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…………









Dec. 13, 1863 Edwin Benjamin-1833 to John Benjamin-1823

Chicago, Dec. 13th, 1863
Dear John,
Your letters were all duly received.  I was sorry to learn that you was not coming to Chicago this winter.  I can’t say for my heart how it was you could have changed your mind so quick.  I had one of the best chances for you that any brother could offer another under the circumstances.  You might have worked yourself into businesses that you would be far better off than you have been since went to Hutchinson.  Of course, I am not aware how well and how much you made since you went away to the wilderness, away from everybody.  If it was a lack of money that keeped you from coming, I told you in my last to let me know what amount it would take to pay your expenses here; I should send it.  Perhaps you may think that I was working for my own interest and not so much for yourself.  I am now getting one thousand dollars/$1,000 per year and my fire wood.  And of course I am working for the interest of my employer to the best of my judgment and thought that by getting you here I still was advancing his interest as well yourself.   And now I am sorry that it has turned out as it has.  But enough of this until I hear from you again.
We have about fifty men to work in the mills at present and the prospects are that we will have more.  I sent that man form Belvidere that was in business with me there, if recollect his name was Cohoon, and he is working the machinery upstairs. 
No more at present, hoping that this will find you all well as I am happy to say that we are all well at present.
From yours truly,
Edwin


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