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 George Macbeth to John Benjamin-1823

Dedham
June 15, 1855
Dear John,
I have just received your letter and hasten to answer.  Before you received this you will have had one from Edwin informing you of James’s conduct.  I can tell you the particulars better when I see you.  I am very sorry for your sake as well as his.  I felt grieved enough when Edwin told me and he and I went immediately up to S. Dedham and settled by paying all debts and money he took, and he is now at Bestwicks .  Edwin and I think it best to send him off to you as soon as we can get ___ and a chance next week probably. Edwin will remain here and let James take his place till you want another.  He can’t remain here.  I wish I knew your mind about it.  He thinks of going to Providence and go to turning, but I think as he has lost his place.  He had better turn for you. 
I think Mrs. Conden will go with Teansbert next week as he is going right through it.  Could be better them to go with me as I shall stop a short time at the falls, which would make it too expensive for me.   I will give her what money I can and write you the amount so that you so that you can get an order from ___ to pay her as you might to have sent it.  Otherwise he may say he never authorized you to pay her anything.  I will get her receipt if she goes with Teansbert.   She will be there most likely by Saturday night as he must be on the alert.  If she don’t go then, tell him I will do the best I can for her.  James will go at the same time. 
Your order I will send at __ with Dowse and see that they are sent.  Russell Baker & Co. have sent their order but if there is some mistake about it ___ they will ___ right off.  There is no ___ carved ___ finished.  I will try to get a place to cut three sets and bring or have __ by Edwin.  Their ___ are better than ours.  I will find out the prices of those articles, and if you want one now, write as soon as you get this and I will bring them.  There is a lot of cot canvass in the shop.  Baker will send the other desk as soon as he can get one made, and if you want any fretwork, tell me what for and how much and I will get him to send some.  He has not yet told me the price.  I suppose you are having something coming to him ___ sale of your chairs and the goods.   To help meet your expenses it would be well to make it as much of a __ business as you can. 
I shall be with you soon and mean to work like a beaver.  I hope Frank won’t get discouraged with trifles.  Be particular in sending your directions to any new place to make your __ plain.  Dorose and R.B. & Co.  had it a “W” and I made them change it. I mean in G&CU.R.R.  I don’t know as it is much matter but it is better to have things right. 
I have not received any more  ________________________ ____________________.  I will see about it tomorrow, how many have you to work for you.  There is a number here talks of going out if you should want them.  I can’t give them any answers because I don’t know as you want any for what you want.  Have you anything for Teansbert to do?  He is going hit or miss.  He is a good natural mechanic and perhaps would make you a good bedstead hand who takes care of the war room and keeps books.  Fred Griggs wants to go out there.  Billy Colburn __ just arrived tonight – he looks well and hearty. 
The octagon leg makes a very pretty   ___ table.  Try them till I can get you some carved legs.  I should think a jig saw would pay well at 50 cents an hour to outsiders.  I should think there would be a good deal to do at it for wheelwrights and carpenters and I can do it as well as the best.
I have written this in some haste as you may see for it is getting late.  I wish to get it on the way tomorrow so as to get your answer as soon as possible, so excuse it.  I will write you Sunday again when I have more leisure as I have much else to say to you.  I am sorry your little boy is so sick. I hope he may be better by this time.  My love to your wife and Mr. & Mrs. Bird and accept the same yourself. 
Yours truly,
G.W. Macbeth

1 comment:

  1. More details on getting the furniture business set up in Rockford.

    ReplyDelete