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…………









Sept. 25, 1871 Asa Hutchinson to John Benjamin-1823

Stoneham, Mass
Sept. 25th, 1871
Dear Dr. Benjamin,
The heavy frost for the few frost nights have awakened my interest to know whether our corn in Hassan Valley has received the shock or been cut early enough to be out of danger.  We hope you are able to see to every matter in detail and that the help on the farm are doing first rate and going right along as by the program you lay out for them:  corn secured, potatoes dry fields plowed, grass seed sown, etc.  Please step right into my shoes, Dr., and don’t let a thing go to waste.  Advise me weekly of your doings and of the progress of the help.
I am full of cares in our area concerts and repairs on our houses in Lynn.  Must break away and come to our farm if there is any trouble, but if with your direction, please keep the full memorandum of all receipts & expenses and caution Frank about the spending of the grasses, burning of the weeds, etc.  I believe he wants to do right.  The pork ought to be early folled and sold in St. Paul or Minneapolis. 
[The rest of this letter is difficult to read]
Give our united love to all your family.  I must go to rehearsal. 
Truly yours,
Asa B. Hutchinson
This day is delightful here; as pleasant as June.   What help have you secured to help Frank?  I am expecting to hear from you ever day.  If I am to be away much, had I not better sell off my effects and let the farm?  How are the townsfolk prospering?   I want to hear weekly of the settlement of the farm and the ____.  I am very impatient to go home but must tarry here awhile if I can be spared.  Please keep a vigilant watch that all goes right. 
Truly yours,
ABH


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