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 13, 1890 John Benjamin-1823 to Family

Roseland, La
April 13, 1890
Dear Ones at Home One & All,
Not hearing anything from any of you the past week, I feel a little anxious in this account.  Why you keep me in so much suspense I am at a loss to know.   Why it is that I don’t hear from you at least once a week.  I hope that you are well and that there is nothing serious the matter with any of you.  Try not to keep me in suspense any longer.  Write to me when you receive this. 
I am happy to say that we are all well at present and hope that you all are enjoying the same blessing.   We are having beautiful weather just at the present time.  All nature seems so beautiful and green.  The birds are so melodious too, they seem to enjoy the beautiful climate as well as we do.   The wild flowers are so very pretty & fragrant too,  and such a variety of them.  I wish that I could send you a sample of the different kinds so that you might enjoy them too. 
I suppose that Frank has reached his destination ere this.  Have you heard from him or not since he left home?
I sent Arthur two papers one day last week; I hope that he receives them.  I expect that the boys are seeding now as I find by the papers that the weather in Minn. is very fine and favorable for spring’s work.  Do not put in any more sorghum than you can possibly take care of this spring.  Put in some millet for cow feed in the winter if it is necessary.   I don’t think it will be necessary to send any cattle to the land this spring, now Frank has taken so many away.    If I don’t come home this season I hope that you will be able to put up all the hay that grows on the place as this will sell more readily than wheat or ___ at a better profit on the outlay and the work connected with it. 
I hope that peace and quiet reigns at Fairy Glen now & that the boys work it with some satisfaction too. 
I gave a St. Paul man an option on the farm for sixty days , a little over a month since.  I hope to hear from him soon.  I also wrote to Mr. Pendergast to try to sell the place for me as he did so well on his farm __ ___ he might know someone that might buy the place.   I offered him good commission.   Have Robbie see Mr. Adams and tell him too that if he can sell for $35.00 per acre that he can have $2.50 per acre for selling it for me.  If Robbie isn’t able to do this just now, Arthur you will try to see him as I am bound to sell if possible .  At the same time, do not begin putting in the crops.  Plant potatoes in the new ground on the flat  on the highest part of it.   Robbie will make some suggestions perhaps that will be an advantage to you in regard to the crops as I wrote to him in respect of this matter some time ago .
Louise & Olive are both writing .  Love to all from,
Father

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