Frederick Paulin to his son FA Pauline, 11 Jun 1883

June 11, 1883

My dear Fred,

I have been unable to send you definite news respecting myself before this. As you know I have been suffering from sudden tactics by Trolx and just got on again with WB Glass & Co Cigar and Cigarette Manufacturer Bristol. As far as I can judge my inconvenience of late can be (with health) easily repaired. The pay is £180 per ann. + 10% on all sold “excess” over 200 £ a month with 15% deducted on bad debts made. It is I think a fair arrangement + I have an agreement coupled with an assurance for a permancy. So with good luck it is the best thing I have yet had in the cigar way. Glass & Co one side to be people with money my pen would write it plain.

We are all tolerably well and always looking out for a letter from Winnipeg. I saw Blaunton last evening Sunday at Mr Gilchrist’s house. He arrivd from Brandon Wednesday night last. He will bring out house with you at Winnipeg on his way back (1^st August) when he returns any thing which may suggest itself to you to be of service commercially or otherwise. Is there any agency which you could work? Shall I send you the box of cards price lists +c from Suttons. They will send them back to me if you would like to have them. Blaunton is going in for cattle medicines from Day Son + Hewetts firm I think.

Worcester Festival came off last Thursday. I went. Weather was better than it was 3 years back. We dined at The Hop Market Hotel – choir clergy + organist.

The beadle of course was of the party no other visitors. The Dr supported chair on left + I next him. I told him at dinner table there was one occasion which you especially regretted missing + that was the visit to Worcester.

The service passed off well + all returned edified by the day’s proceedings. Mr Preston Senr generally enquires after you. Could you send some Jel I thing?

The “John Bright” demonstration has absorbed Birm today. The procession was endlessly lengthy beginning at Sewall Heath – Paper with account thereof – will go with this letter. My opinion of the proceedings is you may guess a no 1 – very bright one.

Barton of Brandon tells me a dollar with you is about equal to our “bob” here as a medium of change + barter.

We have had an immeasurably dry spring here and rain is much wanted, this in some parts of England it has fallen within these last few days in large quantities. Our turn soon I s’pose. The garden looks fairly well. I put some marrow plants out Sat last on same site remodelled as last year. A row of runners the entire width of strip nearly say 30 yards, is doing well as last year under bottom hedge – annuals, pansies + other thing with kignonellea promise well. The Henley fold are I think all right. Louise smiles cheerfully from Swansea – plenty of good living and bathing just reworked ought to suit her.

Our united affection to you my boy – from your very affectionate father.

September 30, 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

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

Frederick Paulin to his son Frederick A Paulin, c1884-5

Transcription letter from Frederick Paulin to his son Frederick A Paulin, dated 4 Jun [approx. year 1884-5]

[1]

The British Mercantile Gazette Journal of Commerce

Highest Awards in Two Classes (Silver & Bronze Medals) at Melbourne International Exhibition, 1880, Highest awards in Two Classes (Gold & Silver Medals) at Adelaide International Exhibition, 1880 Highest Award (Gold Medal) at New Zealand International Exhibition 1882

Established in 1868

168 Fleet Street London EC

Proprietors Short, Short & Co

Export Merchants

June 4^th, Wed

Dear Fred,

Yours dated May 4^th came to hand yesterday containing sketch of that luxurious spot the Sulphur Spring. If surroundings are one decidedly romantic and such that we have here only allowed to read about, but not permitted to see. The strikingly various conditions, the grand the mysteriously grotesque, as well as apparently the easily read and understood phases in nature seem to surround you, and will I was know leave a proper impression on your mind and trace behind also constantly suggestive of the Great Maker of it all. We are all pretty well and comfort ourselves that your health continues good. We realize too the fact that plenty to do up Aberdeen drives away the monotony. This is our Whiteweek. George and Ernest + Herbert went to Hen Thames on Saturday last + returned on Monday

[2]

Reaching home about 3 am Tuesday morning. They seem to have enjoyed themselves immensely and to have lost no time in pursuing enjoyment principally on the river you know so well at Corderys and to the Island. Cordery and his wife are both rheumatically afflicted – the former is also financially reduced and really does nothing – a provision most providential has been made however for his support to be acquired by his 2 youngest sons who I hear work hard and earnestly and pretty successfully on behalf of Home – but George or Ernest or both (Ernest is not the most frequent writer to you) should tell you the complete history of their visit. I am often calling a mention to the value you must attach to news from home and placing those at home in imagination in your place and position. I think with ordinary luck my work on the above “Gazette” may prove as remunerative as any recent occupation has been or a trifle better anyhow its respectable labour. The firm is well known + respected too. This opinion of mine will I know receive your best wishes for its corroboration in fact

[3]

We are having a very dry time just now or rather have had now seemingly too long, this locality requires frequent moisture it is very porous and tho rain has peeked at in it has retired again more than once. Our crops will appreciate a fall largely and our garden too. The spuds are nicely thro same 50 yards by 5, the peas 5 good rows well stuck. The broad beans 2 rows 10 yards long well forward to bloom, carrots, parsnips, and turnips, are in their infancy. The apple trees from your pips have positions of prominence midway down the garden and are each in height say 2 feet, 18 inches, and 1 foot. [illegible] as the flowers are secondary in consequence they come next, but they will make a rather nice shew this year, the pansies gladioli roses and mimulus are abundant the annuals are coming along to swell the list – also so that the home far away from you is as gay as we can make it in illustration of the bright hopes

[4]

We indulge in of seeing you back some day to reassure your position of your fathers confidence and your mothers solace amongst your affectionate brothers and sisters. The broom trees in our front given by Dr Swinburne are a glory of gold, one is a silver broom and guards the right bay as you enter from the road. Whilst a Gloire de Dijon is doing its best to climb the side of the porch near the other bay and yields us some 20 blossoms – a red dutch Honeysuckle is making effort to cloth the other side of the porch. If you can picture at all what we are like from the sketch it will strike you as a contrast to the grandeur or the mysteriously grotesque around you + which is referred to in the first lines of this letter. Aunt Mrs Paulin is with us reunited here with the chattels from London and is better for the change. Lastly we all join in the heartfelt good wishes for your health, success, and the same to continue until, we meet again – From your very affectionate Father

F Paulin

April 14, 2020 0

Mary Cutler Paulin and others, no date

Photo of Mary Cutler Paulin, and two others. If anyone can identify the two other ladies, please contact me.

March 26, 2020 0

Letter from Frederick and Mary Paulin to FA Paulin, c1884

Transcription Letter to Frederick A Paulin from Frederick Paulin Sr and Mary Cutler Paulin, July 5^th [no date – estimated 1884]

[1]

Henley Lodge, July 5^th

Dear Fred

I sent last week “Truth” + Weekly Post + “Bell’s Life” with the 2 days’ Henley Regatta which seems to have passed off splendidly.

No one went from here – Ernest, George + Herbert visited Henley at Whitsuntide which probably they have already told you about – Louise is still at Henley but I believe she may now return home any day as the old folks have an old stayed attendant – and can now do without her. We have grand summer weather here for fully a month, great heat, unusually fine weather, enough to set the grumblers sighing for rain which has only arrived + probably those with hay about will complain now. They hay crops are light, corn crops look very well, turnips are a very thin crop this the dry time + the busy fly. Our garden is promising we have quite a stretch of potatoes (Magnum forns) not ready yet – a promising crop of raspberries just ripening your young gooseberries + currants have both distributed what they can

[2]

The pear not nearly fit to gather and show well broad beans ditto. The scarlet runner embrace the whole width of the bottom of the garden and are climbing as fast as they can, whilst the spaces are all filled in with plants for [illegible]. The flowers are plentiful and the roses to which I have before refined are doing quite as well as expected. I + Dr Simburne had some chat about you yesterday Sunday in vestry. He hoped I should remember him to you. The choir is the same. They went by invitation to the vicarage last Friday week. I did not go, didn’t care about it, so the Doctor asked me today to come in at any time, he [illegible] be glad if I would. He is well but his health is weak. The annual children’s white dress service takes place next Friday your mama has the usual work to get on contingent ready. The sermon is entitled “Weeds + Flowers” + 8 hymns are to be sung. George is going back to McClelland’s they want him + he would prefer being there

[3]

I am working away on “The British Mercantile Gazette” still, it is difficult business sometimes, but then up to now it has paid. Ernest keeps his place at Wright + Butlers and seems to suit them. Referring to politics a dissolution would not surprise most people at any moment. There is the franchise bill the Egyptian financing business as well as the Soudan knot which stand right in the way of Cabinet and the Election for N Warwickshire just limited resulted in a larger Conservative majority than ever has been known. Lord Randolph Churchill is unwell from overwork he is effected shortly in Birmingham with Col Burnaby and I have arranged with the Town Hall Curator for admission on the occasion. We are all pretty well Aunt is with us from London as you may know + is better for the change in health. The Henley folks are very well but feeble. I should have been in Manchester +c this week but can’t get away before next week now. Mama will finish this morning [illegible] I hope this agate writing will stand let me know.

[4]

My dear Fred

Your father says I need to finish this, but I thought he had told you all the news you will I fear have much trouble to make it out – don’t think it unkind I seldom write. I am always at work, thinking and talking of you many times a day hope with all my heart to see you home next summer. George wishes very much to join you and if he does you must journey home. Bessie, Amy + Florence are all at work nw but not getting any money for two years from the time they started. Your father is doing better or we could not manage this latter two are at Miss Bostons the dressmakers in the village come home to morrow.

Kindest love and wishes your Mother

March 18, 2020 0