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]