July 17, 1806 — to Thomas Coke

Asbury wrote Coke shortly after the death of Whatcoat to tell him of it. He suggests that a service be conducted by Coke in England. Asbury gives his appreciation of Whatcoat. The remainder of the letter is largely taken up with an account of the work.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

July 17, 1806

[TO THOMAS COKE]¹

My honoured Brother:

Grace, peace, power and prudence always attend you. Your letter of May 5th is before me. Our venerable Whatcoat² resteth from his labours. He left the world of sorrow July 5th at the house of the late Governor Bassett, Delaware, Dover. Oh why should I stain his inimitable character with recommendation. For near 50 years as a Christian, near 40 as a local and travelling preacher, 37 years he has been employed in the grand consequential station, upon the continent, cities, districts, and superintendency. Never was there a European character so pleasing to the Americans or more generally loved, and lamented. Whoever saw him laugh, or heard him speak an idle word. Deadness to the world! he died without money sufficient to pay his expenses, had he been charged. While the present generation lives, Whatcoat will never be forgotten. For some years he has been awfully afflicted with the gravel, which terminated in the stone. He suffered martyrdom in pain night and day. He travelled near 3000 miles the last year of his life. As he lived, so he died a pattern of patience and victory. I think his funeral you ought to preach in Wednesburg, the society he long graced with his membership, may they never have a more unworthy member in America, a meaner superintendent or bishop.

I have lost a friend, a father, a brother! He was my first choice as a colleague to America. He had many traits in his character. I have not so fully seen in myself or any other man, so universally serious, an Israelite indeed, envy itself could not charge him with guile, in fine, and in fact. I think him to have been one of the very best characters in the British or American Connexion. Had he ceased to labour like other old men, he might have lived to 88, possibly he is passed 70. You express your pleasure he was able to attend so many or all the conferences; this may be done by riding 3000 miles, but Brother Whatcoat had visited the 35 districts as one charge; and every circuit 5000 miles in 10 months is what a superintendent ought to do.

From [New] York I took a hop to Portland, Dartmouth, Vermont, up the heights and rocks of White River, and down Onion River to Burlington, upon Lake Champlain, Ticonderoga and Crown Point, 1000 miles back to [New] York. Oh the glorious prospects in general, I suppose that north of New York there has been and will be 20 campmeetings. I came the first of May, 1806 to the end of the year. Eastern Shore excells all. We have good reason to believe that 4000 souls have been converted in the two districts, and 1000 souls. Dr. Chandler³ writes 40 nights in the woods since Conference held in Philadelphia, April 4, 1806. Another Doctor says 110 nights more, to think of 150 nights in the woods at camp and Quarter meetings. Our people calculate largely of thousands that attend, some go from 10,000 to 15,000, they talk of a campmeeting to begin today near Dover, at Wheat they expect 20,000 souls. At a campmeeting in Sussex, Delaware, late June, from the 12th to the 17th, 1165 converted toward the 4 thousand, I calculated upon, 606 sanctified, they do not include persons convicted, and restored. These things will stretch the credibility of your British Brethren. I need not write often in this marvellous manner, once a year will do. As to the increase of numbers you will see in the minutes. It is a great thing to be an Oxonian,⁴ a man of honor, and learning. Perhaps if you go to untying the knot you will find [work]? If people throughout then vomit when they are heart sick, or brain sick I leave them to like it. I have no disputes with any; they may have them [to] their selves.⁵ I am in great respect to you, and —— Mamma,⁶ Sister Coke with all the Brethren preachers and people in Europe. I can only help you with my prayers who am your friend and Brother in Jesus,

F. ASBURY

P.S. I have deposited in the hands of George Stuckley⁷ (my trusty well beloved Brother) near the sum of 50 pounds sterling to pass your hands to Mr. Rankin⁸ on Mr. Williams’⁹ account. Should I live another year I hope to pay the whole next year but I am the same pecunious man I always was. I travel in a sulky alone, and had to borrow 105 dollars to pay for it. I may boast of my riding 5000 miles a year but I preach but little only on Sabbaths. I have neither time nor strength.

Duke University Library