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…………









June 4, 1871 Asa Hutchinson to John Benjamin-1823

Marquette, Mich
June 4th, 1871
Dear Dr. Benjamin,
Having no pen, I pencil you a line from this beautiful port city.  It has a bay with surroundings as beautiful as any port of America.  5,000 inhabitants backed by the great Iron Mountain which furnishes the principal part of the community business of the place.  We find Englishmen, Scotchmen, and Yankees with a sprinkling of all other nationalities.  The prettiest place on Lake Superior yet.  Duluth has grown up like a bubble and must stand still for awhile till otter tail and other rich farming districts pour their wealth into her lap.   She has too much poor soil about her to be a Chicago or even a Milwaukee.  Real estate is held at enormous rates and very few buyers.  The chances for good investments today are far better in McLeod Co. than there, but she may grow, but there are many that are “hard up” in the mushroom city. 
I am __ __ that we have an open harbor for our grain & produce through Duluth to the waters of all the civilized world.   Times are hard everywhere and our business moderate. 
Dr., we sent a draft of $300 for the church to Bro Capp and I wrote it for you to sign and now we are anxious for you to keep account of the items for which you expend on the church and advise Bro Capp so that we shall have the building productively managed.  I am afraid that he is too easy and visionary to go carefully unless he has advice.  He is whole-hearted and confiding.
How did you settle matters with Harrison about that note?   Have you been to the farm lately?  If not, I wish you would go and consult with Mr. Case and look over just how things are going.  Most of the pigs ought to be sold.  How are the church & the crops progressing & the town building and last not least how are your own dear ones enjoying this bright summer weather? 
Write us all the news you can afford & I will reconfirm you our arrival home. 
Yours truly,
Asa B. Hutchinson
Address us by early mail to Menomonie, Wis.


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