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…………









May 6, 1876 Richard Garner-1838 to John Benjamin-1823


77 Islington, Liverpool

May 6, 1876

My Dear Sister, Brother, Nieces and Nephews,

It is with great pleasure that I once more write to you and inform you that we are all well now, but Richard, poor boy, had a bad time of it and was left very weak, but is gaining strength daily.  It took us all our time to nurse boy for him to pull through for he had a very violent and heavy measle. 

We are staying at above address but shall go to Holywell very soon.  My governor is very unwell.  I am afraid I shall not see him again.  The complaint is dropsy. 

I think we shall take passage per Cunard Steamer Marathon to Boston for I have made the acquaintance of an old servant of the boy through a friend of mine and he says I can go better by Boston than New York and can make the RR connection near Erie the same and will not have the bother at Castle Garden, New York, by going to Boston.  We shall ___ all this and our new friends will be with us and is going to look after us and will be with us to last and will see us safely on the train at Boston.  Our new friend is in the capacity of Master at Arms and will take charge of our little ones.  He is a very kind old man, has a family grown up.    

I think you would know by my last letter that we do not intend calling upon your kind friends enroute Chicago.  I am very much obliged to them for their kind offer but I think it is better to push on to you on a/c of our dear ones.  If you have any further suggestions to make, I would gladly comply with them.  Our friend says it is much quieter to come by Boston.  That will suit us better. 

I send you papers regular containing some of our English garden annuals and hope to see them in flowers when I join you in Minnesota.  Of course we shall write you again before we start and inform you more fully, but if you think we had better come by New York please let me know ___, and also our friend says the same price that is the same charge from Boston as New York. 

We are expecting a letter from you daily for we know that you will be anxious about us.  Marian wishes her love sent to you all over and over again and boy says "me me also" for I have read this letter over to them. 

So with kind love to you each and all, also from M A, I remain your affectionate brother and Uncle,

Richard
PS – I hope you get all papers safe, also contents.

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