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 12, 1876 M A Garner to John Benjamin-1823

77 Islington, Liverpool
April 12, 1876
Dear Brother & Sister,
We have just received your very welcome letter from Holywell today and I thought to write you a few lines at once to keep you from suspicions.   Can assure you we have had a very trying time of it for in the midst our moving, the children took the measles, the first sickness they have had but I am happy to say they have got very nearly through them, but still it makes a difference of a month in our arrangements, but I shall be able to give all to explain all when I see you, which will not be long now.  
I am glad that all your family is well again, and now the weather is getting warmer you will be glad to have the change. We got the pictures of your house and also the horses and were much pleased with them, also the popover.  It caused us a great deal of amusement. 
You need not be afraid of writing to us for we shall have all of our letters sent to us wherever we are.  Marian was pleased to hear of her little dog and says she will play with it all day.  She does not much like cats, but the boy Richard is a good tease to them, for where we are staying the cat has four kittens and he will not let them have any peace.   The cat carries them all over the house from him. 
I think we shall be able to go to Holywell in about three weeks from now, but I must not tell them that we are coming now.  The time is getting short.  I feel as though I had done nothing and I am afraid there will be a great any things forgotten but we must make the best of it.
With best love to all of you. Must excuse these few lines as I have scarcely time to write, my mind so upset.  So do forgive me, from your affectionate sister,
M A Garner

No comments:

Post a Comment