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…………









March 25, 1890 John Benjamin-1823 to Family

Roseland, La
March 25, 1890
Dear Ma and all the rest at F.G.,
Your letter of the 21st inst. came to hand at noon today.   I am glad to hear that you are gaining strength.  I am nothing could give me greater satisfaction than this.   I was very much please to hear that Mattie was so attentive to you.  She will lose nothing by doing so, I assure her.    The baby must be quite a source of pleasure to you too.
I hope that Arthur will be able to visit home now soon.  I have not heard from him for some time.  Frank writes me that he intends to leave on the 31st of this month for Neb.  Good luck to him I say.  I have no ill wish to wish him.   I don’t wish him, however, to take anything belonging to me when he leaves or to any of the boys, and I have written Robbie to this effect twice this week.  Be on the lookout when he is packing.  I think he transcended all common decency when he opened that letter addressed to Robbie. 
Keep your courage all of you; do not let this fail you.  I shall be at home perhaps before long.  Am glad to hear that our old friend, the Smiths & the Higgins, visit you.  Give our kind regards to them and to all enquiring friends in Hutchinson. 
I don’t know if I told any of you before or not that Howard has been installed as a foreman of this door & sash factory here last week at good wages and steady work indoors too.   The boys are well thought of here I tell you.   
I am glad to hear the Winfred takes so much care of his Ma.  I wish that I could say as much of Frank & Minnie, but never mind, you have Robbie & Mattie.  They are all right from what I can hear from all quarters.  
As I have so many letters to write from day-to-day you will excuser this brief epistle from me. The girls are going to write long letters before long .  I received a letter today from Uncle Richard from California.  He complains of being very hard up at present.  He lost all his vineyard by grasshoppers.   I wish I were able to assist him, but, alas, charity ought to begin at home first, ought it not?
There are two or three parties in St. Paul at present who are after the farm.  Whether I can make a sale I am not able to say. 
Best & kindest regards to all.   Lovingly,
Father

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