July 1, 1801 — to George Roberts

A bad foot is still responsible for Asbury’s staying in Philadelphia. He is writing to George Roberts in Baltimore and pouring out his soul on his personal and official problems. The division at St. George’s Church is uppermost in his thinking. He indicates here that he regrets that he had attempted to do anything about it. PHILADELPHIA, PA.

July 1, 1801

[TO GEORGE ROBERTS]¹

My very dear Friend:

I have delayed writing not willing to trouble my dearest friends, to mourn, in hopeless, helpless grief for me. I have contemplated a return to Maryland, but it cannot be yet; indeed I have a second thought of going by stage to Boston. All things were conducted well and perhaps far better without than with me at [New] York. Brother Whatcoat² by the advice and help of the presiding elders and conference (presided). All is well, a large and happy addition of preachers. Sylvester³ is gone with Brother Whatcoat. This is well, perhaps he may continue with him and if I am able to move by the last of August I shall take Luke and go on to the westward and leave Brother Whatcoat to go down the old path⁴ to Camden Conference. I know not a better man than Sylvester to attend the old bishop; ——, that —— writes he can see dimly with one eye. I do not speak with respect to want; but the old men, and women⁵ quarrel with my dress and the heat of the weather calls for a change. I received no money here from conference, or trustees and I will not. The conference committee of finance in [New] York have sent me 18 dollars, I shall take 30 from Mr. Foxhall. If the Society in Baltimore choose they may repay him. As to my confinement I have a most affectionate skilful Doctor,⁶ a large house, the use of three rooms by day and four if need be by night. I am a little like the old prophet. If I am weak it is a wonder if it is not at a widow’s house. In Charleston, Baltimore (old times) Philadelphia, state of New York perhaps about fifty have signed a declaration of withdrawing and seem in haste to be discharged from the society. These I call Puritans. What the preachers will do with them I know not, one elder is enough for bishop here. I fear we have had too many! My principal (trouble) was with those I have had difficulties⁷ with on the other side the water, non-resident, non-president. I mean only to do my own business when President, and only when it is safe—give advice in what I cannot say is my business; only for general good. I only regret that I had anything at all to do with the Philadelphia fire⁸ and still I am here and cannot with safety get away. The case of my foot is very stubborn, if past the worst, which we hope, it mends slowly. It was six months in preparing. I fear it will be two or three in curing. I hope the Philadelphia fever will not reach Baltimore. It is a sufficient curse here. I hope that the preachers and people will be done with it. With you, I believe it to be a Judicial stroke upon this society. The universal gale of prosperity of the Connection is wonderful, for it is for our humiliation but a challenge. Philadelphia⁹ for fifty years past, with all the cities in America, Europe or the world; for divisions among religious people so called. You will give me a line. Present Christian salutations individually and collectively in the pulpit if you please, to any and to all. You will judge of my case to sit from morning to evening in a disagreeable attitude in the heat of the weather and division in the middle of the city, while he is yet¹⁰ speaking there cometh—

I am afflicted,

F. ASBURY

Methodist Historical Society of the Baltimore Conference

(Lovely Lane Museum)