Mary Cutler Paulin to her son Frederick, 18 April 1883

Letter from Mary Cutler Paulin to Frederick Paulin, 18 April 1883

Acock’s Green

April 18^th/83

My dear Fred,

I feel [illegible] that we have not written to you before this but you will have had letters from the Bordesley folks, all we have thought of is looking for letters from you. Nancy thinks for them we could last help feeling very [illegible] about you it was such terrible matter the [illegible] of March and altogether we are getting frigid and the wind is very cold, your father is better but is bothered as usual with business – we think you must have suffered [illegible] no board that terrible [illegible] hope with may be repaid for all it

[2]

Will be a long time before you feel settled or comfortable and we do trust you will folks keep well we keep having colds here, no cry has colds Miss Shearman is getting better but looked very ill for three weeks after [illegible] left but kept to her duties poor girl, she says why did you go from all your best friends we only wish we were with you we should not much how rough it was. Your father has been getting seeds garden, George has worked being well too Saturdays he is getting £1 per week now [illegible] will be able

[3]

To manage. I must try and let some news Uncle William writes he is passing his bill in the House of Lords commuted yesterday will send my dividend the end of the week. Grandpa sent £5 unknown to Grandma because copperman is so long lending the tent, very kind poor old gentleman. Mrs Grant so as here yesterday looking very well for her letter I have [illegible] I went to see her with your first letter – Lizzie and Polly came on & after Sunday and staid till Monday evening they were both pretty well but we [illegible]

[4]

Right since you left – I have it a busy long time getting use to your absence. Papa says you have done quite right to go and he wishes he was with you. I think Birmingham will soon be blown up. A parcel coming from Auntie Bessie this week. Louise is very busy getting ready to go. We have sending you kind enquiries after you kind see take greater interest in the postman. [illegible] with united love and kindest wishes now and after Mother

Who is Who:

Nancy – no idea

Miss Shearman – Miss Louise Shearman ran a private school in Acock’s Green, in the 1890 s she boarded young George Rutherford when he was a student

Mrs Grant – no idea

Grandpa and Grandma – George and Sarah Paulin, resident in Henley-on-Thames

Uncle William – Mary’s brother William Henry Cutler, who at the time was fighting the government over their takeover of the Windsor and Eton Waterworks, a Cutler family business he inherited when their father died in 1842

Aunt Bessie – Mary’s paternal aunt Elizabeth Cutler Bennison (1806-1887)

Lizzie – no idea

October 26, 2020 0

George Paulin (Sr) to his granddaughter Polly Paulin, 1893

Letter from George Paulin to his granddaughter Marion (Polly) Paulin, 15 March 1893

Henley on Thames

5 Queen Villas

March 15, 1893

My Dear Polly

I was very glad to receive your letter. I was much troubled with the thought you were all in some way afflicted. I was glad to see Mr Goodwin to hand you were all pretty well. I hope before your receive this he will have return in safety. My wife is still unable to be received from her bed, she is tolerably in health but quite unable to use her legs. I am so very glad that all your family are so blessed with the spirit of affection to their parents and keep themselves from the evil temptations of the wicked spirit. May the Blessed spirit of our Redeemer rest in their hearts, that they may all prosper in their endeavors to obtain prosperity in their honest exertions in their various occupations.

Mr Rutherford said his children were both well, and he was more resigned at his great loss which we all ought to be for the dear one is gone to rest from all anxieties and great labour to which she was

[2]

Not strong enough to sustain. I should like to see you all again, but the distance is so great, and the expense so heavy that any anticipation is quite unlikely to be carried out. So we must wait till we shall all meet together with our Saviour + Redeemer

Our winter was a very sharp and severe one from Nov to end of Jan frost of 24 degree:

With regards to the trustee, I think it will be better to let the matter rest until the death of Mr Cutler as it will save a great expense at the present time as his executor will see to it. I pretty well know the lawyer they would make all sorts of obstacles to increase the length of their bill for “letter” “Journey” “Addressing” “Consultation” [illegible] I suppose all the deeds of the two houses and the settlement are in his or friends in safe custody but in the event of his death his executors are responsible for these productions.

I think he has got himself bound to a schemer of a wife. The idea of her leaving him and going abroad!

[3]

I cannot tell you that my health and strength is as it used to be. I suffer from lung complaint and old age. But I am thankful that my intellect is as strong as ever, to transact my business affairs in the household, and to be able to render assistance to my afflicted wife, which takes away from me much cheerfulness. Mr Goodwin told me that Jack was helping him. We had the photo of Fred, wife and Child, and Mr Goodwin thought we had rec one of his children, but we hadn’t. He saw the one of his wedding in our bed room by the side of our dear Louise’s wedding photo. All the houses are sold No 1.2.3 in Jan, No 4 to Mr Fuller, No 5 and No 6 to myself. I should very much like you to see them, they will all look very nice. The trees in front of my house are all very pretty. Mr Fuller next door No 4 cut his trees down which Mr Bennett said was very unwise. But I think

[4]

It makes my houses look better and separate. There is one thing I often think that my wife being such an invalid that if I am unfortunate to be unable to help myself I shall be left to myself no one to have any interest for me. Mr Bennett 250 miles and yourselves 5000 miles away. I keep on writing but I must soon stop. So with my love to yourself and Fred and all your family from

Yours Very affectionately

George Paulin

I am afraid you will find it difficult to read this medley

I thought the enclosed evening primrose seed might [illegible] in your garden. So I enclose a few seeds. I expect they will not blossom this year, if they come up. There is one sunflower seed.

Who is Who:

George Paulin – Frederick Paulin’s father

Mr Bennett – George Bennett, husband of Sarah Paulin, and daughter of George Paulin

Mr Rutherford – husband of Louise Paulin. This letter refers to their two children George and Louise

Mr Goodwin – I don’t know who he is

Mr Fuller – one of the people to purchase houses built by George, called the Queen’s Villas, in Henley-on-Thames

My wife – George’s wife Sarah Clements, and mother of Frederick and Sarah Paulin. Unsure why she is refered to in such impersonal terms to Polly (Marion) as this is her grandmother.

Mr Cutler is Mary Cutler Paulin’s brother William Henry Cutler, who was very ill at this time. He died in 1895.

October 20, 2020 0

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, 28 Dec 1887

Acock’s Gree, Dec 28^th 1887

Dear Fred

I find your very kind contribution by PO has not yet been acknowledged. It came quite safely opportunely and was very much appreciated. We had a cheque from grandpa and an useful amount from WH Cutler so that we were in a money most well provided for and with cash we could and did provide a liberal amount of creature comforts for discussion amongst the remaining section of your family who yet linger in the old country. The Xmas day here Sunday was fairly clear and a shade frosty. Our vicar preached a suitable sermon we had an advanced scheme in the choir seats and the service was altogether a successful one including some 50 communicants. At the next stage, the dinner at home the old customs were duly observed and honored, roast beef + plum pudding in a blaze of blue, so fiery that the sprig of holly had to be retire immediately the many expressions of regard for friends afar were heard in the orthodox manner and such features as I have respond to closed in upon our Xmas

Feast of 1887. Where will the next be eaten? A great display of fruits emblematic of distant lands then duly appeared as dessert the kingly prize of course had the centre and attracted considerable attention + has much admired: the bananas, grapes, figs, peach, plums, mangos, apples +c clustered around the kingly pins and bid not unsuccessfully for a share of patronage. The vintage too claimed some considerable patronage and got it. The old port as well as the old brandy equally acknowledged this not so equally received in acquaintance with the palette. The fragrant Lowena as well as the growth of ther cherries known as the weed start up their wrath circling in graceful recognition of our best festivities and so we work out the hour until twilight lots us we most now turn an after [illegible] to production of china or assam of course on the occasion all more obliging and amiable and thus we welcomed I may say the emblems

Of countries over the pacific. You will gather from these not so that with our minds anxiously recurring to past history in our family and with hearts wish more now removed from us (for how long?) we tried to make merry and it is likely we succeeded at least the younger members say so. Our party was on own and with aunt co that we were unadulterated! May I say so? Louise came over on Monday, day before yesterday, to put 3 or 4 hours with us and is very well. I am pleased to tell you your Mama says she has a little dislike to the Xmas fare as ever in fact she believes it agrees with her. I share that belief – I am happy to say we are pretty well and beyond a slight divergence in feeling the stomachs seem almost as well as usual. We had a card and a note from Bessie a day or two since. She writes cheerfully + says tall things of Brooklyn.

And this is cheering to us. Her address is 449 Dean St Brooklyn, until she moves again. Mama says you will she is in some excuse her writing to you more frequently, she is hoping to write soon, and she dwells upon the prospect of you coming over some time next year. I am canvassing as usual for an Hindustani Journal, printed in Hindoo, and my time is spent mostly in Lancashire + Yorkshire. It is stiff business now trade is so queer still we are getting along it may be worse. The old folks at Henley write that they are well. Yours has been the only letter lately – we should like to hear from the others – my time is so taken up + I would write to each, please convey the sentiments in this to each and ask them to accept the cordial good wishes from home and we write in the wish of continued good health and all prosperity from

Your affectionate father.

Mother’s love and many thanks

[end]

CHEAT SHEETS

WH Cutler is Mary Cutler Paulin’s brother.

The old folks in Henley is reference to the Frederick’s parents George and Sarah Paulin.

Unsure which Aunt stayed with them for Christmas – his sister likely spent her Christmas with her family in Derby, and Mary’s surviving sister likely was with her family in Streatham. It could be a great-aunt which could be from either side of the family. It is unclear.

Louise was not married at this time, but is clearly not living at home.

September 22, 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

Letter from Frederick Paulin to his son FA Pauline, 16 Apr 1883

Acock’s Green, Birm Ap 16 1883

My dear Fred

We have received your 2 letters, 1 from Portland after the pcard from Belfast + the other Ex Chicago date 31 March. By this time we hope you are settled in Winnipeg and that you find it an improvement on Chicago and approving + encouraging for the future. By this post comes 2 Henley ado to you like to look through them. The Brooklyn came to grief within a few hours of leaving Portland on her way back with bilged plates on a ledge of rocks + was logged, she may be got off again, divers at work on the wreck. We are having a dry time here and some rain will be most acceptable the ground is dry as an ash heap. Trolb is shifting about in his tactics and things do not look hopeful, he has cut me down to impossible commission which will necessitate some change. Ernest + George have started in lodgings today in town off the Bristol Road, this will be I hope satisfactory all round. The choir were pleased to hear you had reached Chicago, so far on your road to your destination. Mrs Braund have been over her to tea + spend a few homes today she is well and all are anxious for your next letter. I have found a suitable (I think)place for Louise at Swansea to teach 3 little boys and make herself useful between whiles + got on the 26^th inst. I have sent the box of books cards +c such a handsome lot back to Sutton’s which arrived a day after you had gone. I wrote Sutton’s that it had come too late and they returned a very nice letter of regret +c that it had not been in time. They are at TJ+Co pretty miserable I hear, M Charles trying his best to make times very uncomfortable. Mr Smith appears worried and misses you both very much. The Henley folks are well. We heard two days ago. I forgot to add Suttons will send you out another box of papers books +c whenever you wish it – your Mother + Louise will write you perhaps in this,

From your very affectionate father.

September 14, 2020 0

Frederick Paulin Sr to his son Frederick A Pauline, 19 Sep 1884

Henley Lodge, Acock’s Green

Friday, September 19^th 1884

My Dear Fred,

As I am delayed at home this week by an expressed infirmity in my knee which has before now as you remember slowed me in a similar manner this day reminds me that it will be well employed in sending you a letter in which we write in wishing you existing good health and prosperity and the usual many happy returns of the day – begins 23 years since to be emphasized as your natal day and the second during that period on which we have had to submit to your absence from the family circle at home. The query intuitively arises shall we have to celebrate another 19^th Sep without you? We hope not, for we are in a quiet sort of way respecting to day by an united remembrance of you, and sealing our good wishes with the stamp of the goblet – and we almost fancy we catch your thoughts reciprocating what we are doing, we also fancy you are drawing a dearly defined mental picture of the “old folks at home” and your several fondly attached brothers and sisters. By the time this reaches you the day I am now underlining so to speak will have gone its way into oblivion but the reference herein will I feel sure call if

[2]

Again for one brief comparison of the sentiments connected with it and how far they were identical with us and with yourself- space cannot annihilate their mysterious interchange of mental imagery – if is could if would be too cruel. Your letters well express the existence of this mental telephone as we trust ours do to you, especial the letter as we frequently confess amongst so many here, there should be no lack of evidence of its confirmed use at home. I fear your bits in comes sketches illustrating sketching and fishing will neither be personally enjoyed nor illustrated by me this season, much as I should like either, my time is truly occupied in finding and bringing grist for the mill which latter arrangement seems to be increasingly exacting in its requirements and occasionally sets me tasks not too easily done or got rid of. I am thinking it is about the time you will return from the Skeena to Fort Victoria and your former vocation there, and hoping that the change has been in every way satisfactory to you.

[3]

We are entering the autumn season rapidly but under agreeable auspices as regards the weather which is very fine and occasionally still hot. We have had a remarkably favourable summer and harvest time even quite a return to us of the seasons long ago which we have been saying for some time has changed for good. The farmer has been jubilant with the prospects, but he has had to suffer disappointment again by the very unremunerative prices which the produce brings him owing to the glut from the Indian and American sources. The quality is exceptionally fine and the customary growls in the pews are to be daily met with at the price of bread in proportion to the low price of wheat – we have a capital crop of potatoes in our garden called “inagumm hommins” and they deserve the title, I have found over 20 to a root, fine tubors too. Your apple aces have made fair growth two being respectively 3 and 4 feet high whilst the third cannot discover the way to grow yet, and continues very wee.

[4]

Aunty Paulin is gone to Henley for a few days and thence she intends proceeding to London to see some old friends, she seems much better in health since she has come out of London. Louise goes next Monday to “the National Provincial asocial” in High Street Birm. In the Fruit and Italian Dept which she seems glad of – she has been long trying to acquire once more some degree of independence. The boys continue as before, whilst Florence and Amy daily attend Miss Boston’s in the Village to pursue a knowledge of dress making and we have not heard from Henley very lately but Mrs Swinburne who called a few days since informed us the Dr was very pleased with a nice letter he received from you. Some complaints or fault findings are now appearing weekly in a local obscure paper of the services, person, choir, organist + al St Mary’s but as I hear they are anonymous they do not attract us. We are all pretty well tho’ I should like your mother to feel stronger

From your very affectionate Father.

August 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

Letter to Frederick Pauline from his father, 10 Aug 1888

[Illegible] Friday Aug 10 [1888]

Dear Fred

The poo for $10 arrived safely and this morning. It has also been paid over to Louise which she will acknowledge to you of course. She has been luck in the way of gifts, money as well as various articles more or less decorative and useful. The wedding went off I think in every way satisfactorily there was every thing the company or the newly married needed or could require and then to the club on Wednesday last so that they had 18 days holiday chiefly at Tynemouth in fishing boating we have not let the house

Yet though several inquisitorial people have replied to my advertisement- property at [illegible] is just now a drop in the market. There are many properties unlet at the same time the speculative builder is busy – Matthews the overseer tells me that owing to the above state of things AG in a clog upon the parochial balance sheet. This is is considered a temporary state only and will probably quickly recover itself. I wrote you some time since the letter any how should be with you before now saying we were all coming in the Lake Superior steamer tine to Montreal and thence to

You via CPR. We have Lpool this day fortnight on the 24 sail. So [illegible] we shall reach Montreal [illegible] about the 2^nd Sept where we hope to meet with Bessie. I have instructed her so far as possible what to do and sent her £2 POO to pay her rail to Montreal from Brooklyn. I hope she will have no difficulty in the matter. I have Royal Insurance introduction to Ward of Victoria also the Butins private card to Mr Turner, and [illegible] in

Also now in Birmi port to manufacture &c saying I am going to BC and could negotiate an agency or hrs &c but the time is yet young for any replies. I am bringing some cheap canvasses in oil, some scenes & C for spec and if they “go” I have arranged for a regular supply. We are bringing a coat for Leonard Philips which his ma has sent for enclosure, but we are not yet decided what to do for you and in the way of clothes. I have two handsome waistcoat pieces that I am expecting to get mended up for you if I can manage the size though Powell. Grandpa sends you a pipe by me – we are very fully occupied in completing arrangements for our journey which I [illegible] start will be safely completed + consummated in our writing again – we bring photos of wedding group and our love to all and from your affectionate Father.

[Cheat Sheet: The letter did not have a year, but Louisa Mary Paulin married Robert Rutherford on the 21 July 1888.

The Ship SS Lake Superior Beaver Line was the ship that they had booked passage to Montreal –

Interesting to note that Bessie was in Brooklyn and would meet the family in Montreal before they went on to Victoria. I will look into this.]

August 12, 2020 0

Letter to Frederick A Paulin from his father, 18 Aug 1884

August 18^th 1884

My Dear Fred

I am afraid the letters to you have not been so numerous as they should have been lately. It is not for want of my telling your brothers to do so, if the letters have been few or scarce you may depend – we have not heard of you since Dr S informed me he had received a letter from you in which you said you were well. We are anxiously looking for a letter daily from you and trust it will soon arrive telling us you are still well and any other news you may have to write about. We have a grand spell of truly harvest weather, the heat is unusual, some days have been tropical, and the farmer is looking up cheerfully at the prospect, and he needs all the help the weather can give to him. Trade, will that which is called so is as bad as it well can be. I as in Sheffield last week and the old traders there say it never was so wretchedly unremunerative as business

Is there at the present time. I still begging away at the British Mercantile Gazette which produces a fitful return. On the whole up to now it has not been so bad. The advertising process is however in every way affected of course by the state of trade, and as August is the month between the seasons – a sort of off time in the calendar it is just now difficult to keep the ship moving, whilst the expenses of home do not diminish as the members severally increase in size and years. The garden is well stocked, the peas were very fine, ditto broad beans, the runners are not quite ready but the potatotes are clean healthy and good size and most of the spaces filled in with [illegible] produce. The flower garden secondary in importance, has yielded us a goodly show the roses are nice and the cardinal gladioli are now brilliant and beautiful. We are pretty well. And Mrs Paulin is still with us. Louise has returned from Henley and is looking out again to assume an independence of home and thus make one less to lean on the exchequer. Geo keeps to McLelland and Ernest to Wright and Brothers. I never see ant of the Collins’ people so do not know how poor Smith is, but spose he is driving along well as he can. The “Green” is much the same. I don not remember a new feature to record and the Choir makes no progress, we are one principally a stagnant composition. Great stirring is now the order in the political world, parliament is prorogued until Oct when the franchise Bill is to be again sent up to the Lords, who will doubtless reject it again, if without the redistribution scheme. Lord Randolph Church holds a foremost place in future conservatism and if he lives

Is destined to lead the party. He is a powerful speaker and agreeable to hear because of his moderately paced delivery without hesitation or trip. The organization of the Conservative party is being perfected throughout the country and will, whenever the general election comes, make a goodly show. A young man who was with you in Deritend Factors Warehouse met me a few days ago and wished to be remembered to you. He is at Martinson & Smiths. I see by the papers today Hanlan has been beaten in Australia by 7 lengths. I do not remember anything else to say so will finish with the hope that you are alright and that we shall soon hear from you soon

Your very affectionate Father

This goes with one from your Mother.

[Cheat Sheet: Mrs Paulin is likely Frederick Paulin Sr’s mother Sarah Clements Paulin. Hanlan is Ned Hanlan the Canadian rower see here for more information on him ]

August 10, 2020 0