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…………









April 10, 1864 Edwin Benjamin-1833 to John Benjamin-1823

Chicago, April 10th, 1864
Dear John,
I received you letter some time and was just asking Frances if I have answered it or not.  But I am of the opinion that I hadn’t.  However, it no matter, I am very apt to forget such things now-a-days and so you must excuse me.
I wrote a letter home two weeks ago today.  I should send a little money home, if gold was not so high.  It takes a pile of money to get a little and of course I thought it would be better for me to wait and send this summer sometime. 
I think I told you of my resawing machine.  Since then I have got up the frame, but not the machinery. It will take some time yet before I shall have it done.  I don’t have time but to do a little at a time and consequently it takes time to accomplish my ideas.   I should like very much to have you here to draught for me and, by the way, what have you done with those draughting [sic] tools that you had.  If you have no use for them I should like to borrow them or buy them either. 
I have had some idea of late to send you some money to buy some land, but perhaps I could not hold it without making some improvement s on it.  You will please make some enquiries.  It will not be until fall before I should be able to do so. 
I have been to Belvidere last week, that is last Sunday, and I had all my stuff that I had left there shipped to Chicago.  I think of selling my shop or taking it down and bringing it here on the car.  That would cost something. 
Hattie wants me to send her love to her cousin.  She is getting along very nicely now and hopes that you are all well.  She is very much intersected in coming out to Minnesota.  Frances will write to you about this.
From yours truly,
Edwin

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