Victor Reginald Paulin letter home, nd
Fancy me writing a letter like this. I am afraid I will get brain storm.
Letter 2 [nd]
While in Waterloo Station on my way back the other day, a Canadian officer came up and asked me where he could buy a paper. I did not know as it was Sunday, and we got talking. He asked me where I came from, and I told him, so he asked me my name as he also came from Victoria. I told him, and instantly we were old friends, as it was young Gonnason, he was on leave from France and was through the same show
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that Ben and George got at with Passchendale. I told him all about Ben and we had quite a nice little talk. So nice that I nearly missed my train.
As regards to my insurance, it is a safe investment if you pay it because I will be in a position to pay it soon. From the first of this month I get 25 bob a day, but my allowances which make up the large portion of this sum were paid about ~~~~~ in arrears, so when they come through and my account gets “properly started” I will send you a draft.
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The last night I went to Zigg Zagg, a musical revue in London and enjoyed it very much. Cousin Hilda, sings very nicely if she had someone to play for her. Gracie plays a little, but not much. Gracie is married to a returned soldier with one arm, and lives across the street from her Mother. She is not nearly as nice as Hilda, she has picked up the same way of speaking as the people they been living amongst in Perry Bar (some place) and reminds me very much of Aunty Polly, always acting the goat and making faces. But there is all the differences in the world between
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the two. Well Ma, this is about the longest letter I have ever written, and as all things must have an ending, I must break off right here, simply from lack of news and brains fag.
With all kinds of love to Dad and yourself
Your affectionate son
Vic
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
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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
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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
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The 1st step in the 4th 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]
The Amazing Paulin(e) Family 