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…………









Dec. 6, 1871 Asa Hutchinson to John Benjamin-1823



Boston
Dec. 6th, 1871
Dr. Benjamin, Hutchinson, Minn
Dear Sir,
Your last letter of Nov 12 is at hand and am glad to hear of continued health & prosperity in Hassan Valley.  Glad you have discharged the smaller boys & engaged a larger man to help. 
You speak of slaughtering the large hogs.  I hope you will have all but the Benson Chester White pair (sow & boar) killed and packed down. 
We can’t get away from New England till the middle of January.  We can before the 1st of February, 1872, so please keep everything very snug and let not a thing be wasted.  Do not allow the enterprise prove unprofitable for me.  If you do, I must close up and move away.   I want to spend my days in H and work for its growth, but one hand must wash the other.  The farm must pay for its running or it can’t run.  Keep a strict account of all _____. 
Bro Capp writes discouraging about the church nearly completed.  Nearly $500 in debt and not much interest to pay up the indebtedness.  We have given more toward that church since we left than we have made for ourselves in our concerts.  I do wish there was more interest felt in the matter to all work for a good meeting house in our settlement and not be indifferent to the deserved but all must do something or the few will get discouraged.
I’m expecting a letter from you soon.  Write me once a week and  make any suggestions for the coming year.  I probably shall be engaged in concerting for some time to come now.  On what plan can I best manage that farm?   Shall I let it to profit or had I not better hold to it and hire on help faithful hands and continue your superintendence of the same? 
Glad to hear of the good results of the last election per your letter. 
I want to be assured that Frank and his colleague are carefully managing .  Please look after them.  Caution them on fires.  I am busy in my cares here and having no agent, have not much leisure to write as I would wish to.  Is there any movement in the population of H?   Are there any prospects of RR or anything else to increase our growth?  Glad to hear of the good school and that your children are enjoying it .
Best regards of “The Tribe of Asa” to all the members of the “Tribe of Benjamin”. 
Truly yours,
Asa B. Hutchinson

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