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…………









April 13, 1871 Asa Hutchinson to John Benjamin-1823

Owatonna, Minn
April 13, 1871
Dear Dr.,
Friend Case writes me that Mr. McKinsey is helping him in the spring work .   Can’t you find a better boy?   I don’t care to have him on my premises in my absence.  I don’t want the farm turned into a “reform school” unless I am there to look after the rogues.  I wish Frank well but don’t’ want him on the farm .  I don’t want any unpleasantness with John McKinsey so please send a boy in his stead that will not be an eye servant.  I want to settle all my _____ to you and have you give a willing ear.   Then first relieve Frank by an approved boy.   Our German Frank is a good boy .   I have engaged him at what was thought a fair price by John S.  Melvin who had seen him work through the winter . 
Mr. Case writes that the interested neighbors think my business needs their attention.   Think he is working to cheap and tell him so.  If you find any such crackers I wish you would short them off.   If my business is meddled with by outsiders I will pull up stakes and sell out the whole interest there in ___ & leave.   We are struggling to help ourselves in the community where we have located but we can’t meddled with our have our friends with whom we are at peace tampered with and ___.  I want you to make a visit of observation at earliest moment & see how things are going .  I’ve faith in Mr. Case.  He has begun the spring work well.  I wish Tommy Summer could be relieved some.  I want to know that Mr. Case is not grilled by any of the young fry. 
We have seen five pigs for sale of good breed.  The price at the river is $4 & $5.   Please advise Mr. Case to sell the most of them at best rates.  The Chester White’s large size should bring a good price.  The late Chester White I want to keep the most of them.  Go and scrutinize and report to me at Lanesboro, Minn by early mail.  Help when the trees come.
Truly yours,
Asa B. Hutchinson

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