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 22, 1875 Richard Garmer-1838 to Elizabeth Benjamin-1830


91 Islington, Liverpool

June 22, 1875

My Dear Sister,

I am sorry that you are so disappointed by our not coming out so soon as anticipated but it will not be so long.   Time will soon slip away.  That letter of yours to MA did good.   She is very firm now, if I can only keep her that way. 

Joseph was here last week but I did not see him.  MA told him you wanted the large Bible.   He said you should have it but it is very shabby.  The children have knocked it about so.  I have a large bible of my own that I intend to bring out in good condition and of the same size and type.  I will bring yours also if you say so.  I shall try my best to break our lease but I think I will not be able to do so for the landlord is such a tyrant. 

MA thinks she would like farming etc. but I think she forgets that I know nothing about it and that our means are not great.  However, we must leave that to Mr. B and yourself if you put us on the way and guide us.   I do not fear; I am willing to work in any shape for my wife and children.  In my position here I do nothing but walk about , etc., for our firm in the largest in Liverpool and only been in existence 20 years.  I have been over 14 years myself with the firm.  I am what we term here shopwalker, etc.   I am to the front and superintend all. 

I am very glad to know that your children are so anxious for our coming.  I am sure they will be very fond of our little ones, and little Marion says that her cousin Franky must keep the little puppy for her but I am afraid it will be too long to keep it and not to know.   I am not surprised at cousin Dawson not writing to you for you must know that Uncle Aunt Edward & Annie are all gone, only Robert left and he in Canada.   I will tell you all when we meet.  It is better than writing.  Poor cousin must be very gloomy. 

MA must know if she should bring her sewing machine.  It is a Grove & Balken hand machine, new and portable, but you will tell all about that sort of thing yourself.  I am so pleased to think your good husband is so thoughtful about us.  I am sure we will be very happy to gather all one family.  I feel sometimes, dear sister, it is all a dream that we are corresponding etc. and shall soon meet.   It is a long long time since we parted.  In fact, I do not remember our parting but I know that I felt very sad and lonely after you had gone away all this time and I did write you at all, but that letter of yours to Joseph woke me up, etc.

With kind love to all my nephews, nieces, Mr. B, and your dear self, I am, dear sister, your affectionate brother,

Richard
PS – Write soon.  I am going to do so as you wished.  I have not received a paper since your last letter.  Let us know all about packing and what is taxed with duty, etc.

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