Henley Reading Chess and Music Society, 1864

Jackson’s Oxford Journal 19 Nov 1864

Henley-on-Thames

Henley Reading, Chess and Music Society – A “penny reading” took place at St Mary’s Hall, New Street on Wednesday evening, November 9, when the following programme was most ably sustained: “the Northern Farmer” (Tennyson), Mr Lister; “The Dream of Eugene Aram” (Hood) Mr Rawlins; song “The Anchor’s Weight” (Braham) Mr W Crouch; “Smugglers and Poachers” (Grabbe) Mr John Cooper; song, “Kitty Tyrrell” (CW Glover) Mr F Paulin; “Odes on the deaths of the Prince Consort and the Duke of Wellington” (Tennyson) Mr Lister; “the Blind Highland Boy” (Wordsworth) Mr Rawlins. The songs were accompanied by Mr A Towsey. The chair was taken by C Lane, Esq and the hall was filled by a very attentive audience.

October 6, 2019 0

Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 1912

Letter from Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 12 Feb 1912

129 Ilford Lane, Ilford

12/2/12

My Dear Fred

I received your very nice letter with contents that arrived just a I was absolutely stumped. I have not been able to go out for several weeks now. I get chill upon chill until I am reduced to a skeleton + a very bad chest. Since moving to Ilford from Leigh I have not had one single week’s comfort, my usually usefull muscles seem to cry out that I have given them their share and give way to the colds. We had a ten days very severe frost as perhaps you may have read the cough I generally suffer from burst out with such ferocity that I have not dared to go out since except for a little while yesterday + I m making up arrears of correspondence

[2]

Severely indoors to day. I did hope to make a start somewhere this week but shall have to stew for another few days I suppose.

You know it isn’t nice when they seem to come for the rent the weekly bugbear + you do not happen to have it handy.

Just fancy you having care of Mr Mesher all these years it was a surprise to me. You must feel relieved now that you have done all you could for him + he now at rest.

Your oldest son is in the motor line Eh” and doing well too, I do hope he will follow in his Father’s footsteps. I need wish him no surer road to success.

I heard that you were about to retire some time ago and as you say I am the first to shout congratulations. Hat it all you have worked hard enough for a rest and it is a blessing

[3]

You lost no precious time in taking it. I was always afraid that you would stick at it too long.

The first day up in the City I shall give Mr Sutherland of the Ocean I Co a call + I am very much obliged for your kindness in sending me his card.

I had a short note from Harold yesterday to inform me that MY SON as he calls it was safely born to them on the 18/1/12 and everything satisfactory.

“Weight at birth 9 ½ lbs. Got a chest like a bull and 1’9” long (not 21” mind you) face like its mother (just fancing only a few hours old) Harold must have become an expert) but it has a Paulin head + limbs ah” ah”

You can just imagine the way he was in when sending the glorious news. I suppose George Ernest (that’s his name) marks

[4]

The 1^st step in the 4^th gen of a little known but illustrious family.

Dad + Mother, whom I hope continue well in health will be a little bit proud of the “Great Grand”: Eh” I can just imagine dear old Mother’s flush of pride. God bless her and her prayer of thanksgiving to be alive to assume the new jewel to her coronet.

It is pouring with rain from the NE + bitter again today.

If I could keep warm enough a sufficient time to get rid of this wicked cough, I do not think I should take long getting into my old form again in the meantime I am doing my best.

Haven’t heard of George or Bert for years suppose no news etc.

Kindest Love Fred + best wishes, Emmie sends love to Cissie

Your affectionate Brother

Ernest

[Note that Ernest died in November 1912 of Tuberculosis]

September 18, 2019 0

Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 1908

Letter from Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 6 Dec 1908

22 Britannia Road, Ilford

6/12/1908

I thought that I would send you just a word or two with the “Ole” fashion Xmas card.

Because sometimes the writing means more than the card. Nevertheless, when you have nine years “trying to sell typewriters and a pen in your hand about once a month.” Criticism is barred. I nearly danced a “Reel” when I read the official announcement and I am indeed thankfull that you are still better off.

I hope that Bert will prove trumps, George must + will. Of course, I got news sometimes from the Dad + Mother and there

[2]

Is generally something of interest.

It seems hard sometimes that I quite alone here; but I feel sure I could do better out of this Foggy City – It is hard work. But I am not grumbling Fred, am not actually starving + with Gods blessing and the health that is necessary (which I have made a serious study of, since starting a new life back in the old country) I hope to see some of my family once more.

Nothing pleases me better than to hear that your years of hard plodding, thoughtfull life, are an almost assured success. I wish with all my heart that I could shake hands with you, otherwise, than on paper.

[3]

Business generally is very bad. The present government seem to indulge in fractional party politics, or “Locking up suffragettes”

I don’t know whether you ever see the ½ Mirror I send to Dad every day. Would you like it?

Just one more look at your handwriting. It will only cost gone 2c. Please.

Every Xmas I miss awfully away from our Family circle

Ernest

[4]

You will be pleased to know that Harold (who is 21 next March) is doing very well in his 3 years engagement in Weir Scott + Co, Valparaison. He started at £150 a year, with an increase of £10 during the 3 years and good prospects of a continuance of advantage after.

It is a pleasure to send his thanks for getting with the firm, and a further pleasure to know that his employers here feel the same as myself.

Rene + Grace are working now, in a large general supplies stores in Ilford here, and are very proud that they can pay for their own clothes. Hilda + Norman are at School. Norman is learning draughts fine.

September 14, 2019 0

Frederick Pauline Sr – Artist

While doing research for an article on the Paulin(e) family. I began searching for examples of paintings done by Frederick Paulin(e) Sr. The main reason was that I had unearthed a newspaper article dated 1901, which spoke of an exhibit he had at the Great Northern Railway Offices [See below].

I knew that Frederick had been an artist having seen a couple of examples in my travels, but I hadn’t understood the importance that it had for him, which from the fact that he exhibited his work (though humbly) suggests.

So I have decided to launch a search for more examples of his work, to digitally construct an exhibit of his paintings in order to share with his family/descendants and other interested people in his vision of the world, through his art.

Example 1

Beacon Hill Park, Victoria, from the collection of S Bunting.

Example 2

Possibly English River, dated 1909, from the collection of D Thornton.

If you have any paintings by Frederick and would be willing to share with the blog (and the family) I would be most grateful.

Frederick’s son Ernest Alfred Paulin was also a talented artist. I have two examples of his decorative painting.

Example 1

Tin Plate, repurposed Ainsley Ware and decorated with birds. Was a gift to Sidney and Kate [Smith, his in-laws] and dated Christmas 1899, from the collection of G Leitch.

Example 2

Decorated mirror, nd, from the collection of S Bunting. Thought to be a cake plate.

Any images of Ernest or Frederick’s art would be gratefully added to this virtual exhibit. If any other members of the family were visual artists, information and images would also be appreciated.

Work in Progress!

The Gallery can be seen here: https://gilliandr.wordpress.com/pauline-family-art-gallery/

September 6, 2019 0

September 3, 2019 0

Ernest A Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 19 June 1898

Letter Ernest A Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 19 Jun 1898

257 Frederick Road, Aston

June 19^th, 1898

[Note top corner]

Emmie is waiting to go for a stroll

Domestic pen, ditto ink

Dear Fred,

I received your long and very welcome letter yesterday + hasten to reply, not as fully as I should like to, but to save as much time as possible. We hear from Amy (Mrs T) that a Captain Worsnop is coming over, and is to bring Harold. I thought it strange you should not have mentioned the fact and can only surmise that you are unaware of anything of the kind. You mention Appleby coming home to fetch Cissy + youngsters back and if this story of Mrs T is

[2]

Unfounded, I should be in the seventh heaven of delight if some arrangement could be made to let Harold come with him. Unfortunately I cannot send the necessary funds just now, but nevertheless I should be very disappointed if an opportunity of getting my little flock together once again under the altered circumstances, should be allowed to pass. The Dad’s letter I have not answered yet, but shall do fully in a day or two + I shall also make a point of sending you a more interesting

[3]

Letter as well. At this time it will be sufficient for me to assure you that both the “Fry” matter and the needle maker matter shall have my earned attention. I have written Fry to make an appointment to meet me, but, as usual get no reply from him. It is my intention to go fully into the matter with Fry and shall write you the result and at the same time you can rely upon my using all discretion but without losing sight of the fact that there is something wrong + that it is my determination to find it out.

[4]

You shall have all the news in my next, but I am sending this note so that the question of Harold’s coming home may be guided by yourself. Emmie is writing to Mrs Archibald to advise her of the likelihood of an opportunity of getting him with us again and will at the same time suggest that you represent her (Emmie) in the matter. Emmie has infinite trust in you + I personally shall be very proud if you will interest yourself in our behalf.

Kind love to all + again promising another letter in a few days

Your affectionate Brother

Ernest

August 21, 2019 0

Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 27 October 1897

Letter from Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 27 October 1897

107 Whitehead Road

Aston

October 29^th 1897

Dear Fred

I have been striving hard to find time to answer your letters, the last one received on the 20^th inst but have had my mind so full of matters affecting me nearer home, that I positively could not carry out my resolution to spend a short time in paying my debts in the matter of overdue correspondence, before this evening, and even now, I scarcely know what to start on first, in order that I may curtail as much as possible all I wish to communicate and spare your time when reading as well. I enclose the Power of Attorney signed and witnessed and left blank as I think it will be far better for you to

[2]

When you can find time to have the details put in over there, as I may not exactly fill the bill myself and it would then necessitate returning to me again to be initialled. I trust you will not mind the trouble.

Anent Henley Lodge, I quite agree with you that it had better be sold and I can from actual knowledge recommend the earliest opportunity of realising Fry to be taken advantage of. I have frequently seen Frost and he experiences as much difficulty in understanding Fry as you do, as I do, or anybody could do – He allowed the last tenant to go out without even asking him for the arears of rent. The man Geo Corbett I find is living now in the Oxford

[3]

Road at Acock’s Green and according to the prevailing English law can be distrained against for rent owing to a previous landlord. Of course I am ignorant as to whether Fry has collected anything or tried to, as you do not say.

I enclose a letter from Frost enclosing the last communication he had from Fry. I took the matter up with the proposed purchaser but cannot give you any definite idea yet as to any business that may ensure, I cannot give the matter nearly so much attention as I should wish, through want of time and the expenses attached to it, although trifling, are seldom available from my finely cut revenue. At any rate I shall be pleased to have any suggestions

[4]

You can make that may tend to relieve the insufficient exchequer at Oak Bay, which of course I am aware means a constant worry to you and an oftentime unwelcome draft on your resources.

I have not heard of the whereabouts of Rutherford since I wrote you last, but I do not anticipate much difficulty in finding him when I am in a defined position to clear up the question of the pictures – I am sorry you considered it necessary to raise the question as to whether “I did not think it would be unwise to part with the money before I had possession of the pictures.” I hope that I am capable of carrying out this commission for you with due regard to common sense.

[5]

I am very pleased to hear that Bert is getting on as well + hope he will embrace what I consider to be the chance of his life, to a successful issue. I never had a chance like it myself.

I have not heard from George lately and very much miss his breezy little notes. I wish you would tell him so, and ask him to excuse me if I owe him a letter. I often think of him and sincerely hope he is doing better and that his young family are all he can desire in health.

Emmie had a letter from Cissy the other day, she was very pleased and will reciprocate the first spare time she has. Of course you can understand that her hands are pretty full just now.

[6]

Our latest addition to the family is a robust little chap and is a ray of sunshine that has been a great blessing to us, notwithstanding his travelling expenses before and after his arrival were a very serious matter indeed. He is named Norman Frederick and looks every inch his name.

We are constantly thinking of our boy Harold and shall bless the time when were are informed of anyone coming over to bring him, do not let an opportunity slip to send him giving us lots of time to arrange his passage and other details.

Dad has not written for months now, why is it? If I have offended him in any way do let

[7]

Me know, I daren’t even dream of there being any estrangement between me and my old Dad, can you persuade him to drop me a line sometime?

As far as advancement in the confidence of my “company” and the creditable responsibilities placed upon me, which are rapidly increasing. I can say I have got along splendidly and am looking forward almost daily now to an increase in may salary, in fact I have placed my position before the board recently and have not as yet heard their decision, but their delay in considering assures me that was wise in approaching them.

I have now the full

[8]

Control of the accounts of the Company and am deputed “advisory accountant” a responsibility that is highly interesting and keeps me constantly on the go, framing systems for our new enterprises, the conduct of our agencies both home and abroad, and even control as regards method and detail over the visiting auditor themselves, this latter department was readily ascended to by Messrs Gibson + Ashford

I feel that I shall be rewarded for my labors, but it cannot come too soon.

I enclose what I hope to be the winding up of an estate I took in hand from

[9]

Sidney Smith (brother-in-law) + trustee to the estate, being a heavy creditor he has only so far paid my expenses to and fro the business, but upon the administration of the estate I am to receive the full allowance for accountants fees prescribed by law. I am afraid I shall not get it cleared up by Xmas, can hardly expect that, but it is something to look forward to.

The printing I have had all done at Kynoch’s, of course at cost and credit which I was fortunate in obtaining without demur whatever in fact the printing department took unusual interest in my little commission, which I fully appreciate.

I hope Clondyke will continue to boom for your sake and Victoria generally, but I am

[10]

Sadly afraid there will be some dreadfull suffering by those who have failed to get through. Why did you not have your firm name on the envelope reminding the public of the American duty?!

Has the idea of sending over my valuables dropped out entirely, I should so like to get anything you can send. You see we furnished ? on the instalment plan, at the poorest rate and we lack comfort very much and it will be sometime yet before we can get the necessary additions to our present plant.

I longingly look forward to, at any rate, living times again

[11]

I hear Florence is to be married soon, I hope she will be happy.

When next you write do let me know how the Dad is + endeavour to persuade the boys to drop me a line or to – I hope Goodwin I will obtain the telegaraphist billet, which of course has meant a lot of work to learn and he will receive higher pay.

Hoping you and your family are enjoying good health and that I shall hear from you again soon.

I am

Your affectionate Brother

Ernest

Don’t talk about me getting any fishing – but it is refreshing to hear of your outings, let me have more of it.

Emmie sends her love to Cissy and your boy.

August 17, 2019 0

Ernest A Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 23 March 1897

EA Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 23 March 1897

[letterhead – Kynoch Limited Late G Kynoch & Company, Limited – Ammunition Works: Witton & Thames – Engineering Works: Witton – Rolling Mills: Lodge Road & Witton – Crucible & Siemens-Martin Steel Foundries: Witton – Black Gunpowder Works: Worsboro’ Dale – Cordite & Nitro-Explosive Works: Witton, Arklow & Thames – Smokeless Powder Mills: Thames – Chemical Works: Arklow & Thames – Soap, Candle & Glycerine Works: Witton – London Depot: 25 Heldon Street, Regent Street W

Lion Works, Witton, Birmingham]

March 23^rd 1897

Dear Fred,

I received your very welcome letter dated the 27^th ult on Saturday last and can read quite, quite, a story from [illegible] Winman’s clippings went Pleace ad the other beauties. Nemesis must be close behind. It is a pleasure to feel that you write cheerfully after having made a general analysis of your letter, your references to fishing preparations rather tends to create an unusual run of saliva, also your proposed return visit to Yale in April, when I hope you will be more successful in your search. You do not say what Jack is doing, your news re Goodwin surprises me, as to shortage at all events, altho I heard from Rutherford that Braund had that news some time ago, in fact Braund seems to be pretty well posted on one family matters. Both Braund and Rutherford are beauties, the latter I am totally disgusted with and shall be deeply thankful l when, what business we may have with him comes to a close in order that there need to be no necessity of even speaking to him. Your remark re Oak Bay finances interest me and am sorry you have to stand up as you do: anything I can do here in the way of urging on the transfer of the trust I am at your services, but I must get my instructions from Victoria

[2]

I cannot see that any good can come of Fry’s guardianship of the property. I understood Rutherford to say that Fry claimed the Acock’s Green tenant had not paid any rent for some time, had failed or something , now you say he has given notice to leave at Easter, not without paying up I hope. Rutherford is willing (and has to Fry so too) to release the Trustee + join in the indemnity deed, on the condition that a sum the equivalent of Louise’s interest, or pro-rata, or whatever the will calls for, shall be left invested in England for the benefit of Louise’s children, and also R inferred to me when I last saw him, that this arrangement would remove Fry’s objection, but then I believe the latter is just a trifle nutty and has a vacillating mind. If Fry could be finished off and I cannot now see why not (providing his accounts are square) the Stocks could be easily enough converted and at once and transferred to BC then the Acock Green house could be dealt with as soon after as possible, anything at all, to improve the finances at Oak Bay would be better than under the present circumstances. Let me know what you think about it. I am waiting for authority to collect the pictures for you, they are at Rutherford’s brother’s house, have been cleaned and provide a handsome decoration to his walls, also he has Dad’s Secretaire and Japanese table, all of which Rutherford has asked me

[3]

To inform him when I am ready to fetch them and he will go with me and see that everything is handed to us just as he left it with his brother. Fred, I don’t think it would pay to pack the table and Dad’s secretaire for such a journey, so if I may take care of them for you until they are wanted, I should so like to and besides I have no sitting room furniture at all and those two things would be a start for another room. I have not heard from the Dad for 3 or 4 months now and suppose all my cutlery table linen, pictures, bed room & Parlour furniture has been well used, they evidently take a pride in showing to what extent their greed and selfishness will go without any comment, I hear my best curtains are in use in the Front room and I suppose my tools are on the down run, nevermind. I shan’t forget their cruelty in a hurry and may have a chance yet to prove what I say. I believe Emmie has written to mother about the things. We have just completed the re-construction of our company and next month I hope to be able to write and give you some idea of my progress during my short acquaintance with the Company, I have done very

[4]

Well indeed as far as a personal satisfaction goes, the matter of increased remuneration must wait a little while, remembering I have only been here less than six months and am in name (as yet) chief clerk of Kynock Limited over a staff of 83 men and 38 ladies – the chief clerk as far as salary goes, our Mr Atkins, takes the management of our new cycle works in line next – Our secretary Mr Frank Hirscham FCA in an interview with him about two months ago, expressed pleasure on behalf of himself and the Board at the improvements I had made in the accounts depart and asked me to be good enough to overseen the whole of the general offices as well as telling me that Mr Atkins would shortly be given a position he was more at home in than accounts and hoped to shew his appreciation of my services more substantially. I can let it rest at that. Eh!! Altho there is an immense amount of jealousy of “that cute yankee chap” that has to be contended with especially among the old servants of which there are quite a number. I could have given both Bert + George good situations several times over, in fact we are very short of Juniors (good) now, labour of all kinds is at a premium in Birmingham we have had an advertisement out for 300 girls for the works for 3 months, in which time we have only succeeded in obtaining 29 just fancy

[5]

If it will not be a trouble to you Fred I wish you would ask Blackwood to give you particulars of the Port Crescent property I bought with him (5 acres with Blackwood and 5 acres with Tom Ella) I want to know whether any taxes have been levied on it per se. If you could get all information from him and all that it is all right I should very much like you to get the papers made out for the whole two lots in your own name and hold them in trust for Emmie, whose money it was that purchased it. I suppose there is no chance of selling it, so Emmie wants it put into shape and held so that if ever is of value she will be able to give it to Harold, or at any rate she will not let me rest until sure that the property is still there, you will create a blessing on me by looking this up.

Altho I wrote you about the stuff I left at Oak Bat very fully once before, I do not want you to mention my present remarks to them, I would sooner leave that to their own conscience (if any). I shall as soon as this is posted commence looking forward to another letter from you, you have very little idea what a treat it is to heard from some of my

[In red at the top of the page]

We are sorry no one is likely to come over this spring as we very badly want Harold with us. Have not heard from him lately – if any chance of sending him, let me know + I will make some provision or another to get him here.

[6]

People.

It will be a very uphill summer for me (the weather does not suggest any summer yet) we are expecting another addition to our home about the end of June and have commenced speculating already as to the sex (if only one) and how we shall manage to provide a carriage paid entrance into the world, but suppose the ever watchfull providence has got on eye on [illegible] us + would have us not meet troubles half way. But I for one shall be very thankfull when it is all over and what kind of a hole were landed in is known.

I hope your family keep well, I suppose our other branches are alright or I should have heard. I had a letter from George yesterday, he writes briefly but not too blue, hope by that he is doing better, am marking him a few lines today, he tells me Edith is likely to assert herself in June too, two of my wife’s sisters May + August so something must be wrong somewhere Eh!!

Stavirt any more to bother you with old man, so with Best Love + wishes for the future I would like a line from Bert to hear how he is getting on

Your affectionate Brother

Ernest

August 15, 2019 0

Letter from Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 27 Oct 1896

Letter, Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 27 October 1896

107 Whitehead Road, Aston

Oct 27^th 1896

Dear Fred,

I had a letter from the Dad and one from George a few days ago and have not answered them as I have been expecting to hear from you as the last I had was confirming your cable remittance to Mr Stokes of the proceeds of Please’s first note + which I acknowledged by return thanking you for your trouble.

First I must extend to you my most profound sorrow for the loss of your fine little boy and extend my sympathy in your great loss, which I only too well know must have been a great trial to yourself and Cissy – Emmie wishes particularly to condole with you also. I cannot say anymore Fred, but I know what it is to lose them.

You will see by above that I have changed my locality, which was done that I might be nearer my work. I have not told anyone of my having at last secured a position with Kynock’s Co the great ammunition people at Witton, and am starting my new life with this wealthy and immense firm on a fair basis. I do not wish this known so please keep this information to yourself Fred. I have reason for this at present, one

[2]

Of which is that I believe the Galley family (this ignorance of actual facts which I shall never give them unless compelled to do) would have people believe I robbed Tye’s estate as they term it and they manifest their usual indiscretion in doing so, not for the sake of the untruth + libel alone, but for their own sakes inasmuch as they have me + me alone to thank for one cent of the concern today and their shabby treatment of me, is a repetition of ignorance rising suddenly in affluence, never giving a thought as to how it came about or by whom, being content I presume and covering themselves with the importance thereof, under the shortsighted conclusion that it is so – I sincerely hope they will make good use of the magnificent start given them and are carefull not to so expose their inability as to compel a lesson in another direction entirely. If you have heard any statements that the Dad appears to have done through that medium of authority Thomson, I shall be glad if you will contradict same if you will for me and take my authority for it. There was one or two amounts drawn by me on a/c of a cheque due me that Mrs Tye refused to sign which formed a part payment of the amount due me by Mr Tye and were left in abeyance by me for adjustment “when Mr Tye returned” and

[3]

Which was done by me per Taylor’s own request, but of which the Galley’s know nothing and I suppose Taylor being afraid of offending his particular friend Mrs Tye hasn’t explained to their august personages – Mr Tye (or as the Galley’s now glory in terming the Tye Estate) still owes me a considerable sum of money leaving out the interest in the business he left instructions for me to be possessed of and which Mr Richards his late partner here avers was my right and would be today had the female mushrooms in the commercial line not have grabbed the opportunity of incarcerating poor old Tye, to nothing more or less than defeat that end, regardless of the cruelty of the man who has kept them all their lives and whom today did he but know what has transpired, would still say as everyone who had his confidence during the time I represented him can say now, that “Pauline’s place is and always will be while that business lasts at the head of it, as had he not have been the best friend I possibly could confide in I should be a beggar today + perhaps a convict.” This latter scene overdrawn but it is time – I am frequently having

[4]

From Mr Richards who is in business again for himself and I should not be surprised if he has not made an attempt to reach Mr Tye by letter direct as he complains of having written several times during the last two years + has had not even an acknowledgement from Tye’s attorney (Taylor). I am very carefull not to say too much to him, but of course he intends to know the reason why he doesn’t receive scant courtesy, he, Richards, holds documentary promise of a private nature from Tye, given him while the latter was in England and would be foolish if he didn’t see what was in t hem. The position I hold at Kynock’s is one of no mean calibre + it would retard what is undoubtedly a pleasant prospect, were any of the Galley’s lies to become known to the Directors – who are comprised of the Chamberlains, two Nettlefords, Lacy, Hookham + Gen’l Arbuthnot, all of whom personally endorsed my appointment, after three Board examinations which at first claimed two hundred + thirteen applicants, the final bringing out six, I being the only stranger amongst them + the successful one, my knowledge of intricacies in estates and divisions + analysis of same and other matters of a private nature analogous to large concerns gave me opportunity to even surprise myself when I found what genius (rule of three style) I had been

[5]

Competing against but never mind that. It would be the last straw were my hard earned chances to be blighted by the slightest interference of the filthy ignorance of the cursed Galley’s, it makes my blood boil to write the name.

I am sorely in need of Pleace’s money + cannot understand not having had the second one by now as the third + the proceeds of the cheque are due as well. Of course beyond what money my wife owed her friends here I have had to borrow further or starve; this is not a town to live on jawbone in and feel my position very keenly. I was fortunate in getting furniture enough for two rooms (all plain wood things + no carpet) on tick at an installment place and paid one installment out of last money and am being dunned for one overdue, but hope to get some from you every day now, or they will take that little away from me. Mrs Stokes lent us some bed clothes + c to go on with, so you may laugh at our poverty, but I shall never please God have to swallow my pride in the way I have done here since I came again. Do your best to hurry some money along Fred sometimes I lose heart a little but grim determination has so far kept me going. I wrote asking the Dad to sell what furniture I left at Oak Bay a long time ago, please

[6]

Jog his memory, you cannot possibly conceive what a blessing it will be to get some clothes and furniture to make our poor home cheerfull. The money I owe to my wife’s friends I intend on paying off in installments when I can from my salary when it commences to come in. I am expecting a letter from Fry every day in reply to my last to him + upon receiving his answer will drop you a short note advising you of its contents.

Give my kind regards to all particularly the Dad, George + your own household and excuse the length of my letter, then I will give you more to read next time on matters not so painfully impregnated with the troubles of

Your affectionate brother

Ernest

Emmie sends her kindest regards to yourself and Cissy and would very much like to know if anyone is coming over this season, so that we can make some arrangement to have Harold with us again. We heard from Mrs Archibald the other day that he is well; dear little chap we do miss him. Sorry to hear Herbert is still doing nothing.

Pleas keep the fact of my being in harness again strictly to yourself. I had to write and tell Pleace because I wanted a reference from him. Hope he won’t tell Galleys. If you see Pleace you might ask him not to and he can read this if you like.

August 5, 2019 1

Letter Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 15 Jan 1884

Letter, Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 15 Jan 1884

Acock Green

Jan 15^th 84

Dear Fred

Many thanks for the slip enclosed in George’s letter. I am much obliged to you for effecting the sale of my cards and at such good prices too, there is no wonder of some of them being damaged I consider we are very lucky at only losing one out of four.

We spent rather a quiet Xmas this time you being so far away, we had a few toasts throughout it was all “Canada” and “absent friends”

[2]

I hope you will share our dinner at that festive time next time then we shall all be in a more rollicking mood than lately experienced. Pa was especially quiet, really quiet, the younger ones of course felt nothing of the kind and amused themselves in the usual manner.

We have generally been doing a little better lately. Pa has made twenty odd pounds this last fortnight and had the rhino too, I hope it will continue, then we shall stand a chance of reducing the National

[3]

Debt which is not as large now as when you left. Pa has made an average £5 every week he has been with Short’s as far as I can reckon and I’m not far ont in own opinion.

Pa, Ma, and the young ones (8) are going to the P of W Pantomime to night “Cinderella” fancy that tribe to manage “what a treat” it is the fulfillment of a promise which has stood in their little mental diaries for about three months.

Amy is out at service at a nice house in the Pershore Road as nurse girl – Bessie has been out but turned up a bad

[4]

Penny after about 10 days of it but she hadn’t such a nice place as Amy, she will soon go out again when her bad finger is well, the reason they were sent out was, they made the “Mansfield” just above us a rather close acquaintance and could never get anything done, when sent to the Post they would go straight up there and stay till 11 o’clock PM and forget their errands, 5 nights out of 6 this game was carried on for 3 weeks and Pa couldn’t thrash them so the above course was adopted which was in my opinion the wisest possible.

Will write again soon please excuse scribble + clericals I am writing at my office in Union St where I have not much time to myself 5 to 7 am now closing time.

[1 – on the corner]

Just going home to take charge of home all gone to Pantomime by I home.

[4 – in other direction]

With love

Yours affectionately

Ernest A Pauline

August 3, 2019 0