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 29, 1869 Edwin Benjamin-1833 to John Benjamin-1823


Chicago

August 29, 1869

Dear Brother & Sister,

I suppose that I ought to have written to you before this, but I have so much to do that I don’t have time to write or anything else just now.  We are very busy at present although business was very dull all summer, but has improved some considerably since the first of this month.   I suppose that ere this you are aware that Willie Wait was here to see me and he said he would get a pass to Clinton and wanted money to take him as far as your place, so I gave him $11 (eleven) and he started from here on evening of the 19th and I suppose that if he intended to go to Hutchinson that he is there before this.  I will not say anything more at present.  I want to know if he is at your place.  I am very doubtful of him. 

I got two papers from Dedham a week ago, I suppose from Price.  There is a friend of his here in our shop that used to work with him there and he wrote to him and told him that I was here and sent him one of our cards. 

I don’t know that I told you that I was in Cincinnati some time ago.  If not let me know and I will tell you the result of the same.   If our business continues to improve and if so I can I may come to see you this fall although you must not take this as a promise for fear I may not, but still I may.  For if I take a fit I will start in one hour and so it goes.  I should like very much for you to come here for several reasons which I won’t give here, and I think that it is too bad for you to be tied to such a place that you can’t come and see what is going on.   I don’t think you would be any the loser by it.  I think that it would promote health, wealth, happiness and long life.  I mean this.

John, must excuse me for being so brief.  I will promise to do better the next time .  As soon as you get this write and let me know if Willie came to see you. 

Richard and all of my folks unite in love to you all.

Yours truly,

Edwin


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