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…………









Jan. 29, 1865 Edwin Benjamin-1833 to John Benjamin-1823

Chicago
Jan. 29, 1865
Dear Brother & Sister,
I received your letter last Thursday.  I was glad to hear from you all but it appears that you did not get my last letter before you wrote.  But I suppose you must have received it before this.  Consequently, I need not make any excuses here for I am sure I made enough in that. 
This morning business has given me considerable trouble in one way or other.  Since I have been here I have been called on to take charge of two other large mills here.  Mr. Goodwillie’s brother was here yesterday for the third time after me to go and take charge of his mill, and offers me most any pay I am a mind to ask for.  I told him I could not go at present and he offered me $25.00 to do down one day this week and fix one of his planers.  I think of going Tuesday if I can get away to do so.  And a Mr. Stevens wants me this spring to take charge of his mill, which is one of the largest mills in Chicago.  He has an engine of a hundred and twenty horse power in it and you can judge for yourself how much of a mill it is. And so I had no need to without a job a great while at a time. I don’t know but I shall think after a while that I am considerably of a smart little man.  You know that I had a good deal of confidence in myself.  Some persons say now that I am amongst the best machinists in the west, which I don’t turn my back to any of them on a steam engine or, in fact, anything else in shape of a machine kind.  Well, enough of this.
I had a letter from Isaiah Jones; he used to work at Pentre Mills.  His father and mother lived In that little house opposite the mill, which you will very well remember.  He got my address from Flint.  He is in Leavenworth, Kansas and wants some turners.  His letter is not of much interest or else I would send it to you, though he says that old Mr. Gardner died about or near the first of Dec. last. 
As soon as I get a little time to go down in the city I will endeavor to comply with Elizabeth’s request.  In regard to the draft, I suppose that  I am  just as liable to the draft as anyone is, but I escaped the last one and I don’t but what I may this.  But we have a society here to protect any one from the draft by paying in to the association $25.00 and they will clear you of the draft. 
I must close for the present in love to you all and hoping this will find you all well as I am happy to say that this leaves us quite well.
Yours truly,
Edwin

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