Reverend Sir,
Immediately after my arrival in New Bern which was in November last I was confined at home several weeks by severe sickness: After my recovery I visited in six extensive parishes, preached in them 49 Sermons, baptized 768 whites and 27 blacks between the middle of December and the latter end of May, and tho' many of
these parishes would have received me very willingly, yet I found none of them would well suit so weakly a constitution as mine. In the beginning of June, I went to Granville, by the advice of Governor Tryon: where I was cordially received by the people, and they still continue to render my life as agreeable as the situation of the place admits of. Since I settled here I have baptized 221 whites and 79 Blacks exclusive of the number above mentioned. There are many Presbyterians in this Parish, and they have a minister settled amongst them. There are likewise many Baptists here, who are great Bigots; but be well assured, Reverend Sir, that I will (from a sense of my Duty and just gratitude to the Society) take every prudent method I am capable of to abolish Dissention and make converts to the Church.