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 16, 1857 Elizabeth Benjamin-1830 to John Benjamin-1823


Belvidere

May 16, 1857

My Dear John,

I received your letter this afternoon.  I was glad to hear from you.  Frank and Nuice Albrite came here yesterday in that heavy shower and stayed until 6 o’clock today.  They may come back again tonight for it rains again and they may turn back. 

Mr. Pragg was here this morning and wanted to see you.  He wanted to know too whether we were going to stay here or not.   I told him you would see him on Saturday afternoon, so he said it was all right. 

Robby is awful cross at times.  Anne has got a very bad cough; she kept me awake the half of the night last night.  I put two bandages on her in the night.  I hope she will be better tonight.  The baby has got a bad cold.  He coughs some and one eye is entirely shut up but it looks some better tonight.  I worked faithfully with her all day.  I felt so bad to have it so, the little dear.   She is so good you would not know there was a baby in the house. 

The children are in bed this half hour so I thought I would finish this letter.  The girls did not come back again.  Mr. Dreskey spoke to me at the door tonight.  He was going to fish.  He will come here Saturday night or Sunday when you are at home, he said. 

The cow has had the last of her feed this noon so I am giving her some of the meal until you come home.  You can let her into the garden on Sunday for there is a nice lot of grass after this rain.

The children are looking for you by every train.  I am sorry your employers are selling out but hope all will come right again. 

I shall finish this in the morning.  Good night, dear John.   Friday morning – the children are some better.  Come home tomorrow noon.  Stop over Sunday and be here.  Me to remain.

Your fond wife,
Elizabeth

1 comment:

  1. This letter is out of order. The blog will not let the letter be put in the correct order.....sorry.

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