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 2,1857 Elizabeth Benjamin to John Benjamin-1823

Belvidere
June 2, 1857
My Dearest John,
I now sit me down to drop a line to you in hopes they will find you in good health as I am happy to say that we are all pretty well.  Bobby has got some diarrhea and so have I.  If I had taken some pie, I should of said that it was that, but I did not taste it, but we shall all get better after a while, I hope.    Sis has been quite lively today.  I don’t know how she will be tomorrow but I hope she will not be sick again.  I feel encouraged today for she has seemed more like herself than she has before since she was taken sick.  The woman was here today washing.    I like her work; first rate.  She had a good large wash.  She is coming here tomorrow to help me iron the street clothes for I can get along with the others myself, for I want to save all I can, dear John.  
Cheer up…….I am trying all I can to keep a stiff upper lip for there is not much more of this week yet.  Have you written to Dr. Lane?  Find out as soon as you can, for if you don’t go into business again you will get that job at Murray’s, and then we must save all we can to get ahead.  I will do my share and I am sure you will do yours, for there is nothing in this world but what I would do for my John.   I wish I could do a great deal more than I do to make you feel happier, but we must try to cheer one another up.  This world would be a dreary wilderness if it was not love for each other that cheers one on.
I don’t know how you will make this out for I have written it most all with baby on my knee.  The other children are in bed this hour or more.  My head feels a good deal better today.  My nose bled about a tea cup full this afternoon.  The woman was scared some but I don’t think it did any harm for my head has felt very bad for the last fortnight or more.  I shall leave this to finish in the morning.  Good night, dear John.
Wednesday morning, 6 o’clock.  Sis has the ague again.   How hard she will have it I don’t know.  I was in hopes she would not have it again.  I am all alone.  Rich’s girl can’t come here again.   Her mother is sewing so she has to help her and get up in the mornings. 
You write as soon as you can to me and let me know how you are getting along.
Believe me to remain your ever fond wife,
Elizabeth
The baby has a head cold.

No comments:

Post a Comment