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…………









July 5,1857 John Benjamin-1823 to Elizabeth Benjamin

Saint Paul, Minnesota
July 5, 1857
My Dear Elizabeth,
You will most likely be looking for a line from me sometime this week as I am detained here until tomorrow __ __ at 10 o’clock.  I embrace the opportunity to drop a line to you hoping that it will find you and the children all quite well.  I have had a most ___ passage this far.  Arrived here at 1 o’clock today.  As to giving you any description of the country I have passed through, I shall reserve until I get to my journey’s end, which I expect to reach about Friday ___ if nothing happens.   I expect to right through from Henderson to Hutchinson with a man that is going there with a team from Henderson & whom I have met here on board of the boat.  He has lived there for three months back.  He likes there very much.  He came down here for something and is going up tomorrow on this boat. 
Tell Edwin that I did not go to Harvard for there was not certainty of my finding Judge Agers at home so Hawk thought I had better not go there.   I have been trying to hunt up Mr. Webb of south Dedham who Ballard told me was here in the furniture business.  I have not found him.  They (the other furniture dealers) tell me he is not here so I give it up.  This town is built upon a rock about 70 ft. above the river & has the appearance of being a very thriving town.
Give my love to the children, Mr. Robert & Edwin & his wife.
Affectionately yours,
John 
in haste
On board steamer leaving Miss River, St Paul
 

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