May 5, 1804 — to Zachary Myles

The letters written to Zachary Myles deal with British matters. Myles was an Englishman and continued his contacts with the home country, especially with his brother, William Myles, a British preacher.

CHESTERTOWN, MD.

May 5, 1804

[TO ZACHARY MYLES]¹

My very dear Brother:

I accept with pleasure the book. As to anything I can do of a like nature I am not able to say. I have an imperfect account in a daily journal. Whether it will ever be published before or after my death I cannot say. There is a delicacy attends the business. I am at present and of late in the same line, only like a post boy, we have many critics, and bookmakers upon this continent. I have learned this never to perform works of supererogation for the Connection.

I am well pleased with what your brethren and Bro. Atmore² have done. Should any of the British Brethren write to me upon any given subject, they may expect I shall treat their letters with respect, but I may be in some distant parts of the continent. My riding a slim brute for 15,000 miles in three years will not admit me to carry only a few shirts, 2 books, the minutes, and my Journal, only a second pantaloon, so that 30 pound weight is heavy for me. I must stretch my blanket for a tent, and bed, upon the earth, if need be.

We have about 400 effective travelling preachers and about 2000 local. I am without a register of the names of each line. We have added at least 40,000 in 4 years in the membership through the 17 United States, and the Mississippi, and Northwest Territory, including the two Canadas. I am as well pleased, the old connexion³ should publish our arithmetick records,⁴ as that we should in America, we all have knowledge and are increasing in book making, but perhaps we are more nice than wise, and hard to please. Will you send the British Arminian Magazine for 1803? Only wish to see if they have published any American newspapers. I ask only the loan, I suppose you know where I lodge? I am yours, F. ASBURY

Methodist Historical Society of the Baltimore Conference

(Lovely Lane Museum)