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…………









June 18, 1876 Richard Garner-1838 to John Benjamin-1823

77 Islington, Liverpool
June 18th, 1876
Dear Brother & Sister,
Since last I wrote you I am sorry state that our boy is very poorly.  I do not think you will ever see the dear one.  It has turned to an attack upon the brain and Richard’s mother is broken hearted.  Our medical friend gives us very poor hopes and I am nigh crazy we will have to come to you broken in health, purse, and spirits.   So do not spurn us for our poorly when we come.
You must excuse me writing this for I am very low and I only hope God in his bountiful goodness will wave the ___ that is about to fall on us, for I tell you, dear sis, I would rather part with my own life than lose my son.  But come to you we will for I am sure M. A. will be very down and write to her sis at once.  Just in your own motherly sisterly way, say something to bring her away from this and may God in his love be gracious to us and bring our boy safe out of all trouble.   I am nearly distracted.  I hardly know what I am writing.  My trouble seems heaped upon me, so you must not expect to find me a fresh man, but dejected and full of care.  I have lost my lot and come what may I will not change my purpose.  If we lose our boy, I must come to you for change to keep M. A. in her ___ from thinking.   Oh good sister and brother, do forgive me from writing to you this way and if ever I land on your shore you must receive us just so low to ___ ___ in mind and spirit.  Oh dear sis, I hope our heavenly Father will not desert us now.  I know I am writing to you in a strange way but so not think anything about that for I feel that I am writing home and that you will not think any about this scribble. 
With dear kind love to all.  Your brother,
Richard

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