The New York Conference this year had its
service in Albany & commenced the 5th of June. After various
solicitations from bishop Asbury, I volunteered my services
for Lower Canada & was stationed at Montreal, having at the
same time change of all the circuits in the Lower Province
in the Northwest side of the river St. Lawrence. This was a
great cross to me. Indeed, so many difficulties presented
themselves in my way that I declined going until after the
appointments were read off at the close of the Conference &
I was stationed in the city of Troy. Knowing the state of
things in Canada & feeling much for the people & at the same
time believing that the man appointed to that station was
entirely inadequate to its duties, I told bishop Mr.
[William] M’Kendree that if he would allow me to return at
the end of four years, I would consent to go. He consented &
the appointment was made accordingly.
Soon after the adjournment of Conference
news of the declaration of war against Great Britain reached
the city of New York, where I then was with my family. This
of course cut off all friendly intercourse between the
Canadas and the United States. For some time I hesitated
what to do; but by the advice of friends, I finally
concluded to pursue my journey & after taking an
affectionate leave of my kind friends in New York - & they
were indeed remarkably kind to me & mine during my residency
among them, I set off & went out as far as Lansingburg. Here I
halted until Bishop Asbury & Mr. M’Kendree returned from the
New England Conference. They both concluded that it was not
expedient for me to proceed on my journey.