriatic” but I got no response so I suppose the voyagers were busy below. Our thoughts are always wondering to the lad of the Free – “To the West”

[2]

And the general motivation in all round to migrate to you. Will it be?

It is yet hidden in the “dim and distant future” – may it come out of the huge distance and become an absolute fact! I send you a dressing gown. Fishers handkerchief and mama some like items. I have told the voyagers that now amongst them we must have one letter at least weekly.

Much love from your affectionate father.

More about the SS Adriatic, which was the vessel mentioned in the letter above. The voyagers he is talking about is Ernest and Emma Paulin, Amy Jennings and Herbert Paulin.

Adriatic_(1871) (1) — White Star Liner Adriatic (1871). Oil on Canvas, 22 ¼ x 36 inches. George Parker Greenwood (fl.1870-1904) – http://www.vallejogallery.com/item.php?

September 12, 2020 0

Frederick Paulin to his son FA Paulin, 12 Jan 1887

Acock’s Green

Jan 12^th 1887

Dear Fred

I sent your photo of some experiments with recently carried out at [illegible] with the asbestos fire proof paint and is Mountford is now managing Director of the newly constructed company it can be sent out to you if you desire it. He told me a day or 2 since that he would send out samples of the fire proof paint to you as the “other miscarried so” without any col to you in that side and could supply you with a liquid preparation at half the cost of the Cyanite which would do more in the way of resisting

[2]

The outbreak of fire the cyanite can do – such a statement must of course be accepted cautiously in coming from a rival. I think if you have the two you will be capable and competent to govern the district in the way of medicines, the best know to restrain or hinder progress of fire and as such may it prove profitable to you all. When you get permission of all papers, samples, prices, terms, well understood upon which you are to be reimbursed +c then you had better

[3]

“Bang the Drum” and blow the pipe and ring the bell to let BC know some go ahead young fellows of the name of Paulin reside there who are constantly in touch with the old country as regards the best of its production.

Better write C Mountford Esq, Asbestos paint, Clement Works, Clement St, Birm + tell him what you know + what you can do with is co operation towards a thorough introduction – an experiment or two in public with the politic sons to find for it an one on the CPR Stations public buildings backyard arsenal +c +c.

[4]

Where lumber is so commonly used in buildings there should to asbestos fire proof paint be found and would in short I imagine tons thereof will quickly be asked for thro’ you. May it prove so

We are having a lot of snow here fully a foot to 2 feet deep + some 20 degrees of frost in Leicestershire. It is the severest winter we have had for 20 years so it is estimated – I notice 12 80 I’m [illegible] are coming out to you in April from Woolwich this looks as if you are increasing in importance, Eh. We are fairly well – much love from all to all – Your affectionate father

August 18, 2020 0

Frederick Paulin Sr to his son Frederick A Pauline, 19 Sep 1884

Henley Lodge, Acock’s Green

Friday, September 19^th 1884

My Dear Fred,

As I am delayed at home this week by an expressed infirmity in my knee which has before now as you remember slowed me in a similar manner this day reminds me that it will be well employed in sending you a letter in which we write in wishing you existing good health and prosperity and the usual many happy returns of the day – begins 23 years since to be emphasized as your natal day and the second during that period on which we have had to submit to your absence from the family circle at home. The query intuitively arises shall we have to celebrate another 19^th Sep without you? We hope not, for we are in a quiet sort of way respecting to day by an united remembrance of you, and sealing our good wishes with the stamp of the goblet – and we almost fancy we catch your thoughts reciprocating what we are doing, we also fancy you are drawing a dearly defined mental picture of the “old folks at home” and your several fondly attached brothers and sisters. By the time this reaches you the day I am now underlining so to speak will have gone its way into oblivion but the reference herein will I feel sure call if

[2]

Again for one brief comparison of the sentiments connected with it and how far they were identical with us and with yourself- space cannot annihilate their mysterious interchange of mental imagery – if is could if would be too cruel. Your letters well express the existence of this mental telephone as we trust ours do to you, especial the letter as we frequently confess amongst so many here, there should be no lack of evidence of its confirmed use at home. I fear your bits in comes sketches illustrating sketching and fishing will neither be personally enjoyed nor illustrated by me this season, much as I should like either, my time is truly occupied in finding and bringing grist for the mill which latter arrangement seems to be increasingly exacting in its requirements and occasionally sets me tasks not too easily done or got rid of. I am thinking it is about the time you will return from the Skeena to Fort Victoria and your former vocation there, and hoping that the change has been in every way satisfactory to you.

[3]

We are entering the autumn season rapidly but under agreeable auspices as regards the weather which is very fine and occasionally still hot. We have had a remarkably favourable summer and harvest time even quite a return to us of the seasons long ago which we have been saying for some time has changed for good. The farmer has been jubilant with the prospects, but he has had to suffer disappointment again by the very unremunerative prices which the produce brings him owing to the glut from the Indian and American sources. The quality is exceptionally fine and the customary growls in the pews are to be daily met with at the price of bread in proportion to the low price of wheat – we have a capital crop of potatoes in our garden called “inagumm hommins” and they deserve the title, I have found over 20 to a root, fine tubors too. Your apple aces have made fair growth two being respectively 3 and 4 feet high whilst the third cannot discover the way to grow yet, and continues very wee.

[4]

Aunty Paulin is gone to Henley for a few days and thence she intends proceeding to London to see some old friends, she seems much better in health since she has come out of London. Louise goes next Monday to “the National Provincial asocial” in High Street Birm. In the Fruit and Italian Dept which she seems glad of – she has been long trying to acquire once more some degree of independence. The boys continue as before, whilst Florence and Amy daily attend Miss Boston’s in the Village to pursue a knowledge of dress making and we have not heard from Henley very lately but Mrs Swinburne who called a few days since informed us the Dr was very pleased with a nice letter he received from you. Some complaints or fault findings are now appearing weekly in a local obscure paper of the services, person, choir, organist + al St Mary’s but as I hear they are anonymous they do not attract us. We are all pretty well tho’ I should like your mother to feel stronger

From your very affectionate Father.

August 16, 2020 0

Frederick Paulin to his son Frederick, May 1884

Frederick Paulin to his son Frederick A Paulin, 13 May 1884

Tuesday May 13, 1884

Dear Fred

Yours dated April 7^th received to day in which you afford us a [illegible] glimpse of your present surroundings and occupation and we are all very much pleased indeed with contents. It is cheering and interesting and suggests to us a sincere wish that the summer’s run you have entered upon will strengthen your eyesight, benefit your health and proved remunerative to you in every way. There would be many opportunities doubtless for profitable barter and by the time this reaches you the preparation for market of the prince of fishes will have begun. It is almost a pit that some one or two fo the many grand fellows you will feast your eyes to on cannot come here with as little ceremony or cost as the letters. For we ever can imagine the difference between fresh salmon so called here and that which will be afforded you in a rapid transition

[2]

From the mountain stream to the pot or grid. I saw Blantern’s brother a few days ago and he informed me that you had been graduating in the Indian tongues. I I spose a sort of patois? Are there any sketches to be had of the scenery around you – you might give us one of your own doing for an idea. I will by its immensity probably be difficult subject, but try if you have time, and describe the colourings.

We are going on much the same here. I am still pursuing the “British Mercantile Gazette” with the view of increasing its bulk in advertisements for which I get a share of 20%. Canvassing is of course in the present depressed condition of trade difficult and laborious to the mind still my average earnings per week have been better than the cigar business, besides I seldom go from home and am only responsible to and at the bidding of myself. The rush of such an arrangement and freedom is most appreciable. George I have found an opening for him in the office of Mess Short Short & Co the export merchants in Gr Charles St and the owner and proprietor of the paper or publication I am working.

Ernest is fairly settled and I believe is satisfied with his work at Wright and Butlers the Lamp people. They have now a season ticket each which I paid for yesterday total 11.7.6 and they agree to pay me back so much a month. Our garden is likely to prove much more remunerative to us this year because a larger tract is under cultivation than last season and the ground breaks down better. I have added also some 3 or 4 dozen standard rose trees, some 200 gladioli bulbs, 3 Doulton ware vases in the rear also, and the pansies have given plenty of blossoms all the winter thro. We have in the house the long room and one opposite across the hall papered and [illegible] sundry little items also give a more furnished effect than it used to have – on the whole we are gradually following our destiny and I know you will rejoice when I say that the future may be an improvement on the present

[4]

And that the present is decidedly better than the past which we have just left behind. The Dr Swinbourne would like a line from you, I think you never have sent to him since your departure. He is not in such robust health as his best friends would wish him to be. We have had a visit from Sarah Churchill and Col Burnaby in Birm lately, in anticipation of their bid for the midland metropolitan vote – the former delivered some talented and effective speeches and ahs gone quite to the front of the political arena in their country. Bessie I omitted to say is apprenticed to Fordred (Millinery & Co) and seems to like it up to know. Louise is still with grandpa and Gma at Henley having occasionally all her patience severely taxed occasionally by their eccentricities and crochets still she doesn’t murmur much at the sacrifice. The remainder of the family are well. Your mama is overworked as usual but in fair health, studied with the customary consideration of

Your affectionate father

We eagerly anticipate your letters

August 14, 2020 0

Letter to Frederick Pauline from his father, 10 Aug 1888

[Illegible] Friday Aug 10 [1888]

Dear Fred

The poo for $10 arrived safely and this morning. It has also been paid over to Louise which she will acknowledge to you of course. She has been luck in the way of gifts, money as well as various articles more or less decorative and useful. The wedding went off I think in every way satisfactorily there was every thing the company or the newly married needed or could require and then to the club on Wednesday last so that they had 18 days holiday chiefly at Tynemouth in fishing boating we have not let the house

Yet though several inquisitorial people have replied to my advertisement- property at [illegible] is just now a drop in the market. There are many properties unlet at the same time the speculative builder is busy – Matthews the overseer tells me that owing to the above state of things AG in a clog upon the parochial balance sheet. This is is considered a temporary state only and will probably quickly recover itself. I wrote you some time since the letter any how should be with you before now saying we were all coming in the Lake Superior steamer tine to Montreal and thence to

You via CPR. We have Lpool this day fortnight on the 24 sail. So [illegible] we shall reach Montreal [illegible] about the 2^nd Sept where we hope to meet with Bessie. I have instructed her so far as possible what to do and sent her £2 POO to pay her rail to Montreal from Brooklyn. I hope she will have no difficulty in the matter. I have Royal Insurance introduction to Ward of Victoria also the Butins private card to Mr Turner, and [illegible] in

Also now in Birmi port to manufacture &c saying I am going to BC and could negotiate an agency or hrs &c but the time is yet young for any replies. I am bringing some cheap canvasses in oil, some scenes & C for spec and if they “go” I have arranged for a regular supply. We are bringing a coat for Leonard Philips which his ma has sent for enclosure, but we are not yet decided what to do for you and in the way of clothes. I have two handsome waistcoat pieces that I am expecting to get mended up for you if I can manage the size though Powell. Grandpa sends you a pipe by me – we are very fully occupied in completing arrangements for our journey which I [illegible] start will be safely completed + consummated in our writing again – we bring photos of wedding group and our love to all and from your affectionate Father.

[Cheat Sheet: The letter did not have a year, but Louisa Mary Paulin married Robert Rutherford on the 21 July 1888.

The Ship SS Lake Superior Beaver Line was the ship that they had booked passage to Montreal –

Interesting to note that Bessie was in Brooklyn and would meet the family in Montreal before they went on to Victoria. I will look into this.]

August 12, 2020 0

Letter to Frederick A Paulin from his father, 18 Aug 1884

August 18^th 1884

My Dear Fred

I am afraid the letters to you have not been so numerous as they should have been lately. It is not for want of my telling your brothers to do so, if the letters have been few or scarce you may depend – we have not heard of you since Dr S informed me he had received a letter from you in which you said you were well. We are anxiously looking for a letter daily from you and trust it will soon arrive telling us you are still well and any other news you may have to write about. We have a grand spell of truly harvest weather, the heat is unusual, some days have been tropical, and the farmer is looking up cheerfully at the prospect, and he needs all the help the weather can give to him. Trade, will that which is called so is as bad as it well can be. I as in Sheffield last week and the old traders there say it never was so wretchedly unremunerative as business

Is there at the present time. I still begging away at the British Mercantile Gazette which produces a fitful return. On the whole up to now it has not been so bad. The advertising process is however in every way affected of course by the state of trade, and as August is the month between the seasons – a sort of off time in the calendar it is just now difficult to keep the ship moving, whilst the expenses of home do not diminish as the members severally increase in size and years. The garden is well stocked, the peas were very fine, ditto broad beans, the runners are not quite ready but the potatotes are clean healthy and good size and most of the spaces filled in with [illegible] produce. The flower garden secondary in importance, has yielded us a goodly show the roses are nice and the cardinal gladioli are now brilliant and beautiful. We are pretty well. And Mrs Paulin is still with us. Louise has returned from Henley and is looking out again to assume an independence of home and thus make one less to lean on the exchequer. Geo keeps to McLelland and Ernest to Wright and Brothers. I never see ant of the Collins’ people so do not know how poor Smith is, but spose he is driving along well as he can. The “Green” is much the same. I don not remember a new feature to record and the Choir makes no progress, we are one principally a stagnant composition. Great stirring is now the order in the political world, parliament is prorogued until Oct when the franchise Bill is to be again sent up to the Lords, who will doubtless reject it again, if without the redistribution scheme. Lord Randolph Church holds a foremost place in future conservatism and if he lives

Is destined to lead the party. He is a powerful speaker and agreeable to hear because of his moderately paced delivery without hesitation or trip. The organization of the Conservative party is being perfected throughout the country and will, whenever the general election comes, make a goodly show. A young man who was with you in Deritend Factors Warehouse met me a few days ago and wished to be remembered to you. He is at Martinson & Smiths. I see by the papers today Hanlan has been beaten in Australia by 7 lengths. I do not remember anything else to say so will finish with the hope that you are alright and that we shall soon hear from you soon

Your very affectionate Father

This goes with one from your Mother.

[Cheat Sheet: Mrs Paulin is likely Frederick Paulin Sr’s mother Sarah Clements Paulin. Hanlan is Ned Hanlan the Canadian rower see here for more information on him ]

August 10, 2020 0