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…………

June 15,1855 Edwin Benjamin-1833 to John Benjamin-1823

Dedham, Mass
June 15, 1855
Dear John,
You will be sorry to hear what occurred here Tuesday last, as I am sorry to say two men from south Dedham came here to see me on Wednesday evening about 6 o’clock and told me that James had been taken money from a widow woman that lived in the same house that he board in the sum of $10, as I am sorry to say they Everetts took him.  I promised to be up there early the next morning.  Well, I and Macbeth went up and we met Price coming down after me.  We stopt [sic] and talk for about an hour, and so we went up to the shop and there (I am sorry to tell you) was James sitting down in the counting room as a prisoner.  Price begged of them not to send him to jail and so, after we talked there a long while, they would let him off on one condition, that was that I should clear all the bills and he should leave the town immediately, and we concluded to send him out to Rockford on Monday next, and so you may expect him there soon (I wish I knew your mind on this matter). 
I shall you they found out it that was him that took the money.  I have no time at present for I must mail this letter this morning 8 o’clock.  I hardly know what to say to you.  I haven’t sleept [sic] any for two nights.  I cryed all night Wednesday night.  I did not know what to do.  James has told me good many whrong [sic] storrys [sic].   Lately he has hired to teams to go all over everywhere about.  He would have a horse and chese [sic] about every other night, which would cost $1 or 2 all the time, and so I had to pay for them beside paying the man boarded with, and then Dr. Fog for his arm that has got brity [sic] well at present.
You will be very anxious to hear the particulars.  I shall write on Sunday next and tell you all about it. 
I hope that all is well.
Edwin Benjamin
Excuse my mistakes.   I am in great hurry to get this in the post office this morning.   EB


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