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…………









Feb. 16, 1878 H Bacon to John Benjamin-1823

Norwich
Feb. 16, 1878
Dr. J. Benjamin
Dear Sir, I enclose estimate for octagon barn in detail for your information and consideration.  The prices you can correct to suit your locality; have intended to have them large enough to cover.  The timber price is for all pine.   Since making the estimate I have received letter from you that you would probably use the large sized plan which will add a little to the cost. 
Many thanks for your kind offers of assistance in getting to Hutchinson and afterwards.   But, my good Dr., don’t make too many rash promises for you may be held to account, and when the time comes and you see the promised numbers you have agreed to accommodate & help, you may wish you hadn’t and conclude to let them go to protest.   However, the prospect now is that we shall brake up here and move out west, and Hutchinson seems to be the objective point.  But shall probably not come all at one time.  Mrs. B has sisters living at or near Chicago which she wishes to visit, also at Cincinnati.  However, we shall in all probability avail ourselves of your kind offers, in part, at any rate, and will give you an opportunity to withdraw or renew at your pleasure the balance.   
Have been obliged to lay your work by for a short time. Some friends over in Middleton have a Sunday school chapel on the brain and wanted drawings, etc., in a hurry as they had nearly enough money raised for the purpose.  So you, being a good way off, were put one side and they accommodated. 
About windmills, etc., I do not know much about, but have no doubt that one could be framed sufficiently strong on the roof of the barn if so desired, but should think that when the wind blows a 60 mile gale that it would make things shake up there.  Have made a rough drawing of elevation which I send.  If you use horse forks why can’t they be arranged to work from the outside (say at opposite sides) having tracked the length between the forks to run upon it might not be so convenient unloading and would have no cover to drive under in case of showers, but would save all the rooms in basement (and some above).  I will endeavor to find out more about the working of the forks.   Here we always have a drive way into the upper story and bays on either side for hay, grain, etc.  
There is a kind of  pump and wind mill made at Hartford, this state, that works on a different plan than most others for pumping water.   The mill may be placed anywhere most convenient and any distance from the water desired to raise.   I must send & get their circulars and directions, some explained arrangement which is said to work well and economically.
Please let me know, now you have the plans, which you will work upon whether the last one sent or the larger one, also if the arrangement of stalls in last will answer, and if you make larger will you have more room behind stalls, or in the center.   If we dispense with driveway there will be more room in center for box stalls, etc., and anything else that occurs to you.
Yours faithfully,
H. Bacon

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