January 8, 1800 — to George Dougharty

The conference was going on in Charleston, and Asbury was having trouble making an appointment to Charleston. He had decided to appoint George Dougharty. John Harper was the other pastor there. John Jenkin’s decision seems to have been left to him. This is one of the few instances where the preachers seemed to have had any choice.

CHARLESTON, S.C.

January 8, 1800

[TO GEORGE DOUGHARTY]¹

My very dear Brother:

The probability is that Brother Snethen² will take his departure from this city either to Savannah or the north about the time of my removal. It is imprest upon my mind that you are the only person of my choice to supply this critical but important station. These are to request you if life permits, to be in Charleston on February 7th as I must go hence the 10th. Brother Jenkin³ I am told will upon no consideration take this station; to leave it vacant till after General Conference will be attended with great damage! I cannot neglect my dear Charleston. Oh! the sorrows, the distresses, I have felt for 15 years. I wish you not to think necessity has drawn me to choose you, know my brother, you stand high in my estimation. I always wish a man to know the confidence I have in him, that he may come up to my highest expectations of him. Whilest I have been writing, John Harper⁴ came in. He highly approves the appointment and that you must have the charge by all means. I have written a large letter, but when I see you I shall speak the whole.

I am with great love thine in Jesus

FRANCIS ASBURY

Duke University Library