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…………









April 1, 1890 John Benjamin-1823 to Robert Benjamin-1854

Roseland, La
April 1, 1890
Dear Ma,
As I am writing to Robbie I will drop you a line in his.  I was pleased to secure all the letters yesterday from you all, I do assure you, and to learn from you that you are all better of your ill turn.  I hope that Frank has given you no more trouble before leaving.  Both him and Minnie too have acted rather mean I think.  Never mind, it will perhaps be their loss in the end.    Frank most certainly acted mean & greedy too, to take all of the seed corn.  What did he think you were going to do in this respect?   I think that the boy must be beside himself in doing what he has been guilty of since I left home.  If my absence has caused any of this (his) cupidity, am sorry that I left home when I did.  I only wish that you were able to leave with me.  If we had sold you might of been, but I hope the time is not very distant when we should be able to do so.
I wish Arthur would write me as I have not heard from him for some time.  Tell Arthur to make out a list of all Frank took, brother of his own, and what did not belong to him, as this may be useful sometime in the future.  Not only for you & I, but for them too.  
Tell Mr. Pendergast to do all he can to sell my place for 35 dollars per acre & I will pay him a good commission for his trouble (he sold his well). 
I received a letter from California a few days since.  They are very hard up there I think from what they say.  The girls will write soon. 
With best love to all,
Father
PS – You will excuse the short epistle this time as my time is taken up this evening in writing business letters.

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