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 29, 1875 Richard Garner-1838 to Elizabeth Benjamin-1830


91 Islington, Liverpool

March 29, 1875

My Dear Sister,

I saw a letter from you this week.  Brother had it with him.  He called to see me here and I see my name mentioned in it.  You think I am dead, but dear sister, you must know that I am still alive and kicking and I want to know your candid opinion of my coming out to you. 

I am married, my wife is pure English, born in the street we live in.  My family consists of a boy and a girl.  The girl named Marion Homes G., born July 18th, 1871 and boy named Richard Taylor G. born 12th May 1873.  I have been away from Holywell almost as long as you, dear sister.  I have had to fight my way with this wicked world, but I am tired here and I want you, my dear sister, to let me know if I sell up and come out to you.  Is there room to live?  That is, can I, wife and little ones be happy near you?  Do you think you can secure me a situation in any capacity?  I do not want to come out on a wild goose affair but I must feel sure there is something to do, or perhaps you could tell me if I could make a living by keeping a small store.  I have been thirteen years and a half in one firm, three and a half years as salesman & ten years as superintendent, one of the largest establishments in this town, and my last situation was manager of one of the oldest drapery stores in Liverpool.  You must know, dear sister, if we come out that I am not a rich man.  I can pay my way out and that is all, but have no doubt that I shall get on if you, that is when I say you I mean you, husband, your dear self, and friends you know, will help and put us on the way.  I am 35 years of ag, as you must know, and can bring the best testimonials.  I am healthy too as you remember me when I was little Richard, your naughty brother. 

Dear sister, I am sorry I have not been corresponding before, but I did not know where you were and as I say, I have been away from a boy.  Brother ought to have so and I have told him, but dear sister, do not think too harshly of brother.  He has got a deal to think of, takes all his time to look after his shop.  It is too much for one and will not pay two.   You know, dear sister, that when our mother died and you left me, there was no home for little Richard.  Brother was always kind and good but I felt that after you had gone that I was left homeless, although I never said one word to anyone.  I have got on by my own ability, no one to help me.  But, dear sister, you must remember that I am not rich.  No money but what will pay my way out as well as keeping my situation.  I also had a large store of my own but lost all.  My dear wife’s money took lease on shop for seven years; rent £100 a year, a complete swindle.  But remember I am an honest man, nothing wrong with my character.  Brother knows I am writing.  He will write himself he says, so let me know all about the country, if you think well of my coming out, what to bring, and all information, the best way to come, and cheapest, etc., and what to do when I get to you, etc.

With kind love to nephews, nieces, your husband, and your dear self; also same from wife and little ones.  I am dear sister, your affectionate brother,

Richard

PS – Please send me an answer at once, soon as possible.

RG


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