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…………









Dec. 16, 1878 Edwin Benjamin-1833 to John Benjamin-1823

Minneapolis, Minn.
Dec. 16, 1878
Dear John,
I suppose you will be somewhat surprised to learn that l am here at this season of the year.  I wish to learn something about a note given by Solomon Pendergast to one Eddy of this place and guaranteed G.W.W. Pendergast and James Chealy for 500 dollars for three years with a mortgage on his farm to secure the same.   Now what I want is this:  I shall discount the note if I take it and perhaps they would like the chance to do that as they can get money for a good deal less with that security, that is, it seems so to me.   I would like to learn as soon as possible as I shall leave here for home again Friday morning as I want to stop on my way and get home for Christmas.  It will be necessary for me to start as soon as that.  Perhaps they would be glad of this chance and the note reads three years or sooner as though they did not intend to pay the 10 percent only as long as they could not do any better.  If you can do this for me and let me know in time you will confer a favor as I am in need of the money in our new shop and I want to settle up these old matters that have been standing for some time, etc. 
Hoping that this will find you and all yours well, and give my love to all.  Yours affectionately,
Edwin
PS – Address me at this house.

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