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…………

Jan. 31, 1871 Asa Hutchinson to John Benjamin-1823

Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Jan. 31, 1871
Dear Dr. Benjamin,
We did not tarry long in Chicago on our return from Michigan, having engagements all about the city for a week.  And so did not have a chance to see your brother as we had hoped.   We shall go there before this season is over after a short trip home. 
Dr. J.  I am anxious to have the work going on at H. farm.  Will you start the boys with every ounce of good work?  Have the wood piles all cut & split & wetland grain driven to Dassel or market.  Logs get to mill from woods even beyond farm; long timber sticks.  20 feet and 40 feet long.  
Get up home for hiring & C & C.  _________
Pork is rising & so is wheat.  Buy 50 or 75 bushels of corn; get it for 45 or 50 ct.  And not let John find any more wheat. 
Can not the citizens rally for a church and get out dimension stuff for the town this winter?  Then we will complete it this coming summer. 
Please write me again at Lacrosse, Wisconsin.   We hope to be home the last of February. 
When is my tax due?
Don’t let anything suffer.
Enclosed is my ___ which please accept.  Excuse haste given off by RB.  Love to all.
Truly yours,
Asa B. Hutchinson

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