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. 11, 1875 Richard Garner-1838 to Robert Gleave Benjamin-1854


91 Islington, Liverpool

Dec. 11, 1875

Dear Nephew Robert,

I was very pleased with your kind letter.  I also received the guide and newspaper all safe for which I am truly grateful.  I find by your epistle that you take a large amount of interest in agriculture and it must be a great satisfaction to your dear parents.  And your dear Aunt and myself are very glad to know the ____________________.

I suppose , dear Robert, it is the theory with you as yet and the practice with your brother Frank, but all can help them.   Is nothing like trying to make yourself useful and I am glad and proud you write such a sensible letter.  I see by the paper you so kindly sent me that the population of your beautiful state is just only what ours is in this town of Liverpool.  You will see in the paper that I send to your dear Ma & Pa, you will see there how Liverpool has improved in no short a time.  It is growing now faster than even I remember this town with just half the number of people in it.  But at present it is the envy of the whole world.   I hope you will try to be firm and stand by your dear parents for you must think of the time they have ___ for you (not that I think you are undutiful but that you should try and remain so). 

Dear Robert, our time is getting short here in this the old, the grand England of ours.  Not that we in Liverpool dislike America, only it does seem like we are leaving our home.  Your dear father & mother will have told you a great deal about England and you will learn more than I can write to you at your schools.  Your cousin Marion is saying to your Aunt something about her American courses all day, cannot stop talking for she is trying to think of your names, etc. 

Dear Robert, I am very tired.  I am all alone, must go to rest.   I got a very long letter from Pa today, also Ma.   I am going to send you each some tie or some small present before the new year in newspapers.   So with kind love to brothers & sister, your family, same from your Aunt Marion, boy and myself with the compliments of the season.  I am your Uncle,
Richard    

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