Undated — to Daniel Hitt

BURLINGTON, N.J.

Apr. 28, 1806

[TO DANIEL HITT]

My Very Dear Brother:

Great, great, grace attend thee. I have written to our dearly beloved Jn. Pitts, knowing the friendship there is between you. N. Snethen has slipt thro’ my hands, because I was tardy in treating & stipulating, this business, I mean to quite, it only puts one into difficulties; but if it will work, & you could give him the Point Station; and send L. Cassell post haste, by land or water to Boston, and perhaps make a Lyell of him. You ask, what is to be done there? Oh! wonders-surpassing, there are building a brick house 84 by 64, up to Baltimore already; all is to be strait, but the lower part is to contain 100 pens, calf pens, goat pens. I must say nothing, it is begun without my knowledge, or consent. 8,000 dollars, the spot of ground for the Chapel & dwelling house. If you can, send Br. Cassell, to supply, while the stationed preacher goeth to the Conference.

I was happy enough to ride near 600 miles, and visit all the Circuits on the Easternshore, on my way to the Philadelphia Conference. Great harmony, strict Conference Discipline; one or two a little displeased, that had been in the habit on indulgence in Towns, and stipulations. Before I establish two orders, one for the Cities, and the other for the Country, may the General Conference strip my authority of Superintindency over my head, & off my head. If when they are sent to Circuits, they locate, or leave the connection, be it so.

We had a gracious season at the Philadelphia Conference, I trust there was not less good done than at the Baltimore. I shall travel near 1000 miles, in 200 from Baltimore to New-York, and 6 or 700 by a blessing to the New- England Conference. You may write if any thing special, by Cassell if he comes. I shall possibly be in Boston about the first of June, or soon after. I purpose to visit Genessee in my return, & to reach Frederick-Town July

26. There I shall be pleased to hear from or see you. Brother Whatcoat, we have left at Dover sick, yet hope he is not dead.

The Philadelphia Conference have written ameliorating letter to Doctor Coke; but not contradict yours; they condemn the thought of dividing the Conferences; and tell him they would not wish him to crucify his wife’s feelings. They approve the recommendation to the three conferences to fill their seats at the next General Conference. I think an election will take place in the three Conferences, permitting any to come that please, that have a right to come: it will be particular election and general liberty; better so than worse; we are sure matters of a most serious nature will call the attention of the next General Conference, possibly dissolving the union with Doctor Coke, electing superintendents & organising, the General Conference.

We have added in five Conferences 8278 members, one third, or fourth of our labours. 58 Preachers added, we have swept the Docket of 40 by Location: great union in Philadelphia, the causes of division are nearly gone. In all the circuits prospects good, and all the Districts. I do not think I owe that partiallity of a double visit to the cities; I should only hear their murmurings, it is more than I can bear; I have need to go like the scape goat into the wilderness with the murmurs of the people, after a surge of seven Conferences seven days and nights. O Bro. let us preach holiness with all our might, enforce Discipline with all our wisdom. Hold Campmeetings: quarterly meetings in the woods. Doctor Chandler talks of 100 days & nights in the woods this year. Let us keep up a spirit of prayer. The deficiencies above 2,000 dollars, collection and Funds made up near two thousand; but some of the Genessee Preachers had nearly demanded the whole of their double pay. Five pensioners; alas! the more we get the more we want. I am still thine.

F. ASBURY

Letters to Daniel Hitt, Ohio Wesleyan University Library