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…………









March 21, 1864 Asa Hutchinson to John Benjamin-1823

March 21st, 1864
Friend Benjamin,
I wish you would have a lively interest in some of the New Englanders that will probably be coming to Minnesota this spring.  If Capt. George H. Swain comes, please show him all the advantages of the new country.  He has but limited means, has an excellent wife and 2 children and desires to secure a home in the west.  He will help me some in building when we come. That was done with the tops of the lumber cut.   Could I not have some wood seasoning out of them.  Did Mr. Luckes make fence out of any fallen trees. 
Please write me what seeds, plants, kind of dry goods  and groceries it would pay to bring out.  What are the prices, etc.
I shall bring out shoes or boots .  Don’t let any comers go away for lack of a  place to settle when there are so many .  You will confer a farmer by writing me a general letter directed to 6 Wall St. N York at earliest moment. I shall probably not go out till middle of May.
Regards to you friend & believe me,
Truly yours,
Asa B. Hutchinson


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