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…………









April 11, 1878 Mary Anne Benjamin-1852 to Mother and Father


Chicago, Ill

April 11, 1878

Dear Father,

I received a letter from you and Ma yesterday evening and one from Aunt M.A. yesterday morning.   I was glad to hear you were all well but Byron [Albert Byron], he ___ lame.  Where is the rheumatism, in his knees?    I am sorry he is growing so, he might a cripple if something is not done soon. 

I have been using some linen cut that Uncle got when he got his ankles swiled [swelled].  I have used nearly a little foot.  I think it helped the swelling, but my knees & feet are stiff yet .  I haven’t been out of the yard since I came.  I have had to wear Uncle Edwin’s slippers most of the time.  I am feeling better.  I have a better appetite.  Aunt F gave me some medicine which I think helped me from feeling so faint.  But I don’t think I will be able to come before the first of May for I don’t think it would be prudent for me to come with the rheumatism.  I hope you haven’t got the money from Mr. Belden, for you do not need to get it before a little while before I start.  You spoke of my not  getting anything for the children when I came but get them their shirt things.   Got here would be thought more of and they would cost more there too.   I would so pleased if you would send me a little more, five or six dollars more.  I think when you have some butter to sell you can do well to send some to Mr. Martin for he asked me if you had any butter to sell when I was there.  When I was there butter was as high as thirty seven cents. 

I was sorry to hear of one of the cows being dead.  I was in hopes that this winter would pass without losing any.  The grass has grown so that cattle can get a living.   Uncle E said he saw a man that saw in a paper that you had wheat three of four inches high when he was up to Minneapolis.   Uncle got home Friday afternoon.   I went away Tuesday night to South Bend .  I must write to Ma now. 

From your affectionate daughter.

 

April 11, 1878

Dear Mother,

I was glad to hear from you & to hear that your finger is well.  You must have had a very sore finger jam.  Sure wish I was able to come to help you, but if I was there now I would only be in the way & a hindrance.  I have only washed the dishes five or six times.  My right hand has been swollen three times & the left one once but they are very weak.   It is just a month today since I was taken .

I have not heard from Aunt C since I came.  I have wanted my __ so bad.   I wrote to Richard the other day so I will have it before long I hope.  I wish you would write to Aunt F.  She has been kind to me, giving me medicine. 

Yours,

Daughter


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