March 27, 1795 — to John Kobler

From Fish Dam Ford, North Carolina, Asbury is making his engagements with John Kobler of the Holston District. On April 26 he reached friend Nelson’s in western North Carolina; and there he was met by William Burke, Francis Acuff, and Thomas

Wilkerson. He does not indicate who is the brother from the east of Virginia. He evidently met the brother at Edward Mitchell’s. FISH DAM FORD, N.C.¹

March 27, 1795

[TO JOHN KOBLER]²

My very dear Brother:

I have an intention of being at friend Nelson’s to hold a general meeting there Sabbath Day, April 26. I should be happy to be favoured with the company of the preachers and people that wish to see me. I shall be exceedingly straightened for strength, time and horse, to get to Baltimore by the first of June. I am to stop and communicate with our brother in east Virginia. I shall have to hasten to New Virginia, Rockingham³ in the interests of the church and education.⁴

If it should turn out that any of the preachers should have a horse that they want to let me have, I want change and [?] the balance of 4 or 5 guineas, good size, young, 5 years old, well gated, and good life. I have not spent my time altogether in vain in Charleston, poor Joseph’s brethren⁵ are coming to Jesus. You will do your best to meet me, and hasten the conference. At least I should wish my horse to rest till I come up from Holston; after bringing me over the mountains. You will, I hope borrow a horse to carry me down to Conference if it be where it may be. I am under such great expectation of going to the northern boundary of the United States this summer, Provinces of Maine, Hampshire, and Vermont, as we are just entering these fields. I am now obliged to save myself all I can. Twenty-five years maketh a great difference, I cannot do as heretofore, and it seemeth my heart is bigger than ever it was and the people and preachers I think require more than ever more than man. I am a poor weak man too. Thine as ever,

FRANCIS ASBURY

Drew University Library