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 24, 1878 Mary Anne Benjamin-1852 to Father and Mother

Chicago, Ill.
April 24, 1878
Dear Father,
I received a letter and the order a week last Friday, but was not feeling well enough to come when you said & was not ready.   Rather I have been anxious not hearing from home since I wrote a week last Thursday, but have not had an answer yet. 
I have been feeling better than I have been for the last two days.  It has rained for the  last four days so I have not been able to go out.  My things are at C’s yet.  Richard brought one dress with my kee [sic]  in that.  I wrote to him about Aunt C.   It __ discouraged so she has not been up.  I have not been able to get the money so Uncle Edwin took the order yesterday to get the money & get my ticket.  I signed my name on the back and Uncle Edwin he said he could get it.   I will write as soon as I am ready to start.  
Aunt Frances got word from her sister Jenie that she was not expected to live so she went this afternoon & Winnie & Freddie. 
Hattie had a vacation this week but next week I will be alone in daytime if I am not able to come, which I hope I may.  It raining so much it makes my rheumatism worse.  Aunt went in the rain. 
There was a man here the other day that said that doctors were giving ammonia for rheumatism and it proves a cure.  Take six drops in a teaspoon full of water & take it three times a day.  I took it one morning to taste but it burns so I am afraid of it.   It may be a cure but I would like to know if it would hurt me inwardly or not. 
Uncle Edwin has two cherry trees in full blossom.   I hardly think I will start before you answer this letter as I see now it looks as if it was going rain another night.  I [want] you to  know when I start & be there for I won’t know where to go & besides I can’t walk far . 
I must close now .  Uncle has just come to supper. 
FYA,
Daughter
PS – You make think it strange me write with a bad pencil but we can’t find the ink.  Hattie nor I.  Freddie has hid it somewhere.  Hattie is going to take it over to one of the neighbors and direct it. 

No comments:

Post a Comment