Frederick Charles Pauline to Oliver William Pauline, 20 July 1918

[1]

Ward B4

2/1 South Gen. Hosp

Dudley Rd

Birmingham

19.7.18

Dear Oliver/

Your welcome letter of June 20^th received.

So Desmond was out home with Amy on his birthday; he must be a very bonny little chap from the snaps I have and the ones you sent.

Rather pleased in a way that the board let you out as it will give you a chance to pick up again without the extra heavy methods used in the Army.

Am pleased to hear that Mother keeps will; Dad must be a tough nut like myself pretty hard to crack.

They had another go at me on the operation table day before yesterday, I don’t think any good has been done

[2]

This time nevertheless it is one less to come. I was getting on pretty well, went out to Aunt Emmie’s place last Wednesday week they were very nice to me indeed.

There are several girls and boy in the family; one Grace is a very pretty girl, but last Sunday I started to go down hill again fast so they oper. On Tue Wed. I had Tom Johnson to see me on Tuesday it was Tuesday it was too bad if he had come a week before I could have gone out with him; he is at Purfleet in Essex. He looks the picture of health and as brown as a berry.

You mentioned about parcel and Sat Eve Post I think I got all the parcels alright.

[3]

But none of the posts have turned up. I should like to see one too. I tried to get one in B’ham the other day, but they say they all go to France now. You asked me how I got my ‘packet’. Well to cut a long story short I was starting a high powered French scout machine in a plowed field, when those that were supposed to be holding the plane back apparently had shell-shock; anyway you can guess what a propeller would do to you if a plane came striding into you. Not its no good me telling you any more or else you will imagine I was really hurt or something

[4]

OWP

Sat 20^th

Am sitting out on the balcony today and feeling a good deal better, hoping to be able to go to out again in a few days.

We had a terrible thunder-storm last week and a lot of rain since, but today has turned out quite summerlike again.

Would like very much to be home and we could go to Shawnigan together. By the way can you swim if not you must learn at once! Its very easy enough, jump overboard with a petrol tin on piece of wood for a float. Try it!

I will probably turn out alright bye and bye but it will be a fairish time

[5]

Before I get my original strength and weight of 190^th flat back again, in the meantime we might have a chance to pull up together.

The Allies seem to be bucking up again the last few days; all luck to them I hop we make them cry their hearts sore for mercy. Fritz with his Kaunerad

Well Jim will close for today as I have a bunch of letters to write. With kind love to Mother + Dad and regards to you Uncle

Your affectionate Brother

FC Pauline

November 28, 2019 0

George Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 22 Apr 1884

[Letter parts missing – Tuesday April 22^nd, 1884]

[5]

Our garden is very much improved from gravelled, back nearly all dry + planted. Plenty of rose trees + pansies, primroses, forget me nots, daisies + other spring plants all blooming, in fact when you again cash yer blooming heye round here you will find very few of the old caudrants remaining.

Should I get his berth at Short’s I shall most likely drop back into my old groove that is steadily saving for my departure into the western hemisphere. I was thinking in the event of my coming out which I hope will be with the next 12 months, whether the resources of British Columbia would admit of the arrival of another distinguished luminary. I shall imbue my illiterate mind with shorthand and music thoroughly before venturing + most likely I am going to have lessons in tuning. Don’t let your mind revert too much for the old country, [illegible] is much worse here + I don’t think it will

[6]

Ever get better. If you came back to Birmingham for good I am sure you would regret it, and besides when you have found will allow it, you can visit here for a holiday. Whatever you do, don’t listen to any recommendations for the canvassing business, it is a dirty job + would not suit you.

There are educated men in B’ham offering their services for 10/- per week, hundreds of them. When I come out it will be when I have enough capital to do it well. That is to have a decent Exchequer when I arrive.

This job at Shorts of I got it will be not more than 25/- per week, so I shall have to live pretty close to save.

I consider from what I gather from your letters, that you are better off than 999 out of 1000 young men of your age. I have better prospects

Butty Shearman is quite well and I still am our track, so attentive to Ma + Louise,

[7]

you’d better keep out of the road. Are there any girls out your way. I suppose there are or you wouldn’t be so quiet on the subject. The Green Football has at last come to a dismal failure + the Star fellows have again clubbed together under their old name. I know it would come to this.

[Image] Adams

I beg to inform you htant EJ Adams + F Preston both wear boxers much to Joey Kiss’s delight, whose remarks on the subject are forcible if not polite.

Vicar is obliged to go away again for his health – he is always very poorly. He frequently enquiries after you. Polly + Lizzie Braund came here on Easter Monday + stayed all the afternoon + evening. They seemed well.

Louise is still very dissatisfied with the Henley folks. They are certainly very unkind

[8]

To her and it is very [illegible] that a young girl like her should have to coddle with old people.

Well to conclude I can only say that when I next write I hope I shall have better news. I am very unsettled myself and if I have £20 in my pocket [illegible] would it see me for some time. I hope + trust I shall get the funds to make start soon.

We are all in good health + trust you are + will remain the same.

I remain

Your affectionate brother

George

[images]

Sir W Harcourt

Smith of ours

Joey

Adams

Tuesday April 22^nd 1884

November 20, 2019 0

George Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 12 Oct 1884

Letter from George Paulin[e] to Frederick Pauline 12 Oct 1884

[1]

Henley Lodge

Acock’s Green

12/10/84

Dear Fred

Many thanks for your last letter just received we are all pleased to hear you still keep well.

I am glad to tell you we have had a sty built + put two pigs into it which are getting on nicely. We have an idea of closing the back door up by means of a small conservatory but funds are not quite up to the mark yet. £12/00/. Required.

From your letter I should gather the scenery is very fine out your way, plenty of sport too. I suppose you will be back in Victoria before

[2]

This reaches you, for the winter, or perhaps you contemplate honouring us with your company on Xmas day + come straight on..

How are the two junior members of the Norther Western Expeditionary Co getting on St: rather dry I am afraid.

The weather has turned suddenly cold the last week having jumped into the middle of December all at once, and settled all the late autumn flowers. We expect a very severe winder, there being a large quantity of berries about this season.

Butty Shearman is quite well thank you + sends her love, she does not look – er – er ahem any worse you know, sweet 18sh! She has visited us very frequently,

[3]

Lately, the reason is that lately I have grown very much like you, at least so I heard her say. This is a compliment isn’t it? I know one point on which we are decidedly alike “Our Boohoo’s Oh Dear boy” if then only knew the [illegible] of mine – directly the weather changed this week, he immediately put on his winter garb of deep cherry red. Alas we are companion in misfortune and though the ocean rolls between our hearts, will go out to one another say “Dear boy I pity you” we are going to have a large Conservative demonstration in support of the house of Lords at Aston on Monday

[4]

Answered to Nov 12^th 1884

13^th Oct when Col Fred Raidry + all the talent will address your humble servant intends supporting them. I am very pleased to tell you that we are all enjoying terrific good health, but Ma is a little poorly to day, but I think only from fatigue.

If things at Victoria are not up to Dick @ Victoria I should make tracks for Henley Lr for Christmas + go out again next spring with me.

I think I have given you quite enough of my nonsense so will dry. With love from all + trusting to see you home soon.

I remain

Your affectionate Brother

George

[Image] Joe Rogers in Choir Sound like pouring water in this pot

November 18, 2019 0

William Frederick Pauline to Frederick Arthur Pauline, 1917

Answd July 5 1917 / sent July 10 1917 ‘C’ Battery

Risboro Barracks

Shorncliffe

Kent, Eng

June 30^th 1917

Dear Uncle Fred:

Just a few lines to let you know that I am down here. I saw in the “Canada” where you were stoping [sic] and I was naturally very much surprised to hear of you in London. I had a letter from a very old Friend of yours the other day, Capt Gibbons and I stayed a week-end with him which enjoyed very much. He lives at Maidstone in Kent but I think you know his address. I know that he would very much like to see you. I thought I may as well write to you as we are about eight thousand miles from the old town and that would like me to write and let you know I was here. Hoping you will have a nice time.

I remain

Your affectionate nephew

William F Pauline

PS I don’t write as good as my dad, but hope you can read it

Billy

November 14, 2019 0

Victor Paulin to his Aunt, 1918

Lt VR Pauline

No 91 Squadron

Chattis Hill

Stockbridge, Hants

Jany 17/18

Dear Aunty

I would have written you before, had I received your address sooner, but Mother sent it just the other day, so now I am going to try and make up for lost time. I should have paid more attention to my address book before leaving Victoria, but I did not have an awful lot of time, and Mother came out of the hospital the day before I left, then it was that I commenced to think about these things, when my book was finished no local addresses

were such at all, ~~~~~ ~~~~~ for England,

As she already mentioned, of ~~~ having about addresses at, I must tell you something about myself.

I ~~~~~ my arrival in London, and which given ~~~ and of course, ~~~~~much to day out ~~~~~

[cannot read the page- photo too blurry]

said is now taller than I am. I don’t expect I shall see George until I go to France but I keep in touch with him by letter, and last I heard he was “still going strong.”

I was on another plane leave last week and went up to B’ham to see Ben, who has a chunk of shrapnel in his hips, and also see Aunt Emmy, to say nothing of cousin “Hilda”, who is some “bird”. Grace and Renee are both married, so are not half so interesting.

Oh yea, I nearly forgot to tell you about Stockbridge, it is some “hole”, we are billeted in all the old houses, the one I am billeted in is called “Grosvenor House”, the name is

not too bad, but I wish I could say the same for the “residence.” We have to walk about 2 miles to the squadron over those lovely Roman roads, you know, the kind you read about. I expect it’s a good stunt to get us ready for France.

I have been to London several times now, and can manage to find my way about fairly well, also check up the taxi drivers if they short change me, like they used to.

Hoping to hear from you in the near future.

Best to Uncle and yourself,

Your affectionate nephew

Victor

October 27, 2019 0

Victor Paulin to Edith Nickells Paulin, 1917

Stockbridge

Royal Flying Corps

December 28, 1917

Dear Mother,

Steno, I am again just before bed scratching off a few lines, no mail has arrived from Canada yet. I received a letter from “Ruby”enclosing a picture, of herself, which I answered immediately, she says Wilf has not written her for 12 months. I wrote back saying I would write him a scolding letter. I also had letters from Ben, Wilf and George. Wilf is, at present on leave he is going up to Aberdeen, whatever for

I can’t tell you, and will stay off at B’ham for a day to see Ben. George hasn’t got anything to say in his letters at all, never mentioned being gassed at all.

I expect 4 days leave soon and will go and see Ben and Ruby, also Mrs Pauline in B’ham. I am afraid I have forgotten if she has children or not, and I might make a break in showing her how ignorant I am regarding some of my relatives. She has been to see Ben, and asked Ben about “Sid”, Ben didn’t know know of any other “Sid” but Sid Thomson so I concluded it

Must be he. But couldn’t figure out how “Sid” knew Aunty “Emmy”. I think thats her name. I’m only making a rough guess. So I am going to wait until she writes me, and kind of break the ice a little. I might get real hold of one of these days and write, “my dear aunt” but no “Emmy”. It would be a good one on me if I wrote “my dear Aunt Emmy” and her name was “Maud” or something of that kind.

How is Dad? I wrote him about a week ago. Yes I ought to get a bunch of letters, for the letters are written, I must have scrawled off about 100.

I had a quiet Christmas

went for a walk around the courtyards, Hants is a very pretty country. W is had a y~~~ feed for a change, that was the only thing that made it seem the least bit like Christmas. I ~~~ was getting better now, but when we ~~~~ here, Wow! W~~ kicked every day, they curse through with a little service.

Well Ma, I hope this letter is not a “fearful bore” (English for D- nuisance) it is near the end now. Love to all, and heaps to Dad and yourself.

Your loving son

Victor

PS “How’s Toby” and Mrs Jones? Don’t confuse the two!

October 23, 2019 0

Hilda Curtis to Oliver & Helen Pauline, 1984

Letter Hilda Paulin Curtis to Oliver & Helen Pauline, 16 Jan 1984

16 Jan 1984

Dear Oliver & Helen

Just a few lines to let you know that Jack passed away on Dec 19^th, he caught a very bad chest cold which was all over the ward even the staff got it, & that was when it took him. He died very peacefully. I was thankful for that, lately he had not been able to talk or hear, it was due to hardening of the arteries so he had really nothing to live for. He was 93 so had had a long

[2]

Life & I feel a happy one, although we had to work hard but we enjoyed life. It is always a blow no matter how much one expects it, but I am happy for him to be at peace.

Hope you are both keeping well

Love HIlda

October 3, 2019 0

Emma Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 19 June 1918

Emma Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 19 June 1918 [Year derived from envelope postmark]

363 Birchfield Road, Perry Barr

June 19^th

Dear Fred,

Received your cable on Monday 17^th very sorry to get the news. I went at once to the Dudley Road Hospital to see Fred – he had another operation the Thursday previous & is doing well – really looks fine, it is wonderful what these grand boys go through + still keep smiling. Grace and Hilda have gone to see Fred this afternoon. He sent two passes by post. Tell Cissie there is I am sure no reason to worry, he seems so well -was writing to you to here. I got there + enjoying a cigarette.

WE saw the account of Victor’s

[2]

Death in the paper. Could not believe it, there has been many mistakes made – so waited until I heard something sure before writing to BC. Fred shewed me the Victoria notices – the dear boy spent his last leave with us + we got very fond of him. He + Hilda were like two happy children together & I had a real good time, it has upset us very much, feel so sorry for his Dad and Mother, it will be a great blow. Next time I go to see your boy will ask the sister all particulars & write again.

[3]

My dear Norman was sent back from France with a poisoned thumb, the hospitals there being too full, with serious cases. He has now rejoined his regiment near Liverpool (1^st Kings Liverpool) his thumb is still very weak, do pray they will keep him in England a little longer – it is all so terrible. Kindest love to Cissie your loving sister

Emmie

PS Girls just returned, all OK. Fred expects to be up + out in about 3 days. So I hope it won’t be too long before he will be able

[4]

To stay with us. He has only 2 inches of tube in his head now & that will be out in 2 days time. His head is not affected at all – is very pleased at the idea of coming out. So don’t worry at all

Emmie

September 30, 2019 0

Ernest A Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 1899

Letter from Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 9 Mar 1899

[In note form at top of first page]

Emmie sends her sincere thanks and love

257 Frederick Road

March 9^th, 1899

My dear Fred

I hasten to say that I have received the two money orders of $10 each and that they came as an undisguised God-send, just at a time when we were feeling the bitterest inconvenience of poverty. You will be surprised to have not yet succeeded

[2]

Obtaining employment, openings are so very rare and so many to fill them when occurring. I cannot adequately express my gratefulness to you and Herbert for the assistance just to hand, I shall write to the latter on Sunday also to yourself more fully.

I am busy today and the rest of the week making copies of all the documents in connection

[3]

With my case against Kynoch’s + which is to be heard any day next week so that the present time is an anxious one for me.

I have a very good case against them, but juries are funny things sometimes and nothing is certain up to the finish. I am sorry you have so many calls upon your purse, but I can assure you that any

[4]

Help you can give me, is accepted as an obligation the very first I shall make a point of satisfying.

Please tell Bert I shall write to him and thank him for his kindness.

I do hope soon to be able to breathe freely once more, but in the meantime rest assured I feel very sincerely your great kindness. Will write again on Sunday

Your affectionate Brother

Ernest

September 8, 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