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…………









August 23,1857 Edwin Benjamin-1833 to Elizabeth Benjamin


Belvidere

August 23, 1857

Dear Elizabeth,

I have delayed writing to you till now for I have been expecting come up all the time, but I haven’t had any time to as yet.  We are keeping house here and have been since the 5th of this month and I have been very busy.  While washing the house, painting and paper it too.

I was sued for $65 here last week.  I had my name to a note that White gave a man here in town and I had forgot all about it.   I haven’t paid it yet. I don’t know what to do about it.  They parties got a judgment against me for the amount and I suppose if I have anything they will take it.  White hasn’t said a word to me since I’ve been here. 

I haven’t been to Rockford yet, but I shall as soon as I have any money to have the things down here so as I can send them away.  I shall send you $1.00 in this letter which is all the money I have at present with the exception of some change.  I should send you more if I have it.  Frances wants me to give you an order on Allen for that $3.00 by the way.  I think I will and you can give to someone to get it for you. 

I am very sorry that Robert Williams went away the way he did.  But he is as mean as I always thought he was.  When I come up I shall bring the letter he wrote to me and let you see it.  I have done as much for him as wish to and he never thanks me for it.

I shall write you again middle of the week and I may go to Rockford.     I am going to write to John this week.

Yours truly,

Edwin

Frances wants me tell you that she never felt so well as she has since she has been down here.  She walked home and back the other day.

Edwin
 
 



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