July 31, 1808 — to Mrs. John Brightwell

A Letter of Henry Boehm to Mrs. Brightwell

This letter of Henry Boehm’s has a postscript which is Asbury’s. As the letter and the Journal indicate, Asbury had been sick at the Brightwell’s.

JOHN BECKS [WEST]

OHIO COUNTY, VIRGINIA¹

July 31, 1808

[TO MRS. JOHN BRIGHTWELL]

Very dear Brother and Sister:

Agreeable to promise I now lift my pen to give some information how we are and how we got along. After we left your house on Thursday² last, we came on about ten miles when we stopt about one hour and got some refreshment, then we made another move and rode to Washington,³ about 17 miles, about 8 of which we rode in a heavy rain. This was a day of toil and pain on behalf of Father Asbury, but he was much better next morning than it was possible to expect according to human appearances, so that we set off about seven o’clock and rode to our friend Becks about 20 miles, and rode about 4 miles out of our way. We came in about 3 o’clock. He is now very much fatigued, but pain is rather subsiding. For my part I bless God for health of body and peace of mind. Through grace I am bound for Canaan’s happy land. I trust, my dear friends you’re blest with health and much of the presence of the Lord. The kindness shown to us by you will never be forgotten. May heaven bless you and yours. I am,

Yours in the Lord,

HENRY BOEHM

P.S.⁴ Great grace be with the whole family. Incredible toilsome is sitting so dead upon the horse, every step down hill deep pain, and ready to pitch over the horse’s head, but a good hot bath helped. Oh sister, your kind hand and offices will not be forgotten on earth or heaven. Pray three times a day. Seek perfect love. Farewell. Remember to all friends. Peace, peace. F. ASBURY

The Historical Society of the Pittsburgh Conference.

Transcribed with notes, W.G. Smeltzer