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…………









June 8, 1890 John Benjamin-1823 to Family

Roseland, La
June 8, 1890
Dear Ones at Home, One & All,
As George & Louise is writing home today, I too can drop a line they say, as we have not heard from any of you the past week.    I hope that there is nothing the matter with any of you.  When I don’t hear from you once a week I am uneasy until I do hear that all is right with you. 
The rain is coming down in torrents just now with very vivid lightening & heavy thunder.   I shall  try to come home about the last of this month if possible.  Shall try to get a pass.  If not, shall have to abide my time in some way. 
I have not been very well for the past two or three days but am all right again this afternoon.  Olive & I took the horse & buggy on the 5th and to Amite City to visit the Pagsons as it was the 39th anniversary of our marriage and we feasted too well on strawberries & it made me feel uncomfortable in my diaphragm, nothing very serious however.
Robbie & Mattie, too, must not think that they are slighted  in the least as all letters from here are as much for them as any of the family, as I can assure them that they are as much thought of as any and their name is mentioned in connection with home matters daily.   
Am sorry to hear that Mrs. Joseph Richardson is not much better.  We all hope that she will soon recover.  I shall write tomorrow if all is right to Mr. Ried, her brother at Glencoe.  My correspondence has been accumulating on my hands for the last day or two.  
Has Uncle Edwin made you the promised visit as yet?  What news from Frank?
Arthur, you will find a Sanwich Island Package stamp enclosed in this from Mr. Bacon to Howard.  I hope that you received the half dime all right that I sent in a letter to Winfred last week.  When is your school over?
My love & best regards to all at home & abroad,
Father

No comments:

Post a Comment