Chapter 19

Virginia

January 1, 1790. No appointment for preaching. We are bound to the South, and shall proceed on as fast as we can.

Saturday, 2. We were refreshed in the evening. Next day (Sabbath) I preached at Chickahominy' church once more: sinners, Pharisees, back-sliders, hypocrites, and believers, were faithfully warned; and of all these characters there were, doubtless, a goodly number in the large congregation which attended. Brother Philip Bruce went to Brown's, and brother Whatcoat and myself to Weldon's; at both these places the Lord was powerfully present in our meetings.

Monday, 4. We crossed James River,2 with a fresh wind ahead, and only two poor blacks, where four ferrymen are necessary. Two brigs under sail came down full upon us, and we had hard work to get out of their way. These large ferries are dangerous and expensive: our ferriages alone have cost us 3 since we left Annapolis.

Tuesday, 5. Rested, and next day preached at brother Mooring's. I felt some power among the people; but the glory is measurably departed; the imprudent haste of the young people to marry unbelievers, and divisions excited by other causes, have done much injury.

1Chickahominy Church was an Established Church two miles south of the present Toano, Virginia. It was the successor of the Wilmington Lower Church which had been on the same site, and was built about 1750. (Mason: Colonial Churches of Tidewater, Virginia.)

o Whatcoat says they crossed at Swan Point ferry and narrowly escaped being run down by two brigs. (Sweet, op. cit., 89.) They went through Surry and Sussex Counties.

VIRGINIA January 7, 1790

Thursday, 7. Was an ameliorating time at Ellis's church. The next day at Lane's, I had many people, although it rained; I felt comfortable in speaking to them.

Saturday, 9. Was a cold time in a cold house at brother Moss's. I felt unwell, and much dejected at the situation of the people, whom I found divided about the merits of a certain character, once a preacher among the Methodists, but now disowned, and striving to make a party; this man, and the disputes for and against shavery, have been hurtful.

Sunday, 10. Came to Jones's church, and was much lifted up in spirit.

Monday, 11. I had many to hear at Mabry's.

Tuesday, 12. From Mabry's we came to Brunswick quarterly meeting, where there was a considerable quickening, and manifestation of the Lord's power. We had a good meeting at Roanoke chapel ;3 I rejoiced that the society had increased to more than a hundred souls.

I received a letter from the presiding elder of this district, James O'Kelly ;4 he makes heavy complaints of my power, and bids me stop for one year, or he must use his influence against me. Power! power! there is not a vote given in a conference in which the presiding elder has not greatly the advantage of me; all the influence I am to gain over a company of young men in a district must be done in three weeks; the greater part of them, perhaps, are seen by me only at conference, whilst the presiding elder Imas had them with him all the year, and has the greatest opportunity of gaining influence; this advantage may be abused; let the bishops look to it: but who has the power to lay an embargo on me, and to make of none effect the decision of all the conferences of the union

North Carolina

Friday, 15. Crossed Roanoke, and was met by several preachers at sister Pegram's, where the Lord was with us.5

5 Roanoke Chapel was on the Greensville Circuit and was formerly an Established Church in St. Andrews Parish, Brunswick. Whatcoat says they had services at Woolsey's and Drumgoole's and slept at William Owen's in Mecklenburg County on the way to Roanoke Chapel. (Ibid.)

4 See letter to O'KeIly, January 12, 1790, and excerpts from Deveraux Jarratt to John Coleman.

5 Whatcoat, who accompanied Asbury, says they reached the Roanoke on January 14 and slept at Stephen Shels in Warren County, North Carolina. Asbury preached, and the exhorter was Philip Bruce, a North Carolinian who was presiding elder of the north district in Virginia. Bruce was of Huguenot descent and a zealous patriot who was present "as a sort of chaplain" at the battle of King's Mountain near his birthplace. On the fifteenth they rode to "Widow Pegrarn's," where Bruce exhorted and the sacrament was administered. They slept that night at John Falcon's in Warren County. Whatcoat's spelling is very uncertain. (Journal of Bishop Richard Whatcoat, printed by Sweet in Religion on the American Frontier, The Methodists, 90.)

NORTH CAROLINA Januaryl6,1790

Saturday, 16.! had a long ride to Roger Jones's :6 we had a good season at the sacrament; several spoke powerfully of the justifying and sanctifying grace of God. A hundred souls have been brought to God: thus the barren wilderness begins to smile. I found it a time to speak from Isaiah

lii, 1.

We had to ride sixteen miles; and here, 0 what my spirit felt! It is a day of very small and feeble things, and but little union among the people. I fouimd it needful to enforce that prayer: "0 Lord, revive thy work!" One poor black fehi to the ground and praised God.

Tuesday, 19. I had some freedom in preaching at Bruce's; but I fear there is too much vanity and Antinomian leaven amongst them to permit much good to be done.

Rode to Thomas Tomlinson's; but here they made no appointmeimt. At Merritt's chapel, on New Hope Creek, Chatharn county, I enforced, "How shall I give thee up, Ephraim"-there was some feeling among them; but they are not a united people.7

Thursday, 21. 1 rode to the widow Sarah Snipe's,8 twenty miles, and preached on Isaiah xlv, 22; then crossed Haw River, and came to M-'s, about two hours in the night, where I found a congregation waiting, to whom 1 spoke on, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ," &c.; the people were tender.

Friday, 22. Came to William Rainey's,9 in Orange county, to a quarterly meeting, where seven of our preachers met together: the first day the people were dull; the second, our congregation was large; my subject was, "We will give ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word." I ordained Thomas Anderson10 to the office of an elder. We rode through a heavy rain sixteen miles to our friend Gerald Burr's ;11 here they have built us a complete house of the heart of oak. Proceeded twelve miles to Rocky River, and preached at William M'Master's chapel;12 afterward we had a

6 ibid.

7 On the seventeenth the party rode to Pope's Chapel, where Asbury preached. Whatcoat and Bruce rode with James Lester. On the eighteenth they proceeded to Bruce's, where Asbury preached, and on the nineteenth they went on to the home of Thomas Tomlinson on the Neuse River in Wake County. On the following day Reuben Ellis, a North Carolinian and notable figure in early Methodism, then presiding elder of the South Carolina district, was with the party. They went on to the home of William O'KeIly, presiding elder of the North Carolina district. Merritt's Chapel or New Hope Chapel was in Chatham County. The New Hope Circuit was formed in 1478 and appeared in the Minutes in 1779. It included parts of Orange, Chatham, Cumberland, and Wake counties, and took its name from a creek that flowed into Haw River in Chatham County. (Ibid., 91; Grissom, op. cit., 64, 67.)

$ Whatcoat, op. cit., 91.

9 Ibid.

10 Thomas Anderson was serving the New Hope Circuit. (See Minutes.)

11 Gerald Burr (or Burrough) lived in Chatham County. (Whatcoat, op. cit., 91.)

12 The chapel named for William McMasters was in the same county. (ibid.)

NORTH CAROLINA January26,1790

night meeting and upon the whole I believe we were speaking about four hours, besides nearly two spent in prayer. We came to our friend Key's,18 and were kindly entertained. Thence we went to Mr. William Bell's,14 on Deep River, and were received in the kindest manner; before I left the house, I felt persuaded that that family would come to experience the power of religion.

Tuesday, 26. We had to make our way through a dreary path, and rode about fifty miles; we were favoured by only getting a sprinkling of rain, which became very heavy after we were housed at Thomas Chiels's,15 about eleven o'clock. Rode to Doctor Miles King's,16 twenty-five miles, and performed the funeral rites of Captain Clark,17 who was sick when I was here last year. I then prayed for him, and felt as if his sickness was unto death: now, I preached his funeral sermon; my text was, "It is appointed unto men once to die," &c. I felt some enlargement in speaking, and a few people appeared to be moved.

I have read an account of the wonderful revolution in France; may the good of Protestantism and the glory of God be advanced by it!

Since we crossed Roanoke River, we have passed through Warren, Granville, Wake, Chatham, Orange, Randolph, and Richmond counties, in North Carolina.

After passing Hedge Cock creek, I preached at Night's chapel, on, "My grace is sufficient for thee:" there was some quickening, and I was blest. It is no small exercise to ride twenty miles, or more, as we frequently

13 H. Keys lived at Hillsboro in Orange County. He later moved to Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee, where Asbury stayed with him on February 12, 1807. From both places he carried on correspondence with Edward Dromgoole, whose papers are in the library of the University of North Carolina and have been published in part by Sweet. Dromgoole (1751-1835) was from Sligo, Ireland, a Roman Catholic, who publicly recanted after hearing the Methodists. He came to America in 1770 and settled near Baltimore, and became a preacher under the influence of Robert Straw-bridge. He was a conspicuous figure in the Christmas Conference. In 1777 he married Rebecca Walton of Brunswick County, Virginia. He located in 1786; Asbury remarked that "Edward Dromgoole is a good preacher, but entangled with a family." He was until his death a local preacher in Brunswick County, where he entertained Asbury and other Methodist leaders on numerous occasions. The church at his home came to be known as Dromgoole's Chapel, later united with Olive Branch. (Sweet, op. cit., 159.)

14 William Bell lived on Deep River in Randolph County above Randleman. Fic was the stepfather of John and William McGee, leaders of the great Kentucky revival and founders of the camp meeting movement. (Whatcoat, op. cit., 91.) His wife was the Revolutionary heroine Martha Bell, who won local renown by capturing a desperado called Steve Lewis. This exploit is described by Caruthers in The Old North State in 1776. (Sidney Swaim Robins, "Bishop Asbury on Deep River," in Chapel Hill News Leader, July 4, 1955.)

15 Ibid., 92.

16 Miles King lived in Montgomery County. The party reached his home on the twenty-eighth. (Ibid.)

i7 The man whose funeral was preached by Asbury was designated as Crark, perhaps Clark, in Whatcoat's untrustworthy spelling. (ibid.)

SOUTH CAROLTNA January3l,1790

do, before twelve o'clock; taking all kinds of food, and lodging, and weather too, as it comes, whether it be good or bad.

I saw the hand of the Lord in preserving my life and limbs when my horse made an uncommon start and sprung some yards with me; it was with difficulty I kept the saddle.18

South Carolina

We had a severe day's ride; and called at the Beauty Spot:19 the beauty here has somewhat faded; the society is disjointed, and in a poor state. We made it a fifty miles' ride, or thereabouts, to Pryor's.20

Sunday, 31. There were some signs of remaining life seen under preaching, and a little spirit and feeling in the love feast. I felt great enlargement on, "How shall I give thee up, Ephraim" &c. I found it heavy work.

Monday, February 1. Brother Whatcoat preached at the Grove;21 John Ellis and myself spoke after him, and there were gracious signs of tenderness among the people. An elderly Baptist preacher attended, whose heart the Lord touched, and he acknowledged the power of the Most High to be present. We lodged at old friend Jones's,22 having ridden twenty-five miles; we were weary and hungry, having breakfasted on tea at eight o'clock, and taken nothing more till six o'chock at night. Lord, help me to bear all things without murmuring or disputing!

At Flower's25 there was a hiving stir: one soul found peace; and I had freedom in preaching.

After riding fifteen miles to Sweet's meeting house,24 on a cold day, we had about a dozen people: of these few, some were drunk, and began to laugh and trifle round the house. After three exhortations and prayers, we came to Port's ferry, and had to cross in the night, and wade the low places.

18According to Whatcoat they entered South Carolina on the twenty-ninth and were entertained by Jacob Abit, or Abbott. (Ibid.)

19 On this sixth trip through South Carolina, Asbury followed the same route taken

in 1789 as far as Augusta, Georgia, though he passed through the western section of

the state over a new route after leaving Georgia. (See the notes for February 4-March 2,

1789.)

20 Pryor's has not been identified. It is also mentioned by Whatcoat. It may have been Bryan's on Catfish Creek, near Latta, South Carolina. John Ellis of the Anson Circuit and Thomas Humphries of the Little Pee Dee accompanied Asbury and Whatcoat as exhorters, and they sometimes preached. (Whatcoat's Journal, op. cit., 92.)

21 The Grove has not been identified. There are Pine Grove and Oak Grove churches in Marlboro County.

22 Frederick Jones lived in Prince George's parish, in which the present Marion County was included. He "was born in 1709 and his wife is 77." (Whatcoat, op. cit., 92.)

28 Flowers was one mile north of Marion on General William Evans' place.

24 Sweet's meetinghouse was fifteen miles south of Marion. It became Bare Pond Church and is now Soule's Chapel. (See note under March 11, 1487.)

SOUT H CAR 0 LI NA February 6, 1790

Came to sister -, and had a comfortable table spread before us, which, to us, who had ridden thirty miles through heavy rain, without eating or drinking, was almost necessary. I think our kind hostess has several of the marks St. Paul gives of a widow indeed.25

I have lately read Thomson's Seasons, containing upwards of two hundred pages. I find a little wheat and a great deal of chaff: I have read great authors, so called, and wondered where they found their finery of words and phrases; much of this might be pilfered from the "Seasons," without injury to the real merit of the work; and doubtless it has been plucked by literary robbers; and my wonder may cease.

My own soul has peace; but I feel a death amongst the people. I hope the Lord will come and visit them in power; if they do not turn to God, I expect they will be cut off, and that soon.

Saturday, 6. Rode to Georgetown;26 and on the Sabbath, brother Whatcoat preached on, "In all places where I record my name, I will come in to thee, and I will bless thee."27

Monday, 8. I gave them a close and serious address on rightly dividing the word of truth.

Tuesday, 9. Came to Wappetaw,28 and preached on 1 John iv, 16, 17.

Wednesday, 10. Came to Charleston.29 Here I received good news from

Baltimore and New York: about two hundred souls have been brought to

God within a few weeks. I have been closely occupied in writing to

Europe and to different parts of this continent. We feel a little quickening

here: brother Whatcoat preaches every night.

Saturday, 13. The preachers are coming into the conference. I have felt fresh springs of desire in my soul for a revival of religion. 0 may the work be general! It is a happy thing to be united as is our society. The happy

25 Whatcoat says Asbury preached and Ellis preached and exhorted on the second, presumably at the Frederick Jones home; they rode to Valentine Rowell's church on Catfish, nine miles below Marion, on the third, where there were about eleven people; "we were very wet but rode to the Widow Port's in safety, thougim one of the horses getting his hind feet over the side of the boat made it dangerous for the others." On the fourth Asbury preached at Britain's Neck. Whatcoat says they "returned," perhaps to the Widow Port's. He says that "William Balson died soon after we left the house," and Asbury preached his funeral on the fifth. On the fifth also Asbury adniinistered the sacrament and exhorted the black people on Great Pee Dee. (Whatcoat, op. cit., 93.) Sister across Port's Ferry may have been Mrs. Kimbrough.

26Asbury presumably went to Georgetown by the usual route of Port's Ferry, Lynch's River, and Black Mingo. The party spent the night at William Wayne's. (Ibid.)

27 On this Sunday, Asbury preached in the afternoon, and Whatcoat preached in the evening, after which they drank tea at the home of Miss Judy Raggs. (Ibid.)

28 Wappetaw was near the Capers' home at Cainhoy. They visited George S. Capers there. (Ibid.)

29 They slept at John Huse's. During the period spent in Charleston they also took meals with Mrs. Patton, Brothers Cook and Seaver, Captain Doral, Brother Welse, Mrs. Wright, Mr. McGowin, and Jonathan Crook "on the warf (Amen Street or Ragg Alley)" according to Whatcoat's peculiar spelling. (Ibid., 93, 94.)

SOUTH CAROLINA February 14,1790

news of the revival of the work of God flies from one part of the continent to the other, and all partake of the joy.

Sunday, 14. I preached twice.30 Next day (Monday) our conference began. Our business was conducted in great peace and love. The business of the council came before us'1; and it was determined that the concerns of the college, and the printing, should be left with the council to act decisively upon; but that no new canons should be made, nor the old altered, without the consent of the conference; and that whatever was done on this head, shouhd come in the shape of advice only. We had some quickening seasons, and living meetings. Several young people come under awakenings.

Wednesday, 17. I preached on, "If thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth." It was a searching season: several spoke and prayed; and we had noise enough. The evening before an extract of sundry letters from New York and Baltimore was read in the congregation, at which saints and sinners were affected. But we have not a sufficient breastwork. Our friends arc too mute and fearful, and many of the outdoors people are violent and wicked. I have had a busy, trying time for about nine days past; and I have hopes that some hundreds in the city will be converted by this time next year. Our conference resolved on establishing Sunday schools for poor children, white and black.82

Friday, 19. We rode to Edisto. At Gueham's33 I preached on the "Great salvation." There appeared to be attention, and some were affected.

Saturday, 20. Was a dry time at Linder's.54 Brother Whatcoat preached. I was very unwell with a headache.

80 See letter to parents, February 14, 1790.

81 The newly organized controversial and short-lived council was discussed at this conference, and it was agreed that the powers of the body should be supervisory only. (Betts, op. cit., 63.)

32The following action was taken: "Q.: What can be done in order to instruct poor children, white and black to read A.: Let us labor, as the heart and soul of one man to establish Sunday Schools in or near the places of worship. Let persons be appointed by the Bishops, elders, deacons and preachers to teach (gratis) all that will attend and have a capacity to learn, from 6 o'clock in the morning until 10; and from 2 o'clock in the afternoon till 6; where it does not interfere with public worship. The Council shall compile a proper school book to teach them learning and piety." (Betts, op. cit., 63.) Jesse Lee says that Sunday schools were now established in several places, most of those attending being black children. The parents were backward about sending them, and only a few attended regularly, and the teachers soon became discouraged and gave up the work. (Lee: History of the Methodists, 161.)

33 was probably Givhans, since the party went that way to Augusta. Whatcoat says they rode through Dorchester to Philip Gibham's, where Asbury preached to a few people. (Whatcoat, op. cit., 94.) They probably proceeded through Orangeburg County and the present towns of Springfield and Williston to Beech Island.

34 This was Jacob Linder, according to Whatcoat. (Ibid.) He probably lived near Green Pond Church on the Edisto.

626 SOUTH CA ROLl N A February 21, 1790

Sunday, 21. We had a better season at Cattle Creek,35 on Mal. iii, 1. May God arise to help these people, and revive and work mightily for and amongst them!

Monday, 22. We had a heavy ride to Burton's.36 It was still more so when we came to preaching. Poor souls! the Antinomian leaven brings forth death here. Some appeared hardened; others, nevertheless, appeared a little melted. May God help these people! I was unwell-could eat but little. I was not at home. I felt as if God had departed from this house, and was miserable until I left it.

Tuesday, 23. We rode to Rigdall's.87 Here we found people of another spirit. We had a large congregation-but very blind, deaf, and dumb. 0 Lord! can these dry bones live I spoke very close, but to litttle purpose. May the Lord help, and stand by the poor preachers who labour on this side Edisto!

Wednesday, 24. At Chester's, and next day at David Pucket's38 there was a small stir. Some here have been awakened; but they lean to Calvinism, and the love of strong drink carries almost all away. My spirit was bowed down amongst them. I spoke a little, and so did brother Whatcoat. We appointed a night meeting. There came only two men, and they were drunk.

Friday, 26. There came about a dozen people to hear us at Treadwell's,39 to whom brother Whatcoat preached on the "works of the flesh," and the "fruits of the Spirit."

After riding thirty miles through heavy sands, we came to Doctor Fuller's.40 I am strongly inclined to think I am done with this road and people. They pass for Christians-a prophet of strong drink might suit them. I was clear in not receiving anything without paying for it.

Saturday, 27. Rode to Campbelltown, and stopped at brother William Guyin's.41 Since Friday, the 19th, we have ridden about one hundred and sixty miles.

I have been under various trials and exercises, and have some dejected hours. This also shall tend to my humiliation, and work for my good.

Sunday, 28. I preached on 1 Tim. i, 15. I had a very still and unfeeling

35 Cattle Creek Church was in Orangeburg County. Whatcoat refers to it as Kettle Creek Church, remarking that Satan's bulwarks were very strong there and that they slept at Brother Berry's. (Ibid.)

36 George Burton. (Ibid.)

37 Whatcoat said they rode to Jones' Church and rested at John Rigdall's in Orange-burg County. (Ibid.)

381t was tax gathering day, and Asbury preached to three people, two of whom were drunk. (Ibid.)

39 There were thirteen people at Treadwell's, Tredwys according to Whatcoat's spelling. (Ibid.) He lived just west of Cedar Creek in Aiken County.

40 Fuller lived at Blueberry Hill. (Ibid.)

41 William Guyin (Whatcoat's spelling) lived at Campbelltown, the present North Augusta. His name was probably Guyton.

GEORGIA Marchl,1790

congregation. The inhabitants of this little town (Campbelltown) seem to be sober and industrious; but even here I found some drunkards.

Georgia

Monday, March 1. We crossed at Augusta, in Georgia, and rode to Sandy Creek church. I had some enlargement on Luke iv, 18, 19. Thence we proceeded to Briar Creek.42

Tuesday, 2. I preached in an old church, near Waynesborough; at Thomas Wyche's,43 in the evening; and next day at Golphin's, Old Town." The house was open, and the day cold.

Thursday, 4. I preached with liberty in a new church, near Fenn's bridge.45 We have been exercised in public night and day; frequently we have not more than six hours' sleep; our horses are weary, and the houses are so crowded, that at night our rest is much disturbed. Jesus is not always in our dweffings; and where be is not, a pole cabin is not very agreeable. Provisions for man and horse we have plenty of. Our journeys are about thirty miles, day by day; but under all these trails I enjoy peace and patience, and have much of the love of God.

Sunday, 7. We bad a crowded congregation at Harvey's." Brother Whatcoat attempted to preach, but soon concluded. We lodged with brother Scott, above the forks of Ogeeche.47 My mind has been much tried under so much bodily fatigue.

I went to view four hundred acres of land, and found it not suitably situated for a seminary of learning.48 Came to Star's; a cold place, and cold congregation there.

42 The Sandy Creek Church was the first in Richmond County. Its exact location is not known. The church at Briar Creek was on a bluff near the great Briar Creek Swamp, and was probably the first in Burke County. It was later turned over to the Negroes. (Smith: Georgia Methodism, 41.) Whatcoat says they rode to old Sandy Run Church on March 2.

43 See Whatcoat's Journal.

44The old church near Waynesboro was St. George's Episcopal Church, the first in Burke County. It was abandoned after the Revolution and later came into the possession of thc Methodists. It still stands six miles south of Waynesboro. "Golphin's" was the post of the Indian trader George Gaiphin, near Louisville. (Smith: Georgia Methodism, 41.)

49 Fenn's Bridge was on the Ogeechee River in Jefferson County. (Smith: Georgia Methodism, 41.)

46 See Whatcoat's Journal.

47 The Mr. Harvey lived in Warren County. Bishop Richard Whatcoat traveled with Asbury on this southern tour. (Phoebus: Memoirs of the Rev. Richard Whatcoat, 26.) Joseph Scott lived on Little River.

48The bishop was looking for land on which to locate the Wesley and Whitefield School which had been projected at the previous conference. No suitable location was found, and the school was never built. in August, 1790, the Academy of Commissioners of Wilkes County appointed Florence Sullivan and James Williams as a corn-

GEORGIA MarchlO,1790

Wednesday, 10. Our conference began at Grant's. We had preaching every day, and there were some quickenings amongst the people. Our business was conducted in peace and unanimity. The deficiencies of the preachers, who receive a salary of sixty-four dollars per annum from this conference, amounted to seventy-four pounds for the last year.

Thursday, 11. We bad a rainy day, yet a full house, and a living love feast. Some souls were converted, and others professed sanctification. I had some opening in speaking from Ezek. ii, 7. We have a prospect of obtaining a hundred acres of land for every one hundred pounds we can raise and pay, for the support of Wesley and Whitefield school. On Monday we rode out to view three hundred acres of land offered for the above purpose. My soul has been much tried since conference began. I must strive to keep from rising too high, or sinking too low.

Tuesday, 16. We set out on our journey, and came to the new chapel at Bibb's Cross Roads.49 1 preached with some life and liberty, and ordained brother Bennet Maxey50 to the office of deacon. I spent the evening at brother Isaac Herbert's, where lie interred the remains of dear brother Major. I was told that a poor sinner was struck with conviction at his grave, and thought he heard the voice of God calling him to repentance. I was also told of a woman who sent for brother Andrew51 to preach her funeral sermon while living. She was blest under the word, and died in peace.

South Carolina

Wednesday, 17. We were kindly entertained at Patrick Calhoun's ;52 mittee to "write to Bishop Asbury." The contents of the communication are not known, but the commissioners probably urged the bishop to establish the school. (Smith:

Georgia Methodism, 41; Asbury, 125; Bowen: Wilkes County, 121.)

49The exact location of the chapel at Bibb's Cross Road is not definitely known, but it was in Wilkes County. There were cross roads at Sandtown Danburg, and Delhi, and one of these may have been known as Bibb's. (Bowen: Wilkes County, 122.) The Bibb family came from Virginia. Dr. William Wyatt Bibb located near the old town of Petersburg in the forks of the Savannah and Broad Rivers, later moving to Wilkes County, "a mile or two from Broad River, and a few miles from the residence of Col. Taliaferro." He was a member of the House of Representatives in 1806, a Senator, and later was governor of Alabama. H is brother Thomas was also governor of Alabama. (Gilmer: First Settlers of Upper Georgia, 85-87.)

50Bennet Maxey, who was ordained deacon, had served the Burke Circuit with Hope Hull and was appointed to the Richmond Circuit with John Holliday.

51John Andrew, father of Bishop James 0. Andrew, was on the Cherokee Circuit with Philip Matthews and was appointed to the Burke Circuit with Wheeler Grissom. John Andrew was the first native Georgian admitted as traveling preacher. (Smith:

Asbury, 125; Georgia Methodism, 41.)

52Patrick Calhoun was the father of Hon. John C. Calhoun, who was eight years old when Asbury and Whatcoat were there. He lived ten miles south of Abbeville courthouse near the present Wilmington and on Long Cone Creek and worshiped at the Lower Cane Creek Presbyterian Church. (Whatcoat, op. cit., 96.) After his two weeks

SOUTH CAROLINA March 19,1790

and next day, after riding twenty-two miles to Porter's,53 we had an evening meeting, and were happy with a few living souls. The Presbyterians are very kind, giving us freely whatever is needful for man and horse. I have great consolations, and severe trials.

Friday, 19. We had some stir, especially amongst the young people, at the widow Bowman's, on Reedy River."

Saturday, 20. Rode to Moore's ;55 and finding brother Ellis was to be at C-'s,56 we hasted to see him, and rode twenty miles, crossing Enoree River, near the slaughter ground, where a battle was fought in the last war. Sunday, 21. Preached to a quiet people, and had a small stir. We had a meeting in the evening at Brother Smith's.

Monday, 22. 1 feel myself unwell with a sick and nervous headache, which returns once a month, and sometimes oftener. We have travelled about six hundred miles in about three weeks, besides the time taken up in conference. Thou, Lord, wilt have mercy, and save both man and beast! I expect Providence brought us this way, to pity and to help the people. Dear brother and sister Smith57 are unspeakably kind.

North Carolina

Friday, 26. Rode about twenty-two miles. Stopped at Col. William Graham's,58 dripping wet with rain. He received us, poor strangers, with great kindness, and treated us hospitably. We had awful thunder, wind, and rain. I was still unwell with a complaint that terminated the life of my grandfather Asbury, whose name I bear; perhaps it will also be my end. We were weather-bound until Monday morning, the 29th of March. For several days I have been very sick and serious. I have been enabled to look

in Georgia, Asbury was returning northward, probably via Abbeville and Laurens counties to Musgrove Mill, crossing the Broad and Savannah rivers at the old town of Petersburg.

53 Porter. (Ibid., 97.) According to Whatcoat they visited John Hambleton at Abbeville courthouse, who fed their horses free. They also went by Gabriel Smathers'. 54 The Widow Bowman on Reedy River lived in Laurens County, probably near Cross Hill.

55 Whatcoat, op. cit., 97.

56 Whatcoat says that Sister Foster piloted them to Kersey's. (Ibid.) He may have meant Casey's. They crossed the Enoree at the historic Musgrove's Mill, which was only a few miles from Cross Keys.

57 Whatcoat says that be and Asbury reached Broad River near Smith's Ferry on March 24. They crossed the river in a canoe, swimming their horses. Whatcoat preached that night at Josiah Smith's, where they remained through the twenty-fifth. (Ibid.) Smith lived on Broad River just below Cherokee Falls.

58 Josiah Smith rode with them sixteen or eighteen miles. In a storm they reached Colonel William Graham's on Little Broad River and remained there until the twenty-ninth, when they rode to George Moore's. (Ibid.) He was a Revolutionary soldier and a leading citizen of Rutherford County. (Griffin: Essays on North Carolina History.)

NORTH CAROLINA March 31,1790

into eternity with some pleasure. I could give up the church, the college, and schools; nevertheless, there was one drawback-What will my enemies and mistaken friends say Why, that he hath offended the Lord, and he hath taken him away. In the afternoon I felt somewhat better. Brother Whatcoat preached a most excellent sermon on, "The kingdom of God is not in word but in power"-not in sentiments or forms, but in the convincing, converting, regenerating, sanctifying power of God. I am making close application to my Bible. Reading the Prophets at my leisure whilst on my journey, I met with a pious Baptist. Glory to God for what religion there is still to be found amongst all sects and denominations of people!

Wednesday, 31. Rode to Gilbert Town, and preached at Holland's59 with some freedom, but was very unwell in the afternoon.

Thursday, April 1. Rode about fifty miles through Rutherford and Burke counties: it is a day of small things here.

Crossed Catawba River at Greenlee's ford, and came to our good friend White's,60 on John's River, about eight o'clock at night. When I set off in the morning it seemed as if I should faint by the way, I was so ill with a mixed internal complaint to which I am subject. We arrived in the very nick of time, Friday being a very rainy day, and there being no necessity that day to ride. I feel happy in the prospect of death and rest; yet I am willing to labour and to suffer the Lord's leisure.

Saturday, 3. Quarterly meeting began. Brother Whatcoat and myself both preached, and there was a reviving among both white and black; and I trust some souls were blessed.

Sunday, 4. Was a serious day; none were admitted to our private meetings but members: many spoke, and most felt the power of God. We then hasted to the Globe chapel, where the people met, but had not patience to wait: we had a rough road, and John's River to cross twenty times. I was desired to preach sister Eliza Biggerstaff's61 funeral. She was formerly a Presbyterian; then a Methodist; and last of all a Christian; and there is good hope that she died in the Lord. I was resolved to fulfil her desire, and preached on 1 Cor. xv, 56, 57, to about eight souls.

Monday, 5. We made an early move. After worming the stream for a while, we took through the Laurel Hill, and had to scale the mountains, which in some places were rising like the roof of a house. We came to the head of Watauga River; a most neglected place. Here the people have had their corn destroyed by frost, and many of them have moved away. It was thus we found it in Tyger's Valley. We passed by W-'s, a poor 59This was Major James Holland, a member of Congress, merchant, and lawyer. (Griffin: Essays on North Carolina History.)

60The travelers held a quarterly conference at the home of William White, at which Thomas Anderson, presiding elder of the eastern district in South Carolina, exhorted.

Here they remained until April 4. (Whatcoat's Journal.)

61Ibid.

TENNESSEE ApriI6,1790

lodging, and slept at the Beaver Dam in a cabin without a cover, except what a few boards supplied: we had very heavy thunder and lightning, and most hideous yelling of wolves around; with rain, which is frequent in the mountains.62

Tennessee

Tuesday, 6. We were compelled to ride through the rain, and crossed the Stone Mountain: those who wish to know how rough it is may tread in our path. What made it worse to me was, that while I was looking to see what was become of our guide, I was carried off with full force against a tree that hung across the road some distance from the ground, and my head received a very great jar, which, however, was lessened by my having on a hat that was strong in the crown. We came on to the dismal place called Roan's Creek, which was pretty full. Here we took a good breakfast on our tea, bacon, and bread. Reaching Watauga, we had to swim our horses, and ourselves to cross in a canoe; up the Iron Mountain we ascended, where we had many a seat to rest, and many a weary step to climb. At length we came to Andrew Greer's,63 and halted for the night.

Wednesday, 7. We reached William Nelson's chapel64 about one o'clock, after riding about eighteen miles.65 Now it is that we must prepare for danger, in going through the wilderness.66 I received a faithful letter from brother Poythress in Kentucky, encouraging me to come. This letter I think well deserving of publication. I found the poor preachers indifferently clad, with emancipated bodies, and subject to hard fare; yet I hope they are rich in faith.

Friday, 9.67 After receiving great kindness from dear sister Nelson, we came on to brother Behi's, who wrought for us, gratis, what we wanted in shoeing our horses.68 Thence we went on to brother Gott's, and to brother P-'s; and thence, groping through the woods, to brother Easley's; depending on the fidelity of the Kentucky people, hastening them, and being unwiffing they should wait a moment for me. We crossed Holston

62"We were saluted with a tremendous storm of lightning thunder and rain which almost put out our fire. Oh, that we may reign with Christ in His glory." (Whatcoat:

Journal.)

63 See note under April 28, 1788.

64 See note under May 6, 1788. At Nelson's Chapel, Asbury preached and Thomas Anderson, presiding elder in eastern North Carolina, who accompanied the party, exhorted. (Whatcoat, op. cit.)

69 it was only eight miles from Greer's to Nelson's. (Martin.)

86 They were to travel the old Wilderness Road. The pioneers were pouring over that trail, and the Indians were angrily resisting them.

67 The party spent the night of April 8 at Stephen Easley's near the present Kingsport.

(See note under May 2, 1788; Whatcoat, op. cit.; Price, op. cit., 1, 147.) 68 Asbury usually mentioned the blacksmith who shod his horses.

TENNESSEE April 11, 1790

at Smith's ferry,69 and rode thirty miles to Amis's,70 where we were well entertained for our money. Coming along, I complained that the people would take no pay for their food or services; that complaint has ceased. Very unwell as I was we pushed down Hoiston to the last house; here we had no hope of company from the eastern or western side. We turned out our horses to graze, and they strayed off; so here we are anchored indeed.7'

The unsettled state of my stomach and bowels makes labour and life a burden. We are now in a house in which a man was killed by the savages; and 0, poor creatures! they are but one remove from savages themselves. I consider myself in danger; but my God will keep me whilst thousands pray for me.

Sunday, 11. My soul is humbled before God, waiting to see the solution of this dark providence. The man of the house is gone after some horses supposed to be stolen by Indians. I have been near fainting; but my soul is revived again, and my bodily strength somewhat renewed. If these difficulties, which appear to impede my path, are designed to prevent my going to Kentucky, I hope to know shortly. I spent the Sabbath at Robert Bean's.72 In the evening a company of eleven came to go forward. Our horses were not to be found without a great sum.

Monday morning, 12. We loaded brother Thomas Anderson's little horse with my great bags, and two pair smaller; four saddles, with blankets and provender. We then set out and walked ten miles, and our horses were brought to us, and those who brought them were pleased to take what we pleased to give. Brother Jeremiah Abel73 sought the Lord by fasting and prayer, and had a strong impression that it was the will of God that I should not go with that company.

Tuesday, 13. We came back to Amis's-a poor sinner. He was highly offended that we prayed so loud in his house. He is a distiller of whisky, and boasts of gaining 300 per annum by the brewing of his poison. We talked very phainhy; and I told him that it was of necessity, and not of

69 Smith's Ferry was on the North Fork of the Hohston River, near Moccasin Gap in Virginia, but near the Tennessee line.

70 Thomas Amis kept a tavern three miles west of Rogersville. His stone house is still standing. (Martin.) Whatcoat says that they "arrived at Captain Eamie's near sunset, a place well prepared for travellers."

71 On April 10 the party rode to Robert Bean's Station at the forks of the Cumberland and Kentucky roads in what Whatcoat called "Hukin (Hawkins) County near Clinch Mountain in Grassy Valley." (See Whatcoat's Journal.) His father, William Bean, was the first white settler in Tennessee. He established Bean's Station on a section of the Wilderness Road near Tate Springs; its site is now beneath Cherokee Lake. (Williams:

Dawn of Tennessee Valley History, 337, 338; Kincaid: The Wilderness Road, numerous references.)

72Robert Bean was the son of the noted pioneer and founder of Bean's Station in Granger County.

73 Jeremiah Abel was preacher on the West New River Circuit with Joseph Doddridge. (See Minutes.)

VIRGINIA April 15,1790

choice, we were there; that I feared the face of no man. He said, he did not desire me to trouble myself about his soul. Perhaps the greatest offence was given by my speaking against distilling and slave holding.

Having now been upon expenses from Friday until this day, for four horses and three men, I judged it high time to move.

Virginia

Thursday, 15. We rode fifty miles; and next day preached at Owens's.74 Saturday, 17. We rode on with great violence, which made me feel very serious.75

Sunday, 18. Brother Whatcoat preached at General Russell's,76 on the birth, character, and office of John the Baptist.

Monday, 19. I resolved on taking a proper dose of Tartar emetic; this has wrought me well, and I hope for better health.

From December 14, 1789, to April 20, 1790, we compute to have travelled two thousand five hundred and seventy-eight miles. Hitherto hath the Lord helped. Glory! glory to our God!

We had a good prayer meeting at General Russell's. This family is lavish in attentions and kindness: I was nursed as an only child by the good man and woman of the house, and indeed by all the family. God Almighty bless them and reward them!

Thursday, 22. We had a lively prayer meeting at Keywood's.77 Come, Lord, like thunder, and break in upon these dear young people!

Friday, 23. We had a very lively prayer meeting and exhortation.78 We trust the Lord will do something for these people before we leave the rich Hoiston Valley: I feel for their state; they are settled, and dwindling. 1 have been happy in my own soul, and have gained bodily strength. Two weeks are now spent, one in waiting on the Kentucky business, and one, illness has prevented my improving, except that it has furnished time to publish my appointments on Clinch and Nolachucky.

Saturday, 24. Many attended a prayer meeting at John M'Henry's,79 but there was little life.

74 (See note under May 6, 1788.) Whatcoat says that they reached James Carr's at Beaver Creek, Washington County, Virginia, about ten o'clock in the evening on April 15, having traveled fifty miles, and that they walked to John Owens' on the sixteenth. They probably returned to Carr's, since Whatcoat says he preached and Asbury exhorted there on the evening of the sixteenth.

75 to Whatcoat they rode by Washington Court House to Michael Half-acre's on April 17. (See note under May 8, 1788.)

76 See notes under May 3 and May 6, 1788.

77 See note under May 6, 1788.

78 This prayer meeting was at Michael Halfacre's according to Whatcoat.

79 John McHenry lived near Saltville. He was the father of Barnabas McHenry (1767-1833), a preacher of some prominence during the period. During this year he was serving the Kentucky Circuit. (Finley: Sketches of Western Methodism, 143-45.)

VIRGINIA April 2S,1790

Sunday, 25. Preached at General Russell's80 on Ezekiel xxxiii, 11. I saw, I felt, I knew that some of my congregation were touched.

Monday, 26. We rode through the Poor Valley,81 calling on F-, who had been sick and frightened with convictions and the fear of death; we prayed, fed our horses, and rode on to Clinch River.82

Tuesday, 27. We had a house well crowded,83 but there was but little stir among them. I felt for these dear souls, and judged that Providence was about to open a way for a circuit to be formed here in Russell county,84 for one preacher.

Wednesday, 28. I preached at brother Beckel's,85 a frontier house, and a station. In time past, a person was killed here by the Indians. The people showed their zeal in purchasing two magazines and several hymn books. Some say, nothing but whisky will bring money; but I proved the contrary, and I give them credit. We have had cold weather, and severe frosts for two nights past.

We had a dreary ride down to the Ford of Clinch, through a solitary plain: many attended at Looney's.

We rode down to Joseph Blackmore's station:86 here the people have been forted on the north side of Clinch. Poor Blackmore has had a son and daughter kihied by the Indians. They are of opinion here, that the Cherokees were the authors of this mischief: I also received an account of two famihies having been killed, and of one female that was taken prisoner, and afterward retaken by the neighbours and brought back.

Friday, 30. Crossed Clinch about two miles below the fort. In passing

0 Whatcoat was impressed by the "perfection" of the salt works operated by General Russell, remarking that "it must be a great privilege to these back parts as they can buy it at nine shillings a bushel in produce." (Whatcoat's Journal.)

81Poor Valley is between Clinch Mountain and Walker's Mountain in parts of Washington, Russell, and Smyth counties. It is part of the valley of the North Fork of the Holston. The south side of the river is called Rich Valley.

83They rode to Richard Price's on Clinch River, where both Asbury and Whatcoat preached. (Whatcoat's Journal.)

83Whatcoat says this was at Richard Price's. He settled at Elk Garden in Russell County, Virginia, in 1770, and was the grandfather of the Rev. R. N. Price, historian of Hoiston Methodism.

84 Russell County was named for General Russell. Russell Circuit was one of the first circuits named for a county. (Martin.)

85 frontier house and station or tavern was at Castlewoods, the first home of General Russell. It was kept by Captain Charles Beckel, Bickley, or Beckley. He took his religion seriously, setting free his slaves in 1795. (Whatcoat's Journal. See Asbury's entry under September 24, 1801 ; also Summers: History of Southwest Virginia, 367, 368.)

86 This place still bears the name of Fort Blackmore. It is on Clinch River a short distance above Clinchport. Whatcoat says they called at James "Ausbands" (Osborne's) on April 29. Here Asbury preached and Whatcoat performed a wedding ceremony for John Alley and Mary Porter, after which they rode to Joseph Blackmore's. "Lord pity the people in these backwoods," he wrote. "Though they live in jeopardy every day yet the greatest part of them seem to have no more religion than savage tribes." (Journal; Annals of Southwest Virginia, 984.)

TENNESSEE Mayl,1790

along I saw the precipice from which Blackmore's unhappy son leaped into the river after receiving time stroke of a tomahawk in his head; I suppose, by the measure of my eye, it must be between fifty and sixty feet descent; his companion was shot dead upon the spot; this happened on the 6th of April, 1789.

We came a dreary road over rocks, ridges, hills, stones, and streams, along a blind, tortuous path, to Moccasin Gap and Creek;87 thence to Smith's ferry across the north branch of Hoiston. Here I found some lies had been told on me; feeling myself innocent, I was not moved.

Tennessee

Saturday, May 1. Rested. Next day (Sabbath) I preached to a hardened people.

Monday, 3. I preached at brother Payne's, and had some encouragement among our Maryland people. Sabbath night, I dreamed the guard from Kentucky came for me; and mentioned it to brother Whatcoat. In the morning I retired to a small stream, for meditation and prayer, and whilst there saw two men come over the hills: I felt a presumption that they were Kentucky men, and so they proved to be; they were Peter Massie and John Clark, who were coming for me, with the intelligence that they had heft eight men below: after reading the letters and asking counsel of God, I consented to go with them.88

Tuesday, 4. We prepared ourselves and horses for our journey, and the next day came once more to Amis's.

Thursday, 6. Came to Joseph Crabbe's, at the lower end of the Grassy Valley, and were occupied in collecting our company.

Virginia

Friday, 7. We formed the whole of our company at the Valley station ;89 besides brother Whatcoat and myself, we were sixteen men, having

87 They were among the rugged hills above the Natural Tunnell in Scott County, Virginia. Whatcoat says that Stephen Easley and Thomas Rubey met them at Moccasin Gap and conducted them to Easley's. (See note under May 6, 1788.) Asbury was traveling the famous Wilderness Road. Near these places was the Block House, a well-known inn.

88Whatcoat mentions Asbury's dream and its fulfilment in the coming of "two sedate men" in his Journal. Eight other men, including Hope Hull and John Sewell, accompanied Massie and Clark to escort Asbury's party through the dangerous wilderness to Kentucky. Peter Massie was the first Kentuckian to become an itinerant preacher and the first to die. He died on December 18, 1791, in the house of a Mr. Hodges four miles west of Nashville, Tennessee, while traveling the Limestone Circuit. (Arnold:

History of Methodism in Kentucky, 47, 53; Redford: Methodism in Kentucky, I, 68.)

89 Valley Station was five miles from Wallen's Ridge and two miles from Powell River in Lee County, Virginia. (Pusey: The Wilderness Road to Kentucky, 26-27.)

KENTUCKY May9,1790

thirteen guns only. We moved on very swifthy, considering the roughness of the way, travelling, by my computation, thirty-five miles to-day.90

Kentucky

Next day we reached Rich Land Creek,91 and encamped on the road about nine o'clock at night, having made, by computation, forty-five miles.

Sunday, 9. We travelled about fifty miles; and next day forty-five miles, and reached Madison court house,92 passing the branches of Rock Castle River: on our journey we saw the rock whence the river derives its name;98 it is amazing and curious, with appearances the most artificial I have ever seen-it is not unlike an old church or castle in Europe. We stopped at McGuire's,94 whose wife, now a tender, gracious soul, was taken prisoner by the Indians during the last war, and carried to Detroit.

Tuesday, 11. Crossed Kentucky River. I was strangely outdone for want of sleep, having been greatly deprived of it in my journey through the wilderness; which is like being at sea, in some respects, and in others worse. Our way is over mountains, steep hills, deep rivers, and muddy creeks; a thick growth of reeds for miles together; and no inhabitants but wild beasts and savage men. Sometimes, before I am aware, my ideas would be heading me to be looking out ahead for a fence; and I would, without reflection, try to recollect the houses we should have lodged at in the wilderness. I slept about an hour the first night, and about two the last; we ate no regular meal; our bread grew short, and I was much spent.

I saw the graves of the slain-twenty-four in one camp.95 I learn that

90Escorted by his armed guard, Asbury now started his first trip to Kentucky, accompanied by Richard Whatcoat, Hope Hull, and John Sewell. An old powder horn with large lettering, "Francis Asbury, May 1, 1790," was discovered at Medina, Ohio, in a collection made by a Kentucky physician. It is presumed to have been carried by Asbury on this trip, indicating that the Bishop was also armed. The route was tedious. The party traveled the old Wilderness Trail to Cumberland Gap and then over a narrow Indian trail.

91Richland Creek is in Knox County. The party camped near the present town of Barbourville. Whatcoat says that they reached New Station near Cumberland Gap and spent the night at Joseph Lewis' on May 7, and rode to the Rich Valley on the eighth. (Journal, in Sweet, op. cit., 100, 101.)

92 Madison courthouse is the present Richmond, county seat of Madison County, Kentucky. On the ninth they rode to "near the Hazel Patch" and on the 10th to "Wm. Maguyer near Mattason Courthouse." (Ibid., 101.)

93Rock Castle is in Laurel County, Kentucky, about four miles south of Livingston.

94 Sweet, op. cit., 101.

95Evidently the graves of the victims of what is known as "McNitt's Defeat," which occurred the night of October 3, 1786. Twenty-four persons were killed and scalped, and five women carried away. The leaders of the party were members of the McNitt, Ford, and Barnes families from Botetourt and Rockbridge counties in Virginia. The victims were buried at the camp site, and the graves are still preserved in the Levi Jackson State Park, near London, Kentucky. This camp site and the graves were fre

 

KENTUCKY May 12,1790

they had set no guard, and that they were up late playing at cards. A poor woman of the company had dreamed three times that the Indians had surprised and killed them all; she urged her husband to entreat the people to set a guard, but they only abused him, and cursed him for his pains. As the poor woman was relating her last dream the Indians came upon the camp; she and her husband sprung away, one east, the other west, and escaped. She afterwards came back and witnessed the carnage. These poor sinners appeared to be ripe for destruction. I received an account of the death of another wicked wretch who was shot through the heart, although he had vaunted, with horrid oaths, that no Creek Indian could kill him. These are some of the melancholy accidents to which the country is subject for the present; as to the land, it is the richest body of fertile soil I have ever beheld.

Wednesday, 12. I preached for the first time at Reynolds's,96 on Jer. 1, 4, 5, and the Lord was with me.

Thursday, 13. Being court time, I preached in a dweffing house at Lexington,97 and not without some feeling. The Methodists do but little here-others lead the way. After dinner 1 rode about five miles in company with poor Charles White.98 Ah! how many times have I eaten at this man's table, in New York !-and now, he is without property and without grace. When about to part, I asked him if he loved God: his soul was in his eyes; he burst into tears, and could scarcely speak-"he did not love God, but he desired it."

Our conference was held at brother Masterson's,99 a very comfortable

quently mentioned by diarists who stopped at the spot on the Wilderness Road, since it was one of the largest massacres of a single group during the period from 1785 to 1794, when the Chickamaugas were doing most of the marauding. (Robert L. Kincaid, author of The Wilderness Road.) The Camp Ground Church in Laurel County is near the site of the massacre.

96 Whatcoat says the party rode to "Henery Renolds" on the eleventh and that Asbury preached and he exhorted on the twelfth, after which they went on to Morgan Bryan's.

97This house was the home of Robert Wood, later the father-in-law of Thomas Scott, a Methodist preacher who became Chief Justice of the state of Ohio. Wood settled in Louisville in 1788 or 1789, and Scott believed that he was the first Methodist to reside there. Late in 1789 or early in 1790 he moved to Lexington. Asbury's first sermon in that town was preached at his house, "a guard being placed at the door to keep off the mob." (Manuscript Journal of the Rev. Thomas Scott, in the possession of the Rev. Lawrence Sherwood; see Journal entry for April 14, 1794.)

98According to Whatcoat they called at Lexington on Charles White, who lately came from New York, on the seventeenth. (Op. cit., 102.) He was an original trustee of Wesley's Chapel in New York and its treasurer. (Tipple: Heart of Asbury's Journal, 299; Journal entries and notes for November 24, 1771; April 29, 1793.)

99 Richard Masterson moved from Virginia to Fayette County, Kentucky, about

1784 and erected the first Methodist meetinghouse in the state. It was located five miles northwest of Lexington, near Greendale, on the site now occupied by the United States Narcotics Hospital. Five conferences convened here between 1790 and 1800. The conference began on the thirteenth with preaching by Whatcoat and exhortations by Williamson, Richards, and Haw. (Whatcoat's Journal.)

KENTUCKY Mayl7,1790

house, and kind people. We went through our business in great hove and harmony. I ordained Wilson Lee, Thomas Williamson, and Barnabas M'Henry, elders.100 We had preaching noon and night, and souls were converted, and the fallen restored. My soul has been blessed among these people, and I am exceedingly pleased with them. I would not, for the worth of all the place, have been prevented in this visit, having no doubt but that it will be for the good of the present rising generation. It is true, such exertions of mind and body are trying; but I am supported under it:

if souls are saved, it is enough. Brother Poythress101 is much alive to God. We fixed a plan for a school, and called it Bethel; and obtained a subscription of upwards of three hundred pounds, in land and money, towards its establishment.102

Monday, 17. Rode to Coleman's chapel,'03 about ten miles from Lexington, and preached to an unengaged people. We thence rode to John Lewis's,104 on the bend of Kentucky River. Lewis is an old acquaintance, from Leesburg, Virginia; I was pleased to find that heaven and religion were not lost sight of in this family. Brother Lewis offered me one hundred acres of land for Bethel, on a good spot for building materials.

100 Wilson Lee (1761-1804) was a native of Delaware. He was admitted on trial in

1784, and prior to migrating to Kentucky he served circuits in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, on one of which he was an assistant to Whatcoat. Thomas Williamson was admitted in 1785 and had traveled the Yadkin and Salisbury circuits in North Carolina. Barnabas McHenry (1767-1833) of North Carolina was admitted in 1787 and went to Kentucky the following year. Whatcoat says that Lee and McHenry were ordained deacons on the fifteenth, and the three were made elders on the sixteenth. He also says that James Haw and Joshua Hartley desisted from traveling. Haw was one of the pioneer preachers in Kentucky. He was received into full connection in 1782 and served in Virginia until going to the newly created Kentucky Circuit in 1786. According to the Minutes he was appointed to the Cumberland Circuit at this conference, but he is listed in the O'Kelley defection and joined the Republican Methodists, later becoming a Cumberhand Presbyterian. Hartley was admitted on trial in 1785 and served in North Carolina and Virginia before going to Kentucky in 1789. (What-coat's Journal.)

101 Francis Poythress (1732-1810) of Virginia was one of Deveraux Jarratt's converts and a noted early preacher. He began preaching in 1775 and served the Carolina circuit with Edward Dromgoole in 1776. He was presiding elder in Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee. He went to Kentucky in 1787 and was the first presiding elder there. He was one of the founders of Bethel Academy and was to Kentucky what Jesse Lee was to New England, virtual founder of Methodism. He suffered mental derangement after 1800. (See note under October 15, 1810.)

108At the conference in North Carolina in 1789 Coke said he had letters from friends in Kentucky asking that a college be established. Bethel, near Lexington, became the first Methodist school in the state. (For its history see note under October 4, 1800.)

103 Coleman's Chapel was at or near the home of Benjamin Coleman and was probably erected by him. (Whatcoat, op. cit., 102.)

104 This was Captain John Lewis. Lewis' Chapel was nearby, and the conference met there in 1794. (ibid.; Arnold: Methodism in Kentucky, I, 181.) The Lewis farm was in Jesamine County on Highway 29 between Wilmore and High Bridge.

KENTUCKY May22,1790

We rode through mire and rain twenty-one miles to Francis Clark's,'10 near Danville, where we had a numerous congregation.

Saturday, 22. We had a noble shout at Brown's,106 and four souls professed to be converted to God. Reached the Crab Orchard, and lodged under a tree,'7 very feverish and unwell; a poor beginning this.

Monday, 24. We set out on our return through the wilderness with a large and helpless company; we had about fifty people, twenty of whom were armed, and five of whom might have stood fire. To preserve order and harmony, we had articles drawn up for, and signed by, our company, and I arranged the people for travelling according to the regulations agreed upon. Some disaffected gentlemen, who would neither sign nor come under discipline, had yet the impudence to murmur when left behind. The first night we lodged some miles behind the Hazel patch.'8 The next day we discovered signs of Indians, and some thought they heard voices; we therefore thought it best to travel on, and did not encamp until three o'clock, halting on the east side of Cumberland River. We had gnats enough. We had an alarm, but it turned out to be a false alarm. A young gentleman, a Mr. Alexander, behaved exceedingly well; but his tender frame was not adequate to the fatigue to be endured, and he had well-nigh fainted on the road to Cumberland Gap. Brother Peter Massie was captain; and finding I had gained authority among the people, I acted somewhat in the capacity of an adjutant and quartermaster among them. At the foot of the mountain the company separated; the greater part went on with me to Powell's River; here we slept on the earth, and next day made the Grassy Valley. Several of the company, who were not Methodists, expressed their high approbation of our conduct, and most affectionately invited us to their houses. The journeys of each day were as follows: Monday forty-five miles; Tuesday fifty miles; Wednesday sixty miles.

105 Francis Clark's home was in Lincoln County, now Boyle County, about six miles west of Danville. He and John Durham had moved to Kentucky from Virginia in 1783. Clark, a local preacher, organized the first Methodist society in Kentucky in John Durham's home. A historical marker on Highway 150 between Danville and Perryville marks the location of the Durham home. Clark probably preached the first Methodist sermon in Ohio at Fort Washington, the present Cincinatti, in 1793. Asbury reached Clark's on the eighteenth and preached and administered the sacrament the following day. (Whatcoat, op. cit., 102.)

106 This was Absolom Brown. On the previous day Asbury and his party had been at the home of Willis Green "on Salt Water River." He was a Virginian who went to Kentucky at an early date and served in the Kentucky legislature and as a trustee of Bethel Academy and Transylvania Seminary. He lived in Lincoln County. (Ibid., 102, 103; Arnold, op. cit., 1, 27.)

107 Whatcoat says they rode to an undisclosed place on the twenty-third, where he and Asbury preached to six or seven hundred people. They then went on to Crab Orchard. Crab Orchard was in Lincoln County.

108 Hazel Patch was about eight miles north of the present town of London, KenLucky.

KENTUCKY May27,1790

Thursday, 27. By riding late we reached Capt. Amis's where I had a bed to rest on.

Virginia

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 28, 29, 30. I spent at General Russell's109 whose wife is converted since I left the house last; I thought then that she was not far from the kingdom of God.

I found myself dispirited in public preaching. I afterward ordained 1. Ragan11 and B. Vanpelt,111 local preachers, to the office of deacons.

Monday, 31. Rode to New River,112 forty-five or fifty miles; here I saw John Tunnell, very low; a mere shadow; but very humble and patient under his affliction.113

North Carolina

Tuesday, June 1. I rode about forty-five miles to Armstrong's, and next day about four o'clock reached M'Knights on the Yadkin River, in North Carolina ;114 here the conference had been waiting for me nearly two weeks:

we rejoiced together, and my brethren received me as one brought from the jaws of death. Our business was much matured, the critical concern of the council understood, and the plan, with its amendments, adopted.

Saturday and Sunday, 5, 6. Were days of the Lord's presence and power

-several were converted. We had an ordination each day. We have admitted into full connection some steady men, with dispositions and talents for the work."5

109 There is a chronological divergence in the accounts of Asbury and Whatcoat. The latter in his Journal for these dates says they lost their way on the twenty-eighth of May and slept in a little cabin "under the widow's roof." On the twenty-ninth they rode about fifty miles to Michael Halfacre's and did not reach General Russell's until the thirtieth.

110 "Ragan" was probably James Riggin, a local preacher, who visited Asbury at the home of Mitchell Porter in Sevier County, Tennessee, on October 18, 1808.

11Benjamin Van Pelt, was a brother of Peter Van Pelt, who welcomed Asbury to Staten Island in 1771. Benjamin went to Tennessee in 1780 and built one of the first meetinghouses in that section. It was on Lick Creek in Greene County.

112According to Whatcoat they stayed at Michael Lee's on New River and passed through Flower Gap to North carolina.

John Tunnell, one of the noted pioneer preachers, was dying with tuberculosis. Asbury soon returned to preach his funeral.

114Asbury and Whatcoat rode up Cripple Creek to Armstrong's near the Flower Gap. George McKnight lived a mile and a half west of Clemmonsville, the present Clemmons, in Yadkin, now Forsyth County, near the Yadkin River. McKnight's Chapel was an important preaching place where several conferences were held. On the fourth Whatcoat rode to Adam Peathree's to have the horses shod. (Whatcoat, op. cit., 103.)

"5At this conference Asbury preached and ordained seven elders. The exhorters were Thomas Anderson, presiding elder in South Carolina, and Isaac Lowe, who was serving the Guilford Circuit. On leaving McKnight's the party rode to John Hill's. (Ibid., 104.)

NORTH CAROLINA June7,1790

Monday, 7. Rode through Salem Town; the Moravian brethren have the blessing of the nether springs, and houses, orchards, mills, stores, mechanics' shops, &c. I rode about three hundred miles to Kentucky in six days; and on my return about five hundred miles in nine days. 0 what exertions for man and horse !116

Virginia

Wednesday, 9. Came forty-five miles to John Cannon's,117 and next day thirty miles to sister Jones's.118

Friday, 11. Rode to brother isaac Johnson's,119 and next day late in the evening reached Petersburg120

Sunday, 13. I preached on Psalm lxxxv, 6. I was weak and unwell with excessive labour and want of rest.

Monday, 14. Our conference began; all was peace until the council was mentioned. The young men appeared to be entirely under the influence of the elders, and turned it out of doors. I was weary, and felt but little freedom to speak on the subject. This business is to be explained to every preacher; and then it must be carried through the conferences twenty-four times, that is, through all the conferences for two years. We bad some little quickenings, but no great move among the people at our public preaching. Mr. Jarratt preached for us; friends at first are friends again at last.12' There were four elders and seventeen deacons ordained; ten young men who offered to travel, besides those who remained on trial. We have good news from a far country-Jersey flames with religion; some hundreds are converted. The work of God does revive here, although not in the same degree as it did two years ago. In the midst of all my labour and trouble I enjoy peace within.

Saturday, 19. Ended my week of business. I am crowded with letters- 116Whatcoat says that they rode to Isaac Lowe's home in Rockingham County on June 7. On the following day they refreshed themselves at Nathan Williamson's and lodged with James Rice in Caswell County. On the ninth they called at Gabriel Lee's and lodged with John Cannon in Granville County. The next day they were at Colonel Smith's, crossed the Roanoke at Taylor's Ferry, and lodged with Tignal Jones in Meeklenburg County, Virginia. Thus Whatcoat's chronology varies somewhat from that of Asbury.

117 John Cannon lived in Granville County, North Carolina.

118 Sister Jones lived in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. (Whatcoat's Journal, Sweet, op. cit., 104.)

" See Whatcoat's Journal, Sweet, op. cit.

120 Whatcoat says they stayed at Gressett Davis's. (See ibid., 104.)

121 Relations between the old friends were not as good as this statement indicates.

Jarratt seems never to have entirely forgiven Coke and Asbury for forming the

Methodist Church. (See the Letters of Asbury for January 12, 1790, and January 11,

1796.)

VIRGINIA June2O,1790

have much reading and writing, and the temporal concerns of the college, and the printing to attend to.

Sunday, 20. I spoke melting words on Hosea xi, 8; many felt; one found peace with God. In the afternoon, I believe the power of God was felt in the hearts of some of my congregation. I did not wonder that there was not a greater work of religion in this place, when I learned that they were sometimes three or four weeks without preaching; thus Satan tries to keep preachers and people asunder-yet some cry out, "We have no faith for Petersburg!" My dear old friend and fellow-traveller, Whatcoat, is smitten with boils, so that be cannot go on. Stopped at brother Garrettson's.122

Monday, 21. We had the Divine presence in our worship at sister Stringer's.'23 I am often blessed at the houses of the fatherless and widows. Now, I say to my body, return to thy labour; to my soul return to thy rest, and pure delight in reading, meditation, and prayer, and solitude. The shady groves are witness to my retired and sweetest hours: to sit and melt, and bow alone before the Lord, whilst the melody of the birds warbles from tree to tree-how delightful!

Tuesday, 22. The Lord was with us at Finney's church; and God's dear children praised his name, whilst sinners felt and looked serious.

Wednesday, 23. I preached at Paine's, an ancient, and almost wornout place. At Ryall's, the next day, I was quite unwell; and what made the matter worse, was, that I imprudently walked out, and sat upon the ground, and took fresh cold. From Ryall's I proceeded to the old court house,'24 where I spoke with great pain-from head to foot was pain, all perspiration appeared to be quite stopped. I lodged at Thomas Jones's- a whole family snatched as brands from the burning.

Saturday, 26. I was so unwell that I could not preach at Pride's church. Sunday, 27. Rode to brother Strong's, where, as there were many who had come expecting to hear me, I made a feeble attempt in the woods, on 2 Thess. i, 5-9; my head was greatly afflicted.

Monday morning, 28. I took a strong decoction of rue and wormwood. My fever breaks, and I feel a little better. I found perfect patience in great misery of body. Lord, make me perfect through suffering.

Monday, 28. I had a few Christians and a few sinners at the widow Lackland's; and there was a small reviving among the people. The leaven of Antinomianism prevails here, and the Methodists talk much about persons and opinions, when they should be looking to God.

Tuesday, 29. I am very weak and low in body. Lord, sanctify affliction, and make it a means of health to my soul! Brother Whatcoat preached on,

122 This was Richard, the brother of Freeborn Garrettson. (See Whatcoat's Journal.)

123Whatcoat's Journal, Sweet, op. cit., 105, says that Baptist delegates attended the conference to ask the Methodists to join in a petition for an act to sell the glebes and church. "But our preachers chose to be Neuters."

124 This was Amelia Court House. Asbury was in Amelia from Finney's to Strong's.

VIRGINIA June3O,1790

"He that believeth shall not make haste." I have felt grieved in mind that there is a link broken out of twelve that should form a chain of union:

I hope God will sanctify some providence to the explanation of this matter, and heal the whole.

Wednesday, 30. Brother Whatcoat gave us a weighty discourse on the prophetic, priestly, and kingly offices of Christ. In great weakness, I enlarged on 1 Peter iii, 15, and showed that it is not enough to sanctify the Lord God in his name, word, Sabbath, ordinances, ministers, people, and worship; but that the heart must be filled with a holy, constant fear of, confidence in, and love to, God. But how common is it for different denominations to ask each other of their distinguishing peculiarities; and how very rare it is for them to talk closely of the dealings of God with their own souls!

As we rode on, there was a great appearance of immediate rain; I prayed that it might pass, fearing its effects in my very weak state; I was mercifully preserved, a few drops fell on me only, and I found, as I proceeded, that it had rained very heavily ahead.

We had a few unfeeling souls at Swiney's 125 one man appeared to be hardened to an extraordinary degree; I thought I felt his spirit as soon as I came.

Thursday, July 1. 1 preached in a school house, near brother Robert Moseley's,'26 with some enlargement, but, I fear, to little purpose: one woman appeared to be under conviction.

Friday, 2. I had a painful ride of twenty-five, or thirty miles, to brother Caloway's.127

Saturday, 3. My mind was afflicted, and my body weak. I was led to speak on, "Be ye also ready,"-and some felt the word.

Sunday, 4. I was set at liberty, and there was a little shaking and breathing after God, while I opened and explained, "And there is none calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee." Afterward I rode to brother John Murphy's.'28 I felt very weak, but patiently happy in God.

Monday, 5. We had some move at Ayer's church; brother Whatcoat was much led out in exhortation and prayer. I spent the afternoon in reading and spiritual exercises.

Tuesday, 6. We rode to Liberty,'29 the county town of Bedford. We set out towards Botetourt, and reached brother Mitchell's about ten o'clock the next day, and found some zeal amongst the people. Next

125 Swiney lived in Prince George County. (Whatcoat's Journal, Sweet, op. cit.)

126 ibid.

127 Caloway lived in Bedford County. (Ibid.)

128 Whatcoat says they rode to Joseph Wilson's and then to John Murphy's.

129 Liberty was the county seat of Bedford County after its separation from Campbell County. The present county seat is Bedford (old Liberty).

VIRGINIA July9,1790

day at Edward Mitchell's,'30 on Craig's Creek, one soul found the Lord.

Friday, 9. We had a tedious, tiresome journey over hills and mountains to Potts' Creek. After a melting season at brother Joseph Carpenter's,'3' we came to brother James Wright's,'82 where we were informed of the death of dear brother John Tunnell.

Saturday, 10. Brother Tunnell's corpse was brought to Dew's chapel.138 I preached his funeral: my text, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." We were much blessed, and the power of God was eminently present. It is fourteen years since brother Tunnell first knew the Lord; and he has spoken about thirteen years, and travelled through eight of the thirteen States: few men, as public ministers, were better known or more beloved. He was a simple-hearted, artless, childlike man: for his opportunities, he was a man of good learning; had a large fund of Scripture knowledge, was a good historian, a sensible, improving preacher, a most affectionate friend, and a great saint; he had been wasting and declining in strength and health for eight years past, and for the last twelve months sinking into consumption. I am humbled. 0, let my soul be admonished to be more devoted to God!

West Virginia

Sunday, 11. The morning was rainy. About noon I set out for the Sweet Springs,'34 and preached on 1 Cor. i, 23-29. A few of the gentry were kind enough to come and hear-and some were enraptured with the sermon; for-it was very like the subject. The three following days I rested, and was very unwell. I had no place to preach, but under the trees, and preaching here seems unseasonable with the people except on Sundays.

Thursday, 15. Rode to Rehoboth,135 where brother Whatcoat preached, and brother Jeremiah Abel and myself spoke after him, and the people appeared somewhat affected.

130 Whatcoat says they rode from Liberty with Henry Ogburn across the Peaks of Otter and down Jennings Creek to James River and arrived at James Mitchell's. (Sumners: Annals of Southwest Virginia, 444.) Edward Mitchell was a local preacher, and he and his brother, Samuel, manumitted their slaves.

181 See Whatcoat's Journal.

132 ibid.

138Dew's Chapel was in Botetourt County, Virginia. Sherwood says Samuel Dew had lived in Hampshire County, West Virginia, and Asbury visited him there in 1784 and 1785. He moved to what was later Monroe County, but the boundary was changed several times. He lived on Potts Creek, which is in both Virginia and present West Virginia.

134The party was now in present West Virginia.

135Whatcoat says the party rode to Edward Keenan's and gave the sacrament at Rehoboth Chapel in Greenbriar (now Monroe) County. This chapel stood on land given by Keenan, who was originally a Roman Catholic. (Bennett: Memorials of Methodism in Virginia, 306-8.)

WEST VIRGINIA July 16, 1790

Friday, 16. We had twenty miles to Green Brier court house:-here some sat as critics and judges. We had to ride thirty-one miles without food for man or horse, and to call at three houses before we could get water fit to drink-all this may serve to try our faith or patience.

Saturday, 17. Some very pointed things were delivered relative to parents and children, from Gen. xviii, 19. After being in public exercises from ten till two o'clock, we rode in the afternoon twenty miles to the little levels of Green Brier. On my way I premeditated the sending of a preacher to a newly-settled place in the Kenhaway county.136

Sunday, 18. We had a warm sermon at M'NeiI's, at which many were highly offended; but I trust their false peace is broken. There are many bears in this part of the country; not long since, a child in this neighbourhood was killed by one.

Monday, 19. Rode to Thomas Drinnon's, whose wife was killed, and his son taken prisoner by the Indians.

Tuesday, 20. I believe I never before travelled such a path as I this day rode over the mountains to reach Mr. Charles Nelson's, in Tyger Valley.

Wednesday, 21. I preached at Wilson's.137 Here many careless people do not hear a sermon more than once in one or two years; this one of them told me; and that he and his wife had not been to preaching since I was here on my last visit. I endeavoured to apply, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."

Thursday, 22. My horse lost a shoe on a bad road, and next day on the mountains dropped two more; so I rode my old baggage horse along a most dreary, grown-up path, to brother James Coburn's.

Saturday, 24. Attended quarterly meeting at Morgantown-I spoke on superstition, idolatry, unconditional election, and reprobation, Antinomianism, Universalism, and Deism.

Sunday, 25. Preached on Matt. xxv, 31, to the end; brother Whatcoat also gave us a sermon; and a Presbyterian minister two: so here we had it in abundance.188

136 Kanawha County was organized in 1789. The newly settled place was Charleston, the present capital of West Virginia. In 1790 Asbury did appoint Jacob Lurton and Thomas Boyd to Kanawha, but the difficulties were too great and the work was not accomplished. Methodism waited until 1804 to enter the Great Kanawha Valley, and then it came from the Ohio River rather than from the Greenbrier region.

187 John Wilson (1 756-1 827) lived at Beverly, West Virginia. At the age of eighteen he had been severely wounded in an Indian fight at Wheeling. He held several public offices, including county clerk, justice of the peace, sheriff, and was a major in the Virginia Militia in 1787. He and his brother Benjamin were the delegates from Randolph County to the Virginia Convention of 1788 which ratified the Constitution of the United States. (Maxwell, op. cit., 488-94.)

138 (See Whatcoat's Journal for this date.) He says they slept at William Lenham's, a saddler at Morgantown, and that the Presbyterian minister was a Mr. Marshal. They dined at the home of John Stealey, a tanner. (See letter "To a Quaker." July, 1790.)

PENNSYLVANIA Ju1y26,1790

Pennsylvania

Monday, 26. Preached at Thomas Batting's;'39 and the next day at John Hudson's.140 Our conference began at Uniontown141 on Wednesday the twenty-eighth of July:-it was conducted in peace and love. On Thursday I preached.

Saturday, 31. 1 spoke on education, from Prov. xxii, 6. I was led to enlarge on the obligations of parents to their children; and the nature of that religious education which would be most likely to fit them for this, and which alone could qualify them for the next world.

Sunday, August 1. 1 ordained Charles Conway, Isaac Love, and George Callahan, elders, and four deacons.'42 Here there is a revival among preachers and people; some of the societies are much engaged with God and after we have had a few more conferences in Uniontown, I hope we shall drive Satan out, and have a glorious work.

Maryland

Tuesday, 3. Rode to Colonel Barratt's, and next day came to Cresap's, where I rested the following day, and was employed in reading, meditation, and prayer. I had very solemn thoughts of God and his work. I want a closer walk with God; and to be more alone, and in prayer.

Friday, 6. We had Divine breathings at the chapel.

West Virginia

Saturday, 7. We held a quarterly meeting at the widow Coulson's. There was much rain; we had many people, and but little room. These circumstances rendered the meeting in some respects uncomfortable; yet, I trust, it was profitable. Many souls felt the Divine power, among whom were some poor backsliders.

Tuesday, 10. I had an attentive, well-behaved congregation at Squire Vanmeter's. 0 that they may feel the truth and effects of godliness on earth, and in heaven!

At Doctor Naves's, formerly Hyder's, I applied, "0 Ephraim, how shall I give thee up" I felt a vast weight upon my spirits for these people.

139 Whatcoat's Journal, Sweet, op. cit., 108.

140 Ibid. Smeltzer cites Whatcoat also, but calls this man "Hutson."

141This was Asbury's second district conference held in the Redstone region of western Pennsylvania. (Smeltzer, op. cit., 63.)

'42Whatcoat's Journal gives the full names of the elders and also the deacons, by their last name only, listing five instead of four, as follows: (Joseph) Doddridge, (Lasley) Matthews, (Anthony) Banning, (7) Cochran, and (Joseph) Cheuvront. The first names are inserted from the General Minutes. (Ibid.)

WEST VIRGINIA August ii, 1790

Wednesday, 11. We had about forty miles to ride to Green's,'43 and Brock's Gap, over a severe mountain to cross. The weather was extremely warm. I viewed and pitied the case of the people on the south fork of the south branch of the Potomac: they are Germans, and have no preaching in their own language, and English preaching is taken from them-none careth for them. I am of opinion, that if a preacher would come and continue amongst them for one year, riding up and down the river, preaching from house to house, it would answer a very good purpose.

Virginia

Came to brother Baker's, a pious German, well settled on a branch of Shenandoah River. I had an attentive congregation of his countrymen.

Saturday and Sunday, 14, 15. I preached at Rockingham,'" where there is the beginning of a good work. We have a church built on a hill, that cannot be hid. People came as far as thirty miles to preaching; and some found the Lord during my stay. We have some very respectable friends here.

Tuesday, 17. We bad a crowd of people at Bethel, who appeared very insensible. Rode on to Miller's Town, properly Woodstock. Here I was permitted to preach in the Episcopal church. Many attended, and behaved well, and I had light and liberty in speaking.

Wednesday, 18. We had twenty-two miles to Newtown.145 Here they have built a spacious chapel. Our horses are stiff, and lame, and sore, and the weather is oppressively warm. We have many sick, hungry, weary rides through the heat, and over hills, rocks, and mountains.

Saturday and Sunday, 21, 22. We held our quarterly meeting at Newtown. Many felt the power of God-particularly at the love feast. Some were of opinion that twenty were converted.

Tuesday, 24. We had a melting time while 1 opened these words:

"Neither is there salvation in any other," &c. I feel a persuasion that these people will come home to God. One was deeply distressed under preaching. I rode about an hour after night, in order to reach brother Donaldson's, by which 1 found I had taken cold.

Wednesday, 25. Our conference began at Leesburg; and we continued together until the Sabbath following: and had a happy time of peace and union.

143 (Whatcoat's Journal, Sweet, op. cit., 111.) Brock's Gap is on the Virginia-West Virginia border.

'"Rockingham was the present Harrisonburg, Virginia. The church there was a log house erected in 1789 on an acre conveyed for the use of Bishop Asbury, his successors and their appointees, who were to preach no other doctrine than those "contamed in Mr. John Wesley's notes upon the New Testament and four volumes of sermons." (Wayland: History of Harrisonburg, 16.)

145Newton was the present Stephens City.

MARYLAND August30,1790

To conciliate the minds of our brethren in the south district of Virginia, who are restless about the council, I wrote their leader a letter, informing him, "that I would take my seat in council as another member"; and, in that point, at least, waive the claims of episcopacy; yea, I would lie down and be trodden upon, rather than knowingly injure one soul.146

Maryland

Monday, 30. Preached at the Sugar Loaf mountain with great freedom, on: "For Zion's sake I will not hold my peace," and found the work of God had been greatly furthered. Here I preached sixteen years ago.

Tuesday, 31. I had a blessed season at Pigman's church, where the Lord hath wrought wonders.

Wednesday, September 1. There was an appearance of good at John Holland's;'47 and the work goes on there.

Thursday, 2. At the widow Hood's, I put them in mind of my first labours amongst them from house to house, and some sinners felt and shook. Next day at Rowe's there was a shaking.

Friday, 3. At night I preached in Baltimore: "0 Ephraim! how shall I give thee up"

Monday, 6. Our conference began;148 was conducted in great peace and union, and ended on Wednesday, 8.

Thursday, 9. I rode to Cokesbury.

Friday, 10. In the morning philosophical lectures were delivered; and in the afternoon the boys delivered their orations, some parts of which were exceptionable, and duly noticed.

Saturday, 11. We made some regulations relative to the order and government to be observed in the college.'49

146 Asbury refers here to James O'Kelly, who was leading the fight in the South District of Virginia against the Council. (See letter to "The Virginia preachers," Autumn, 1790.)

147 John Holland, whose home was an early preaching place, lived near Seneca,

Montgomery County. (Journal of Thomas Rankin, October 29, 1774; Journal of William

Colbert for January 15, 1794: "It was in this house that it pleased the Lord to find a

way to my heart.")

conference convened in Light Street Chapel during an unusual revival which had progressed for months in Baltimore and the Baltimore Circuit. (A Brief Account of the Work in Baltimore, by Ezekiel Cooper, Maryland, December 1, 1790, quoted by Phoebus, op. cit., 85-101.)

149This may have pertained to the four items concerning the college in the Minutes of the council for December 1, 1789, or to a revision of the original thirty-two rules prescribed for forty-six students enrolled. Failure to obtain and keep suitable faculty members stood next to a shortage of funds as a continual worry to Asbury. (Journal entry for December 9, 1788; Bangs, op. cit., 1, 236-42; Lee, op. cit., 15 1-58.) In his account of his visit the preceding May, Coke praised the members of the faculty, but

MARYLAND September 12, 1790 Sunday, 12. I preached in the college hail, on Matt. xxv, 31, to forty-six

scholars. Brothers Dickins and C- spoke after me.

Delaware

Monday, 13. Set out, and next day reached Duck Creek Cross Roads, where we held our conference for the Eastern shore of Maryland and Delaware.150 One or two of our brethren felt the Virginia fire about the question of the council, but all things came into order, and the council obtained. While in session I preached twice; first, on Jos. iii, 5, and the second time, on Psalm cxxxvii, 6. We had a solemn, uniting, melting season, and great power attended our last meeting.

Saturday, 18. At noon I set out for Philadelphia; but my saddle horse being lame, I was compelled to ride my old horse, which is only fit to carry my baggage.

Sunday, 19. Dined with brother John Bond, and came on to Wilmington. Whilst preaching we had Satan inside and outside of the house,'5' and through the windows. I believe good was done, at which he was not well pleased.

A daughter of my old friend, Stedham,152 had not forgotten me. She invited me, with much affection, to her house. She remembered the living and dying monitions of her father, and was mindful of his friends.

Pennsylvania

Monday, 20. I reached the city of Philadelphia. Our brethren have built a new chapel, thirty feet square, at the south end of the city."3 I feel myself fatigued and unwell, occasioned by riding a rough-going horse.

spoke of "expelling a young lad of fifteen years of age" for "trifling, irreligious conduct, and open ridicule among the students, of experimental religion." (Coke, op. cit., 134.)

"This was the third conference held in Delaware, the first in Smyrna, and also it was the first in the state over which Asbury had presided as a bishop. The council against which Ezekiel Cooper anticipated "dreadful work among the preachers in opposition" was approved with only two dissenting votes. (Phoebus, op. cit., 119.)

151 Wilmington was notorious for its rudeness toward early Methodist preachers. (Ware, op. cit., 185, 186; The Centennial Services of Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church, Wilmington, Delaware, October 13-20, 1889, 124, 125, 144-46.)

152this was a daughter of Jacob Stedham, whom Asbury on his first visit to the vicinity of Wilmington, Delaware (April 9, 1772), described as a "friend to the Methodists." (In the "Persons Taxable" in Brandywine Hundred he is listed as "Stidham." See Scharf: History of Delaware, II, 902.)

153this new chapel was Ebenezer Church, erected on Second near Queen streets, in Philadelphia. Preaching had previously been in the shop of Robert Fitzgerald in Southwark. After Ebenezer was used for twenty-eight years, a new building was erected between Third and Fourth streets on Christian Street. The congregation later

PENNSYLVANIA September 21, 1790

Tuesday, 21. This day was spent in reading, writing, and visiting.

Wednesday, 22. The conference began in poor Pennsylvania district: all was peace and love. Our printing is in a good state.154 Our society in the city of Philadelphia are generally poor: perhaps it is well; when men become rich, they sometimes forget that they are Methodists. I am weak, and have been busy, and am not animated by the hope of doing good here. I have therefore been silent the whole week. "I must needs go through Samaria."

Friday, 24. There was some feeling, and profitable speaking. We also had a love feast. Next day, Saturday, I was closely employed in writing. Sunday, 26. Many felt and wept, whilst I enlarged on "The Lord is jn his holy temple." At the new chapel, called Ebenezer, in the afternoon, my subject was 1 Sam. vii, 12. I first explained the text; then showed the Methodist doctrine and discipline, and the work God had wrought by them in this country.

New Jersey

Monday, 27. Rode to Burlington, the place appointed for our next conference. Here I preached on, "Searching Jerusalem with candles," and it was a searching season. On Tuesday night we had a shout-then came the bulls of Basham and broke our windows. It was well my head escaped the violence of these wicked sinners. I hope the strong power of Satan will feel a shake this conference. The session has been in great peace; harmony prevailed, and the council has been unanimously adopted.

Wednesday, 29. We have a love feast; and a genuine, sweet melting ran through the house. S. Strattan stood up and declared he had followed the work of God for six months, and that he believed six hundred souls had professed conversion in that time. There is a most genuine work in several places; viz, in Flanders, Trenton, Burlington, Salem, and Bethel circuits- glory to our wonder-working God! All hail, eternal Father, coequal Son, and everlasting Spirit, in time and forever! Amen, and Amen!!!

I delivered a discourse on Psalm cxxii, 6. On Friday I rode through Cross Weeks, and Allentown, and Cranbury, lodging at Doctor Jacques's.155

moved to 52nd and Parrish streets in West Philadelphia, and still later the property was sold and the assets and name given to a new church in Manoa in Delaware County. (Lednum, op. cit.; also Journal entries for September 26, 1790; July 8, 1792; October 11, 1795; and others.)

"The Methodist Publishing House had been established at Philadephia with John Dick ins as Book Steward and pastor of St. George's Church in 1789.

155Cross Weeks is the present Crosswicks. Allentown was a post town of Upper Freehold on the road from Bordentown to Freehold. Cranberry was settled in 1682 and was partly in South Brunswick Township and partly in South Amboy Township. David Brainerd, a young follower of George Whitefield, often preached to the Indians

NEW JERSEY October 2, 1790

Saturday, October 2. As we could not reach New York, I stopped and gave them a discourse at Elizabethtown. We afterward had a safe, although a long passage, by water to New York ;156 and found all in peace.

New York

Sunday, 3. I preached at the old church;157 and in the afternoon at the new, on Matt. xxv, 31-46. The new church is commodious, elegant, yet plain.158

Monday, 4. We began our conference," and sat with close application to business until Thursday morning: all was peace, order, and unanimity. On Thursday evening I returned to Elizabethtown.

Friday, 8. Rode twenty-five miles to Trenton, and preached at night. Next day I rode through a heavy rain to Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania

Sunday morning, 10, was rainy. I however preached at St. George's church, and again in the evening. Henry Willis is come hither to settle himself in life, and will probably go into trade. The Church has thereby lost, in part, a faithful servant.

Thursday, 14. I left the city; dined at Chester; and here I saw one whose soul was made dear to me by long acquaintance, now feeble in body, and deeply affected in mind."

there. Ezekiel Cooper, who followed the same general itinerary in 1786, says he lodged at Samuel Jaques in Cranberry, and that it is probably the same person Asbury mentions. (Phoebus, op. cit., 28, 44, 71.)

156 Elizabethtown lay on the shore of New Jersey across the narrow Arthur Kill from the northwest corner of Staten Island. The distance from Elizabethtown to Whitehall at the southern tip of Manhatten Island was approximately fourteen miles.

157 This was John Street Church, built on the original property purchased by the society in March, 1768.

"This new church, the second in New York, was the Forsyth Street Church, referred to by Asbury in numerous Journal entries as the Bowery Church or the new church. Thomas Morrell had been appointed in 1789 to raise the funds and build the church. (See letters dated May 20, June 19, October 3, and one undated, 1789; Journal entry for May 28, 1789.) It stood on Forsyth near Division streets on seven lots purchased from George Workheart on August 17, 1789, for 350 pounds. The site was on the former estate of James Delancey, which had been forfeited to the state because of his loyalist activities. The church was of blue stucco over rough stone, 50 x 70 feet in size, and cost around $2,500 exclusive of the lots. It was held by the same board of trustees as the John Street property, a custom which prevailed until 1835. (Seaman, op. cit., 104-14.)

159 John Street Records, 1, shows that the church entered wholeheartedly into meeting the costs of the conference. One entry indicates that the church paid the costs of "keeping the preachers' horses" for 26/6/8.

160 The person referred to was Mrs. Mary Withey. (See note under July 6, 1773.)

DELAWARE October 15, 1790

Delaware

Reached New Castle, in Delaware, and once more preached there, and had a few serious hearers.

Friday, 15. I did not reach Dickinson's in time; however, I spoke a little. I found sister Dickinson" wrapped in clay, whom I left sick about three weeks ago: she has been an attentive, devoted woman, has washed the saints' feet, and kindly served the dear servants of God; and I trust her soul is now in peace. I spoke a little at Duck Creek Cross Roads, where nearly thirty members have been added to the society since last

conference. ., ___

Sunday, 17. We had a gracious love feast, and a very powerful meeting; many bore a living testimony; there was great life and shouting among the people of God. In the evening I rode to brother White's.

Monday, 18. At Thomas White's my soul has been made to feel very solemn: a view of the remarkable work of God; the death of some, and the deep spirituality of others; the sending out young men for the ministry; and the providing for the fatherless and widows; these are all weighty matters, and greatly occupied my mind. In the midst of all my soul panteth after God.

Wednesday, 20. We rode twenty miles to Milford quarterly meeting. They have ceiled the chapel, and put the galleries in order; and what is still better, there were many living souls among them.

Thursday, 21. At the love feast many spoke of the dealings of God with their souls. I once more visited B. Williams, and felt my soul powerfully drawn out towards the children. The people are alive; but I fear they arc not as much engaged as they were this time last year.

Friday, 22. Came once more to sister Sharkley's;" now my dear old friend is gone, perhaps the Gospel must go out of the house: I trust the dear woman is gone to heaven. I then visited the fatherless and the widow (sister Abbitt:) I felt sweet peace, and a solemn sense of the presence of God.

Saturday, 23. Came to Lewiston. There being no preaching appointed, we rode to the light-house :163 I could but praise God that the house was kept by people who praise and love him; no drinking or swearing here. Brother Hargus is a Christian and a preacher; and God has owned his labours. An Irish vessel had been cast away with three hundred souls on

"This was probably the wife of Joseph Dickenson, who in 1789 donated the site for the chapel that bore his name. (Hallman, op. cit., 109, 249.)

"This is probably a misspelling of Shockley. Elias Shockley was one of the Trustees to whom a lot for the Milford Church was deeded on December 3, 1787. (Scharf, op. cit., II, 1198.)

"The keeper of historic Henlopen Lighthouse on Cape Henlopen was then J. R. Hargus.

DELAWARE October 26, 1790

board, all of whom perished but about forty: I asked him concerning it, and I learned that they were within sight of land; and that if they bad timely thrown themselves into the sea, they were nigh enough the land to have been washed ashore, so that many more would have probably been saved. So much for a drunken captain, who threw these precious lives away. Brother Hargus told me that he did not go near the wreck until after his return from Lewistown, with a guard; that it was reported some of the crew were as ready to plunder the goods on board as others: stricter laws are now made; and the people on this shore are greatly reformed; for which they may thank the Methodists. We have a chapel built at Lewistown; and we had an agreeable Sabbath day. The people, however, have their prejudices. Mr. Wilson," a minister of thirty or forty years' standing, has gone (since I was here last) to give an account of his stewardship, as we must all shortly do.

Tuesday, 26. I preached at the Sound chapel. Brother Joseph Everett then spoke of the sin of unbelief as the chief sin that keeps people from the blessings of the Gospel. We administered the sacrament, and in the afternoon rode to Buckingham.165 I rejoiced in the account brother William Powell gave me of the state of religion at the Sound: he said that the Lord had owned and blest their prayer meetings; that he thought one hundred souls had been affected and shaken, and perhaps eighteen or twenty converted in the space of eighteen or twenty months; that brother Arthur Williams, a local deacon, was in the spirit of the work-formerly he pleased all with his smooth speaking, but that now they cry out against him.

Wednesday, 27. I felt glad in my soul, notwithstanding brother Jesse Lee is on forbidden ground;166 and, in spite of prejudice and Antinomianism, that souls are awakened by his ministry. I feel myself under some temptation; but I fight and conquer in the strength of Christ.

Thursday, 28. I finished reading the second volume of the Arminian Magazine.167 Notwithstanding its defects, I am persuaded it is one of the best and cheapest books in America: the life of Mr. John Fletcher, the tracts, letters, and sermons are good; the poetry might be better.

"The only resident minister with such a record of long service was the Rev.

Matthew Wilson who was installed as pastor of the Lewes Presbyterian Church in

1756 and served until his death in 1791, which may have been erroneously ascribed to

1791 rather than the date Asbury here gives.

"Buckingham, the present Berlin in Worcester County. The Mother of Methodism in this vicinity was Perdeaux Chapel, located in Sinepuxent Neck, Worcester County. 166 New England, a new field to which Lee had been appointed in 1789, had been generally inhospitable to Methodism. (Lee, op. cit., 142, 163-67.)

167 The second and final issue of The Arminian Magazine, published in Philadelphia,

1790 (John Dickins, Editor), is not to be confused with the London publication of the same name, begun in 1778. To the Arminian publication Asbury contributed a letter "in behalf of the Council."

VIRGINIA October 30, 1790

Virginia

Saturday, 30. I feel the weakness and infirmities of flesh and blood, having ridden seventy miles the two last days. At the quarterly meeting, at Garrettson's, I was unwell, but felt Divine assistance in my preaching.

Sunday, 31. We had a powerful love feast; and I believe it would have been more so had God's dear children had time to speak. We had a vast crowd of people. Brother Thomas Foster preached first, and I after him:

I had a solemn sense of God, and sinners were serious.

Monday, November 1. Preached at Accomack court house, on Rom. i, 16. We had a weighty season. A poor man, who had lately professed religion, appeared to be somewhat distracted: be has been a vile sinner but I hope he will recover his right mind: the family is subject to derangement. There are some unreasonable things among the people here; but we are afraid of gathering out the tares, lest we should root up the wheat also. We must continue to observe the order of God and our own discipline; attend to preaching, prayer, class meeting, and love feast: and then, if they will shout, why let them shout.

Wednesday, 3. I preached on education, from "Come, ye children, hearken to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord." The word was felt by the parents.

Maryland

After preaching I rode to Littleton Long's." This neighbourhood is supplied with preaching by the Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Baptists and Methodists. All is well, if the people are saved.

Thursday, 4. We bad but few hearers, and an uncomfortable time, at our quarterly meeting in the Annamessex chapel. Next day we bad a full house, and I preached on education; my text, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Alter meeting we rode eighteen miles without our dinner, which, with the disagreeable weather, made me sick. Rode twenty-five miles to Broad Creek quarterly meeting, and preached on Matt. x, 37, 38; and the next day on Hosea vi, 4-it was a searching time. We came off, and found the wind blowing fiercely; but when we had entered the boat, we had a sudden calm: if this were not an answer to prayer, it was as I prayed. I reproved myself for a sudden and violent laugh at the relation of a man's having

168 William Colbert says, "I rode from Salisbury to Littleton Long's in Worcester County on the south side of Pocomoke River and the first house in Northampton Circuit." (Colbert's Journal, II, 32, 41.)

MARYLAND November 8, 1790

given an old Negro woman her liberty because she had too much religion for him.

Monday, 8. We held a quarterly meeting in Dorset, in a new, unfinished house."

Tuesday, 9. We had a gracious love feast; and I addressed parents very seriously, on Deut. vi, 6-7. I lodged with brother Henry Ennalls, who, with his wife, has been powerfully brought to God; his slaves were freed immediately. His sister, Nancy Bassett,170 has gone to rest: the other two have followed the example of a dear brother; God has heard their prayers.'7'

Wednesday, 10. 1 came to Frazier's chapel: my spirits were very low; and I felt that there was death amongst the people.

Thursday, 11. Our love feast was living and powerful. I have seen a wonder of grace in Capt. B-: this has been the wish of my heart, the desire of my soul, and the answer to prayer; for which I am thankful to God.

Friday, 12. I preached at Bolingbroke to a full house, on Ephraim's mixing himself among the people.

Saturday, 13. We had a gracious season at the love feast. In the evening I came to Allen's.172 The next day, being rainy, we had about one hundred hearers at Tuckahoe Chapel; whereas, we expected that, had it been a clear day, we should have five or six hundred. I preached in the evening at Choptank Bridge to a few people.

Monday, 15. I see the wonders of grace; and have had severe conflicts:

my soul is more and more established in God; but so many persons and things occupy my time, that I have not as much leisure and opportunity for prayer and communion with God, and for drinking into the Holy Spirit of life and love as I could wish. We had a seasonable time at brother Thomas White's: I was very pointed on 2 Peter ii, 9. Perhaps I have spoken my last admonition to some who were present.

Thursday, 18. Rode to Dover, Delaware; and next day we had quarterly meeting at Dudley's chapel.

Saturday, 20. At Duck Creek Cross Roads a spirit of prayer prevails amongst the people, and God is with them.

Sunday, 21. At Cecil quarterly meeting, held at Dickinson's, we had

169 Dorchester County, formed in 1668, was named for Earl Dorset, a family friend of the Calverts. In Asbury's day the name Dorset was in common use. (Mathews:

The Counties of Maryland, 421.) This "new, unfinished house," if a place of worship, may have been Ennall's or Airey's Chapel.

170 This was the wife of Richard Bassett.

171 The other two sisters (besides Mrs. Richard Bassett) were Catherine, who married

William Bruif, and Mary, who became the wife of George Ward, a local preacher of

Snow Hill, Maryland. (Boehm, op. cit., 69; Hallman, op. cit., 299 if.; Bangs: Life of

Garrettson, 253; Stevens, op. cit., iv, 177.)

172this was Dr. Moses D. Allen. (See note under November 20, 1787.)

MARYLAND December 1, 1790 657

many people, and some life. On Monday I rode to Dr. Clayton's;173 and next day to Cokesbury, where I continued until Monday the 29th. We then examined the students relatively to learning and religion, paid debts, and put matters in better order. We have forty-five boys. The charitable subscriptions to the establishment amount to 300 per annum.

December 1. The council was seated in Philip Rogers's chamber in Baltimore.'174 After some explanation, we all agreed that we had a right to manage the temporal concerns of the Church and college decisively; and to recommend to the conferences, for ratification, whatever we judged might be advantageous to the spiritual well-being of the whole body. For the sake of union, we declined sending out any recommendatory propositions: we had great peace and union in all our labours. What we have done, the minutes will show.

Sunday, 5. I preached a funeral discourse on the death of Mrs. Murray,175 on I Cor. xv, 29-31: it was, I hope, not altogether in vain. In the afternoon I preached in Mr. Otterbein's church. I have kept no journal during the sitting of the council: I enjoy peace of soul, but such a variety of persons and subjects agitates my poor mind. Lord, keep me in perfect peace!

Thursday, 9. The council rose after advising a loan of 1,000, payable in two years, for Cokesbury; and giving directions for proper books to be printed.

Friday, 10. I left Baltimore, and reached my old friend, Shadrach Turner's: the girls, who were babes when I first visited this house, are now grown up, and, I trust, possess religion.

178 Joshua Clayton (1744-98), a resident of Upper Bohemia Manor, was a surgeon and aide to General Washington in the Revolutionary War. He was the first governor of Delaware and had served two years in the Senate of the United States when he fell victim to the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia. He married Mrs. Rachel McCleary, an adopted daughter of Governor Richard Bassett. Their son, Thomas, also was a senator from Delaware. Another son, Dr. James Lawson Clayton, married Elizabeth Nutter Polk, a granddaughter of Judge Thomas White. Dr. and Mrs. Joshua Clayton were buried in Bethel Church. (Scharf, op. cit., I, 479; Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774-1927, 821; National Cyclopaedia of American Biography, XI, 530, Delaware Historical Society Papers, Numbers 31-40.)

174 The council was instituted by order of the annual conferences of 1789. It was to be comprised of the bishops and presiding elders, not to be fewer than nine in number. It was authorized to survey almost every function and phase of Methodism and submit its recommendations to the conferences. The first meeting convened on December 3, 1789. The provision that no measure would be binding until unanimously approved by the council and by the several conferences rendered the experiment unacceptable. (Journal entry for December 3-10, 1789; Lee, op. cit., 149-59; Buckley: Constitutional and Parliamentary History of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 61; Tigert: A Constitutional History of American Episcopal Methodism, 250 if.)

175 Mary, aged forty-four, wife of Edward Murray, a Baltimore merchant, died November 24, 1790, and was buried in St. Paul's Churchyard. A religious service, days after the interment, was not unusual in those times.

VIRGINIA December 11, 1790

Virginia

Saturday, 11. We rode through heavy rain to Alexandria, in Virginia. Sunday, 12. I preached morning and evening; but the streets being muddy, and but few friends attending from the country, we had a thin congregation.

Monday, 13. We set out for Stafford. The weather being uncomfortable, and the roads deep, we turned in at twenty miles, to Mr. Dawning's, who treated us kindly.

Tuesday, 14. We hasted to Mrs. Wailer's,176 where we found a few people, to whom I spoke on Rom. ii, 7-9. Finding Tommy (a son of Mrs. Waller's) had genius, I gave him a pass to Cokesbury: it may be that he may serve himself, his family, and his country. 0 that he may serve his God!

Wednesday, 15. Came to King George; and, cold as it was, I found nearly one hundred people had assembled at the widow Bombry's.

Saturday, 18. Attended the quarterly meeting at brother Edwards's:

the weather was extremely cold, and we had but few hearers.

Sunday, 19. After preaching at the quarterly meeting, I visited Counsellor Carter; and spent the evening in much peace and love: he has the manners of a gentleman, the attainments of a scholar, and the experience of a Christian.

Monday, 20. The weather softening, I made haste to get across the Rappahannock, and reached brother Ball's, about twenty-five miles: I found myself much chilled by my ride. My soul has been kept in great peace; and almost in constant prayer: I wish to feel so placid as not to have any acid in my temper, nor a frown or wrinkle on my brow; to bear all things, do all things, suffer all things, from the ignorance or weakness of the children of God, or the wickedness of the sons and daughters of Satan. 1 think my soul momently pants after more of God.177

Thursday, 23. I preached at brother Collin's; and was very pointed:

I hope it will have the good effect of preventing the sin and vanity that too often prevail at Christmas.

Friday, 24. Came to the widow Clayton's; where there has been a work of God: I preached with liberty, from, "Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to fuffil the lusts thereof." I cautioned the people against the sins of the times.

Christmas day. I had thirty miles to Hanover. William Glendenning"

176 Thomas Scott says the Widow Wailer's was one of the preaching stations. Mrs. Waller was the mother of John Wailer of Kentucky, one of the delegates sent from that state to the legislature of Virginia to obtain the consent of the latter for Kentucky to form a constitution and state government. (Scott's Journal.)

'"See letter to friends at Taunton, England, 1790.

178William Glendenning had been one of the early preachers but had become a recalcitrant who later made severe attacks on Asbury and the episcopacy.

VIRGINIA December 26, 1790

began before I came; when he had done, I went into the tavern keeper's porch; but I afterward judged it best to withdraw, and speak in another place. I stood in the door of a public house, and with about half of my congregation out of doors, preached on, "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy:" the people behaved exceedingly well; and the town was very still.

Sunday, 26. 1 had a large congregation at Newcastle,179 to whom I spoke on, "Thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he shall save his people from their sins." William Glendenning spoke after me: I am clear he is not right in his head or heart, and am therefore resolved he shall speak no more at my appointments.

Monday, 27. Preached at Colonel Clayton's.180 The people hereabouts

are wealthy, and few attend preaching; nevertheless, I was favoured with

their company, and had great liberty and sweetness in speaking to them:

I feel as if God would yet work among them. It was in this neighbourhood

I was laid up four years ago.

Tuesday, 28. I had many people at the widow A-'s; but they did not appear to be in a good frame to receive instruction: their Christmas company; sinful, worldly joy; full feeding; together with the severity of the weather-all appeared to make against a profitable meeting.

Wednesday, 29. Preached in James City181-crowded with company. I was informed of some painful circumstances relative to our dissatisfied brethren: I leave these things to God, who will bring all things to light. Contrary to my expectations, I found there was an appointment made for me to preach in Williamsburg, being the day I had intended to cross the river.

Thursday, 30. 1 preached in the city of Williamsburg, according to appointment: I felt much liberty; and had some hope that Providence was about to open the way for a work in this place.

Friday, 31. I came on to the (Jamestown) ferry, chilled with the cold. We had to ride seven miles; the wind was high about the time we embarked; presently a snow storm came on; and although wind and tide were in our favour, we had rough work in crossing. Our horses were smooth, the bottom of the boat icy; so that it was with difficulty they could keep their feet; however, kind Providence brought us safe to Cobham, whence we hasted along to brother Mooring's, and found brother Paup speaking, and the people shouting. I preached on Ephes. v, 17-19. I 179 "In the early years there were two flourishing ports in Hanover on the Pamunkey River. One was Hanover Town, once known as Page's Warehouse, and Newcastle, the former some fifteen miles above the present bridge on the Tappahannock Highway, and the latter a short distance below it. Both are now abandoned. As late as 1830 Newcastle was an important shipping point for tobacco." (Gwathmey: Twelve Virginia Counties, 86.)

180 Colonel Clayton lived in Hanover County.

181 On this route Asbury usually preached at Chickahominy Church.

VIRGINIA December 31, 1790

afterward had an interview with brother Paup,182 and a more full account of matters relative to our disaffected brethren. Thence I rode on to brother William Blunt's ;183 but there were none to preach to.

182 In 1790 John Paup was pastor on the Sussex Circuit.

183 William Blunt's was a regular preaching place in Isle of Wight County.