The Virginia Conference commenced its session in Petersburgh on Thursday, February 8, 1810; but I was so sick that it was six days before I could go to the conference room. On Friday Bishop M’Kendree, seeing how ill I was, took me into his room, and was my nurse and physician. He administered medicine to me, and watched over me with all the kindness of a father. If I had been his only son he could not have treated me more tenderly. When he was under the necessity of being absent, his traveling companion, Thomas Lasley, continued with me, and was very attentive and kind. The family we put up with were all kindness and affection. What a debt of gratitude I owe them! “I was a stranger, and they took me in.” Under God I owe the preservation of my life to Bishop M’Kendree. Blessed man! I had often waited on him, for he was frequently an invalid. On his first episcopal tour he was afflicted with asthma, and needed much attention, and it afforded me great pleasure when I could do anything to relieve him. Sometimes he could not lie down, and suffered exceedingly. And yet I have often thought his continental tours were a great benefit to him, and prolonged his life. The open air and the exercise on horseback did him good. On Wednesday, the 14th, I was able to go to the conference room. Then I heard Bishop Asbury preach an ordination sermon from “Lo, I am with you alway,” etc. It was full of instruction and encouragement to Christian ministers. Immediately after the sermon Bishop M’Kendree ordained the elders. In the afternoon I heard a profitable sermon from Edward Dromgoole. The next day at noon the conference adjourned, and immediately Bishop Asbury and I started for Richmond. I left Petersburgh with a heart overwhelmed with gratitude. I wrote, “The Lord made use of Bishop M’Kendree in saving my life. May the Lord abundantly bless him; also this kind family.” Forward we went to Richmond, then to Fredericksburgh, through heavy rain and deep mud, not the best weather for an invalid. Here the bishop preached. Onward through Dumfries, one of the oldest places in Virginia. Mud, mud, mud! deeper, and still deeper, till we were in danger of being stuck. At Alexandria the bishop preached from, “If any man speak,” etc. We went thence to Georgetown to Henry Foxall’s. Speaking of Washington city, the bishop exclaimed, “O what a world of bustle and show we have here!” If he thought so in 1810, what would he think if he could revisit Washington city in 1865? Jesse Lee was then chaplain to the House of Representatives. I went with him to the capitol. He first prayed in the House of Representatives, and then we went to the Senate, and there he offered prayer. He and the chaplain to the Senate took turns, praying alternate weeks in both houses. Lee was much respected as chaplain. His prayers at that time were short, fervent, and patriotic.