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. 30, 1889 Sarah Louise Benjamin-1862 to Family


Roseland, LA

Dec. 30, 1889

Dear Home Folks,

We were all glad to receive your letters but Winfred’s was awful small, but we have had some that were longer.   It is quite cold and rainy today .  George is oiling his harness …looks better.

 Suppose you think we have most forgotten you for not sending a merry Xmas, but not so, but is a very poor place to get anything of the sent that would be nice to send.   Our wishes were the same as if we sent a card.  We wish you all a happy New Year.  Wish I could have had a piece of the chicken pie.  Know they were good.  Can just remember how they used to taste.  Haven’t tasted chicken since the pressed we ate on the train coming. 

Hope the fair was a success.   Give my best regards to Mr. Goldsmith’s folks when you see them and tell Finny I have not forgotten her and should be most pleased to hear from her if she should write before I do.  Should anyway try to answer it.  Told her I would try and write her, have not as yet. 

Please tell us all about Xmas, S. school, and everything.  What was done?  Who did it?  What was said & who said it?  Also don’t leave anything out about baby. 

Well, there is no use trying; can’t begin to write as much as Olive .  We took a fine ride a week yesterday over the Tangipahoa River, crossed it twice.  The holly was lovely , also mistletoe.  Got home just at dusk.  Went right after dinner.  George can’t go any other day & father enjoys going so much.  The eggs let Mrs. Richardson take on shares are hatching .  Wanted to go and see them but it is too wet.    Saw Mrs. R yesterday at meeting and she said three are out & others coming.  I have over two setting & no hen to set.  Shall try to find one or more this week. 


Now, about what shall come in the two barrels.  Seeds are what we want .  I would like some, a few, of the Dennis bean.  You know what they are Mother.  I meant to bring a few of those sun flower seeds but I forgot it.  Olive would like some cane seed, what you can spare.  G & H expect to put in an early garden with things to sell & ship if it does well.   Have you any Buckhorn seed?   If you have, put in a little box as they will come better.  Father says maybe no one will have time to pick these.  Have you any Alaska peas?   Maybe I have asked for too much.   If you, you will have to leave some out suppose.   But send what you don’t want .  Have you beet seed to spare? 
Send what you like & what you think we would like.  We have figs for molasses, a gallon doesn’t seem to last us very long.  Our home butter has all gone last week, did pretty well.
Have written in a hurry but excuse.   Love to all, Mattie, Robbie & Georgie also.  With love from George &Louise
 

No comments:

Post a Comment