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 1, 1865 Edwin Benjamin-1833 to John Benjamin-1823

March 1, 1865
Dear John,
I suppose that a few lines will not come amiss from me.  I am somewhat surprised to this that you still have an idea that I would make a farmer, although I am glad to learn that you have so much confidence in me, for in fact, there is nothing I undertake but that I make something of it, and it might be that I would make a farmer. But the way that I look at things now-a-days, one lot in Chicago is worth a whole farm out there to me.  However, I am also glad to know that you have made good success in farming , hoping that it will always prove a success to you, for I think that it is time for you to have something after having gone through all the privations of the frontier’s life for seven years, and something over.  And I am in hopes you will always enjoy your farming, but as for me, give me Chicago and I can assure you that I can enjoy it together with my family.
I am in hopes if either renting a mill or have one of my own before long, and if I do, of course I shall improve my condition very much, although I am doing very well just now.  And I suppose that in the spring Mr. Goodwillie will want me to back to his place and will pay most any price to get me.  When I left him though that it was to my interest to do so for I rather thought that him and I was getting too well acquainted and he wanted to put more charge on me there.  I really liked to do under the circumstances, consequently I left him all good friends.  I saw him the other day and he seemed very much interested in my welfare and I was told by a friend of his that he told him he was going to get me back if he could.  And so it stands I will tell you more in my next.
From yours truly,
Edwin
We are all well hoping this will find all the same.




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