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 Sarah Louise Benjamin Cook-1862 to Family

Roseland, La
April 13, 1890
Dear Mother & All,
We have been wondering why we don’t hear from home for so long.  Hope you are all well.  Seems as if someone would write if you were not.  Suppose the boys are busy seeding before this, but some of you must take a few minutes to write oftener. 
It has been a beautiful day but quite warm; about like June at home.  We have so many such days.  Of course, we have some not as nice but they seem few in comparison.
Well, suppose you have heard before this that we have two cows.  The heifer gives a splendid mess of milk, more than the cow, I think twice as much.  It is so nice to have so much milk.  Sometimes the cows get what they call here “bitter weed” and we can’t use the milk, but it don’t hurt the butter.  George has tried to keep them from it the last two days .  When he hears the bell he goes & drives them away.  It, the weed, is an old blowing that has gone back.
Howard has been home the last week.  Has been getting his foundation built for his house.  Hope we can have our abodes up before the hot weather comes.   Am afraid we are almost too thick for that. 
Had strawberries for supper last night.  Wish we could have had some of them up there .  They were very nice.  Hope to have some of our own next year. 
Winfred, I want you to tell me all about the colts.  Have they grown very much?  How were Frank’s?  Wonder if they looked better than Fly?  And she hasn’t had any clover hay either.  She is looking fine and growing like a weed.  When the milk is bitter, always give it to her after the cream has risen. 
Ma, are you going to set any hens this spring?  I’m afraid you are going to have too much to do.   Our hens have done so well.  Have sold milk.  The selling that Mrs. Sharrells expected to get last night.  $5.25 besides the chicks. Only ours here but Mr. S. was not well.  Will take them tomorrow suppose. 
Arthur, am very glad you are at home  & will stay this summer.  I know they will all feel better there.   We all hope Frank has made a move for the best and will do well.  R. & M. & baby George, we must hear from you.  Am afraid if you don’t write baby will grow so we will not know him.  How I should like to drop in & see you all tonight.  Give our love to you ___ please & tell Mattie believe that she is owing me a letter.  Now, boys, don’t let Ma work too hard this summer in the garden or in the house.   Must close as my paper is full.
With much love to all from.
George & Louisa

No comments:

Post a Comment