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…………

July 29, 1871 Asa Hutchinson to John Benjamin-1823


Littleton, NH

July 29th, 1871

Dear Dr. Benjamin,

Your good letter of 9th inst was duly received at Saratoga Springs and gave us great satisfaction that your being able to write could record the fact of much rain in your midst and then consequent improvement of all growing crops.  I feel anxious about the securing of the crops.  Hope you will advise and assist friend Case should he get into a tight place.  We received a letter from him the 13th and he is getting encouraged like yourself in regards to the crops.  Tis unfortunate having so many hogs and the price so low, but there are ups & downs to everything.  lf they can be early fed and killed we may not lose much.  Mr. Case says he has been offered $125 for the oxen.  Can you not sell them for $150?  Do what seems the best.  I want to sell everything square on this farm.  If beans are having a good price, 5 to 10 bushels ought to be sold, but if low, let them be kept.  I want you to give a solid inspection and look at farm management and its economies twice a month at least , and whenever there is need of advice give it and confirm with neighbor care about how, what &  where. 

You may be able to trade off Old Kate for some young stock .  Maybe you can sell for cash the oxen in a few days and try and help square bills away to Mr. Case & hired help and other things.  I need all I can get in our singing trip to fit out for an autumn tour home. 

There has been a dry time in New England . Corn don’t begin to look as well as Wisconsin corn did there weeks ago.  The hills are beautiful but I don’t want to farm it here; no the beautiful west is my home.  The mountains for sightseeing and an occasional visit, but all are looking toward the west as the gateway of the world, and Minnesota is known here as good for breathing as for wheat raising. 

Our concerting this last month is in moderate success.  We have not been here for 8 years.  The hotels are full. Crowds from the cities daily.  We go to Twin Mountains ___ today, on to Mt. Washington to Cranford House Monday, North Conway , ME August 3rd, then to Milford, my nature village, to Lynn Mass, then to New Bedford & Nantucket.

Please write again soon all news interesting of our Hassan Valley .  Direct to Nantucket Mass.

Kind regards to your family.

Truly yours,
Asa B. Hutchinson

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