[September 21, 1791] — to James O’kelly

It is clear that Asbury went a long way to try to get O’Kelly straightened out. It is suggested by Alexander M’Caine and others that he and Coke were afraid of O’Kelly. O’Kelly was a powerful antagonist to the episcopacy; and Asbury’s many references to him in the letters show that Asbury, even to his last days, was conscious of O’Kelly’s influence against him.

[September 21, 1791]¹

[TO JAMES O’KELLY]²

Let all past conduct between thee and me, be buried, and never come before the Conference, or elsewhere,—send me the dove. I saw thy face was not towards me in all the council, therefore did not treat thee with that respect due to one who had suffered so much for the cause of truth and liberty. I wrote to the Doctor that if he came here again he would see trouble.

[FRANCIS ASBURY]³

Alexander M’Caine, Letters on the Organization and Early History of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 118