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 16, 1868 Richard Jones-1850 to John Benjamin-1823


Dear Uncle,

I received your letter and was very glad to hear that you and family were all well as I am happy to inform you that I am enjoying the best of health at present. 

I am glad to hear that you have your farm ready for spring work.  I have written a letter home about two weeks ago but I have not received one in a long while.  And as to Uncle James whereabouts, I know nothing about him though I have enquired about him in every letter I have written home, but cannot learn anything about him, so I guess they don’t know anything about him at home.  But he is married for he was married as I understood to an Irish woman before I left home, and took his children with him to Liverpool.  Then I heard he left Liverpool and came to America, and that is the last I knew of him, but I hope I shall hear something of him before long. 

I think that Uncle Edwin will do pretty well this season in the mill business.  One of the partners has withdrawn since the first of January so they have the concern between two now.   That big saw is doing splendid work.

I hope you will come here to see us in the fall.  I’ve got fifteen dollars ($15) saved to send home, which I intend to send as soon as I can get it from Uncle Edwin. 

I have nothing particular to say about myself so I must conclude for the present, with kind regards to you all. 

From your affectionate,

Richard

PS – Write soon and also let my cousin write and tell me all about your country.
R



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