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…………

Oct 16, 1866 Edwin Benjamin-1833-to John Benjamin-1823

Chicago
Oct. 16, 1866
Dear Elizabeth,
I received John’s letter last Friday night.  I can assure you that we were very sorry to learn that he was one of the unfortunate and had to go to the support of the government.  I suppose that he is away by this.   I am sorry that he did not provide for this long ago.  For instance, about the time the draft was to take place he could have gone and worked for the government by the day and gotten from $3.50 to $5.00 per day.  I have been offered $5.00 to work for them and for him of course he could have done just as well.  But for all this it is now too late and for my part I don’t know what to do for him, and in regard to coming to your place this winter and staying any time at all, it would almost be impossible.   I am now taking charge of one of the largest mills in Chicago and I have got from 50 to 60 men and boys to work under me all the time, and so you can see that I have some work to do cannot leave it very well.  It’s not a very easy matter to get a person that is capable of taking charge of all the machinery in such a place as this, and I can assure you that if I was gone six months that Mr. Goodwillie would stop the mill entirely.  Now when I am gone any day he is all but like a mad man and the men will not stay at all when I am gone.  You must write and let me know what you are doing and how you are getting along.   I suppose that John will write to me soon.
I must close for the present in love to you all and Frances, Hattie, Richard sends their respects to you and also sympathizes with you in your trouble.
From your affectionate brother,
Edwin
 
Dear Aunt,
I write these few lines hoping to find you all well as it leaves me very well at present.  I am very sorry about Uncles John’s having to go to the army and wish I could do anything in your war, but I suppose I cannot so there is no help for it.  I am glad to tell you we have had a letter from home and they say they have not had a letter from you this long while and don’t know what the reason is, and I am sorry to tell you that mother has been very sick.
I must conclude for the present with best respects to you all.  And this in haste from your affectionate nephew,
Richard

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