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…………









March 1, 1875 Joseph Garner-1826 to Elizabeth Benjamin-1830


91 Islington, Liverpool

 March 1, 1875

 My dear sister,

It is a great pleasure to me in writing to you for your very kind information in regard to our coming out to live with you.  I had not made my mind up when Richard wrote to you and having an objection to cross the ocean to begin a new home.  And to live amongst strangers it would be rather a hard task but for your kindness. I don’t think I should even have given my consent I think.   When you have a certainty here it would be foolish to go so far for an uncertainty without anyone to advise with.  Richard has told you our reasons for not coming out now and I will just say that anything I can prepare for you before we leave England it will be a great pleasure for me to do so. 

 

I should like to know how long a winter you have and is it very cold.  Have you to prepare your food so it will last the winter and what kind of boots and shoes should we bring?  Is there any use in bringing umbrellas or feather beds?  I think we should have plenty of birds to get feathers without being very dear. You kindly told me to provide plenty of clothing and best linen, such things, but I should like a list of what you would like us to bring.  Is china and glass expensive because when we give up housekeeping I would keep different things that would be useful. 

 

I trust you will keep your health and spirits up through the disappointment of not seeing us so soon as you thought, but perhaps it is all for the best as we will have plenty of correspondence on that time so it will soon pass away. 

 

I send my very best regards to your husband and children as I can’t express myself in words for the trouble we will give you. 

With kind love believe me to be your affectionate brother,

 
J.A. Garner


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