Lizzie Braund – The Amazing Paulin(e) Family

Transcription, letter from Mary Cutler Paulin to FA Pauline, nd (circa 1884)

[1]

Henley Lodge

Good Friday Evening

Excuse writing

Dear Fred

We received your cheerful letter dated 6^th March on the 8^th April and considering the pleasure it is for us to receive one from you. I think it a pity we so seldom write. I regret very much that we do not write once a week, we are always talking of this, I must say I am always very busy and lately have been put out in my work having been obliged to go to London twice, first to help with Uncle William [Cutler – Mary’s brother], then I went away to shop with her the load a letter to say come at once Aunt was very

[2]

Ill so I went and ursainer [?] another 9 days Aunt is better, but not at all well as soon as she can collect a few little debts she will I think come and live with us. It is a great pleasure for us to think you are in a new and pleasant part of the world and hope the right work does not try you. You seem to think the girls are all out but Bess remains only 3 weeks in her first place not that it was her fault the lady she went to help was ill and had to go away. Amy [illegible] two months when the family went to Bath and I would

[3]

Not let her go with them as she was subject to walk in her sleep. Bessie is now at Fordreds High Street and will not have any pay for two years, the season ticket is an expense, but she seems to be getting on very well. Amy + Florence are helping me with work but I shall find them something to do before very long as I should do better with a strong servant I think. George does not like the curate with the Father would be glad to get back

[4]

To his old place he has been suffering with tooth ache, last Saturday went to Lucas and had one out. I went with him and had one of my troublesome old stumps out. Louise is not happy with the old folks at Henley. I went there on my way from London and they are from what I saw the most trying old couple, Poor Loo says she will try and have patience. Uncle Harry [Clements – FA Pauline’s great-uncle] that gave you the knive, died last Monday of heart complaint Mrs Tom Clements [Rebecca – FA Pauline’s great aunt] died 3 weeks ago.

With kindest love and wishes, MP

[5]

Your father is as well as hard work will let him be, has been to church twice. The Rector often talks of you. Many thanks for papers. The children are well, five of them have been to church to day, hope you will be able

[6]

To read this. I must get nice thin paper. I hope to see Lizzie and Pollie Braund here on Easter Sunday. Miss Shearer went London Easter day and will go to Henley on her way back to see Louise.

[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

Tag: Lizzie Braund

Mary Cutler Paulin to FA Pauline, c1884

George Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 22 Apr 1884