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 14,1857 George Macbeth to John Benjamin-1823

Rockford
June 14th, 1857
Mr. Benjamin,
Dear sir, I send you today the deed which I have just got from Derrick.  The charge is one dollar.  I have sold the stamp for $2.50 to Mr. Smith and paid Dickerman $1.45, which you bid, keeping the $1.05.  You can collect the charge on the deed and keep the amt., which will make all square and I will give you the five cents when I see you.  This will avoid sending money either way. Day Breasted & Co. are now in the corner & some hurry bought the back building at $75, agreeing to replace everything  as we sent it from Robertson. Taking all our responsibilities on ­­­­____, we are well rid of that.  The turning is all sold.  The machinery and lumber remain yet.  I’m out since Monday doing nothing and __ come to do much.
Ballard has not been over yet.  His bill must be looked up soon and also Edwin’s.   Dickerman was questioning me about it the other day.   Are you still at work at the mill in Beloit?  I thought of going to Chicago, but after paying Robertson, what ____ have been paid in April, I haven’t enough to go there with.  Besides, I am too lame.  You must try and be _____ for me in July as I shall be completely under ____.  I must pay something or else he won’t extend as one note has been extended already.
Your box of tools are at my house.  Dickerman has the key to the ___ house so that I can’t get the other things.  And he is such a damn jackass that I can’t get anything from him.  He is mighty religious about our business except when he wants something himself.   He has the books at the bank.
Write me in receipt of this that I may know that the deed has been received, and also how you are getting along.  If Robert Williams wants any of that machinery, he had better come over and see it and select.  Hurry up Ballard.
Yours best,
Geo. W. Macbeth




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