— [1794] — to His Parents

This letter has neither date nor place. However, it was evidently written in 1794. In the letter of September 1, 1793, Asbury refers to Suckley’s visit to his mother. He says in this letter that it was a year ago. Therefore the date of 1794. Asbury shows continuous love and concern for his parents’ welfare.

— [1794]

[TO HIS PARENTS]

My very dear Father and Mother:

I have had some considerable pain of mind from two or three letters I have received from you, as also the information given by others, that the money was not paid. I have had certain information that Mr. —— received a sum last September, or thereabout. I last evening made an arrangement for a remittance to you, by my agent John Dickins, with Mr. Suckley, the young man that made you a visit last year. It will come by Mr. Holley, transmitted to Mr. James Foster, in Birmingham. This sum will come into your hands in the space of three or four months. There will be a great certainty of this cash coming into your hands.

My salary is fourteen pounds, ten shillings, sterling ($64). I have sold my watch and library, and would sell my shirts before you should want. I have made a reserve for you. I spend very little on myself. My friends find me some clothing. I might have money, but the wicked world, and those¹ that leave our connection, strive to blacken my character by saying I have the profits of books at my command, and profits from the College, and the schools established in many parts of America. These reports I am able to refute, and yet they say “he remits money to his parents every year.” The contents of a small saddle-bag will do for me, and one coat in the year. Your son, Francis, is a man of honor and conscience. As my father and mother never disgraced me with an act of dishonesty, I hope to echo back the same sound of an honest, upright man.

I wish to despise flattery and injustice. I hope you will guard against fretfulness and discontent. I am well satisfied that the Lord saw fit you should be my parents, rather than the king and queen, or any of the great; also, as to when and where I drew my breath. I sometimes think you will outlive me. I have made my will, and left my all to you, and that’s soon done. While I live and do well, I shall remember you every year; perhaps come to see you, if you live many years, and peace and harmony should take place between the continent and kingdom.

I rejoice that religion prospers once more in my native land. Above all, my dear father and mother, seek a deeper sense of God and religion, to be holy and ripe for glory. O that your last days may be your best! and that you may not only live long, but live and die well. Only be much in prayer, that your day of grace may never be past, while life and thought and being last, to all eternity. I am much obliged to those kind brethren that have written to me on your behalf. I beg you will take every opportunity of writing to me your true state of body and mind! If I should be removed, I have left the charge with brother Whatcoat² to do for you in my place. I am as ever, your dear son,

FRANCIS ASBURY

On envelope To Joseph Asbury Hampstead Hall near Birmingham Staffordshire

Drew University Library