John Benjamin was born in England in 1823. In 1849, at the age of 26, he immigrated to America with the goal of seeking opportunities in the new world and improving the life of his family. During his immigration and eventual settlement in Hutchinson, Minnesota, John saved many personal letters that were written by and to him. These letters, the subject of this web site, bring to life his immigration and the life of others during this courageous adventure. The most recent letters posted on this sight are on this front page. To see all the earlier letters, keep pressing the “Older Posts” button on the bottom of this page. The earliest letter recorded here is June 20, 1849. The letters…………









1850 Elizabeth Garner to John Benjamin-1823

The Parting
We must part and can it be,
That all is over now?
Alas, I read it in your eyes,
And on your clouded brow
And have I loved you tenderly,
And clung to you for years,
Only to part at last – and thus
In hopelessness and tears?
 
*******
Oh! Wherefore go to distant lands
Oh! Wherefore thus depart
Will all the gold they promise you
Be worth one faithful heart
Not all the jewels of the East
For me such chances will know
As one kind look or tone of love
Then wherefore should you go.
 
*******
If you but seek to see me gay,
I know a gentle bloom
Will twine amid my dark brown hair
All beauty and perfume;
Then wander not to distant lands,
In search of gold or gem
With stars in heaven and flowers with us
What do we want with them?
 
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Tis strange that dreams like this should come
To cloud your manly heart
To suffer pain or poverty,
Do anything - but part;
Then wander not to distant lands
In search of gold or gem;
With stars in heaven and flowers with us
What do we want with them?

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