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…………









Oct. 5, 1875 MA Garner to John Benjamin-1823

91 Islington, Liverpool
Oct. 5, 1875
Dear Brother & Sister,
We received your very welcome letter yesterday but we were very sorry to hear that you had been looking so anxiously for a letter from us which you ought to have had before you wrote.  In the first place I wrote to Olive for her birthday and sent her a piece of ribbon to make a bow for her neck, and brother wrote to you all and sent a birthday card, and the Welsh ashamed of the country.  It looks very strange your not getting them for they are the only letters that have  miss-carried and unfortunately had something in them.  But for the future we will try and post them ourselves for I can assure you it was a great disappointment to us, for we thought we would get beforehand with your send.  I was expecting a little note from Olive herself.  You also mentioned in your last letter, but one that you would send us some papers.  We never received any papers and this letter we only got two. 
I am glad to hear that your harvest will turn out so profitable, for you must have a great deal to do and you speak of the fruit looking so well and wishing we were here.  I hope it will look and turn out as favorable next year when I hope to share all the beauties of nature with you all.  What took my fancy the most was the cucumbers.  I cannot tell what John will do with them as ours seldom if ever grow to three feet. 
I hope it will be fine tomorrow for I intend to have our cards taken and then they will be a week or two before we get them but you shall not be disappointed if I can possibly help it anymore.  We have sent you several papers.  One had a pattern of an apron I thought was a nice one but I think as the time is so near for us coming that I had better bring all with us . 
I was very sorry to hear of your husband being so poorly but glad he is better.  He must have been very anxious for to get the harvest in when the weather turned so uncertain.  We have had very bad weather for two Sundays together.  It was terrific.  First it was thunder and lightening for three hours and torrents of rain.  Every place was lighted up with it and the following Sunday evening it was a violent storm of wind.  The lifeboat capsized in the river and twelve persons were drowned.  Nearly everyone was afraid, but as for Richard, he slept like a top while I was getting the children’s cots close to our bed for fear the chimney stacks would fall through the roof.  I thought they would be safer nearer to us and when Richard awoke he could not tell what was the matter to see such a change in the room.   But the storm was frightful, I could not sleep a bit. 
We have not heard from Joseph since I told him we had made up our minds to go, but Christmas will soon be here and then I shall either see him or hear from him.  He always sent us a present of a splendid goose so I am sure he will not forget us then. 
I sent you a paper a week today.  It had a pattern of a cape or _____ in.   It is very pretty and simple.  It takes a yard and quarter of French merino and trimmed with lace or fringe and insertion let in if you like and headed with a little bead trimming.  It would be very suitable for all the girls.  I will not send anything in this letter till I hear from you again to tell me what date the papers and letters you receive.   I shall be sending you Chatterbox in a few days and a paper the same day as this letter.  We sent a paper on Monday with some Cumberland corn in.  I hope you will get it.  The paper sent in this letter will have some Marygold seeds in that was taken from the cottage in the mountain and they were just in a box on the window here and grew very well. 
So you will get this first Bushart as only a slight ___ of that song you asked him about.  He can remember this first verse.  Perhaps you will help him out with the rest when he comes.  No doubt you will bring to his mind many things when you get to talking of which I shall have to give him up to you all for yourself.  He wants to know do you sing the Mistletoe Bough yet?  But he will keep me writing you all night asking you questions that I think I must draw to a close, for when I commence to write I don’t know when to stop.  He joins me with best love to each one of you and thanks for your great kindness to us.  The children are both well and send kisses in their little way to all, and Marion for cousin Frank and her doggie.  So with fondest love and best wishes to you all from your affectionate brother and sister,
R & MA Garner

No comments:

Post a Comment