February 17, 1805 — to the Ministers, Members, and Friends of The Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States

This is more of an introduction and recommendation of Ira Ellis than it is a letter. There is a long account of Ellis in the Journal. He is locating and intends to travel through the church. It is not clear as to what he was to do. He followed O’Kelly as presiding elder on the South District in Virginia and was there until 1805. BRUNSWICK COUNTY, VA.

February 17, 1805

TO THE MINISTERS, MEMBERS, AND FRIENDS OF THE

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE UNITED

STATES

With our Christian salutations we send, greetings. Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied to you, through Jesus, our Lord. We have thought it proper to recommend our beloved brother, Ira Ellis,¹ to your pulpits and attentions. One that has travelled fourteen years, extensively, faithfully, and acceptably, nine years he has laboured locally, preserving always a good ministerial and Christian Character; he hath filled the various stations among us, having exercised the offices of preacher, deacon, elder, and presiding elder. We give him the recommendation we think his standing and services have merited in our connexion; he is going upon business of consequence to himself; he may also be as attentive as circumstances will admit to the ministry of the word of God, at all times and places where he can have a congregation. Given under our hands this 22nd day of February, 1805.

FRANCIS ASBURY

RICHARD WHATCOAT

Asbury’s Journal, 1852 ed., February 17, 1805