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…………

Feb. 28,1855 Joseph Garner-1826 to John Benjamin-1823

Holywell
February 28, 1855
Dear Brother Sister,
I have received the enclosed letter a short time ago from Flint, which I enclose with mine.  Your letter I duly received and I doubt my health would not allow me to change climate.  As it is things are bad enough.  Have taken of my last illness and a few other losses.  I am now brought to the brink of despair to fight my way.  My capital is much less and to give up would only be my ruin.  My late wife’s relatives are very kind to me but to ask assistance is heart breaking to me.  I have weathered many storms and I have hopes to weather this also; that is if my health holds out.  Otherwise I can’t say what will become of me.
We have had an unusual cold winter as it’s the first ___ in weeks which has __ most regretfully are our ___. Now however the frost has gone and we look forward to some reaction.
I hope you are all quite well although we seem to say that America feels the declines of trade as I can give you no good account of any being here. 
I conclude and hope I shall be able to hold up a lighter picture the next time I write.  I don’t know whether I mentioned in my last that our servant died here.  I have some idea that my house cannot be healthy.  Write and let me hear from you soon.  My love to you all and remain,
Your afct brother,
Joseph Garner  


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