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…………









Sept. 7, 1875 Richard Garner-1838 to John Benjamin-1823


91 Islington, Liverpool

Sept. 7th, 1875

My Dear Brother & Sister,

I was very sorry to know by your last letter that John had cut his hand but hope it is not on the thumb for I know that is a dangerous part of the hand to hurt.  I am very glad that you will have a good harvest.  I was not aware before this that you, brother, had a practice as Dr., for Joseph never told anything.   We supply the Royal Infirmary and all the other charities here with household linen, lint wadding, and other items for such institutions.  MA wrote to Joseph sometime back, but have not received any answer.  She told him to write you, if only so short a line, but he (Joseph) is the same with everyone, does not care about writing – not that he will not, but puts it off.   I thought you would be sure of a reply to your letters long before this when MA wrote to Joseph and told him to do so.  I find it is all the same with him.  I should write to his wife a little note too when you next write him.   She is a good & kind lady, plain and homey.  Her maiden name was Mary Jones, second daughter of Jones Esq. of Coed-y-cra Farm near to Flint, more towards Halkyn near Northop.  I have heard her say that she remembers you (Elizabeth) but only very vague.  It is a fancy, I am sure she cannot be positive.  Mary went to the Mepes Inglbyss school at Flint in your time if I remember right.  Try and call to mind.  I do think it possible that you can, but anyway remember her and if you wrote her I am sure that every endeavor would be made by her to induce Joseph to write to you, etc. 

I have not heard from cousin Dawson since I wrote her and enclosed your letter.  She seems as bad as Joseph about writing.  MA is a little better now and will write you this week as you will have a short pause before you receive hers.  Often does she ponder over your letters for I never told her, at least I did not think anything about you for you being so far away, but as soon as she saw that letter of yours to Joseph, MA made me write to you at once.  Dear Olive will have, I trust, got a little line from MA ere this.  I also enclose from Marion a small token for Winifred with kisses for him and you all .


I have been trying our landlord again but no good.  Only six months the 25th of this month .  I am afraid we are giving you a great deal of trouble preparing for us.  I am sure we do not deserve such kindness.   I do not know how to repay you etc.   Marion is talking about her new Uncle , Aunt Elizabeth , and her nice cousins all day.

[Some difficult to read writing]

From your affectionate brother,
Richard

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