May 7, 1805 — to the Conference of Methodist Trustees Now Sitting in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Annual Conference was in session at Chester Town, Maryland. There is no reference in the Journal to this item of business. The Chartered Fund was still in its infancy and was just being incorporated. Directions are given in the letter to the conference as to procedure.

CHESTER TOWN, MARYLAND

May 7, 1805

TO THE CONFERENCE OF METHODIST TRUSTEES NOW

SITTING IN PHILADELPHIA

We viewed your communications including a statement of the products of the Chartered Fund for this year and do gratefully acknowledge your fidelity in the superintendence of the interest of the institutions. You will honor our draft for 120 dollars.

We are sorry you have not been able to collect the debts due to the institution, particularly Mr. Henry Ennell’s word and the money arising from the sale of the plantation given to Mr. Dickinson and sold by your agent [?] to Mr. Rogers.

We are informed that the above moneys are now ready to be paid and that they would have been paid some time past but Mr. [Dickinson] and Mr. [Rogers]¹ did not know who to pay the money to. As you are the only guardian of the chartered fund you are hereby directed and requested to collect and bring into operation the above moneys as soon as possible. We have carefully considered your memorial and particularly your advice to print the articles of operation [?] of the chartered fund with the minutes but think it would not be prudent to present them because it might give an advantage to those who seek an auction to misrepresent us. We have nevertheless advised the presiding elder to procure the acts of incorporation and to state and explain them to the people. Please accept our best wishes for your prosperity and happiness and the happiness of your families.

We are dear brethren, Yours in love.

F.A.

Signed by order of the Conference

W.P.C. (CHANDLER) SECY.

The Historical Society of the Philadelphia Conference and Old St. George’s Methodist Church, Philadelphia