Planning for the Eastern Camp Meetings

The eastern camp meetings were scheduled to open in New York State on Thursday, August 10, and run from week to week through Vermont, New England, and Maine, closing on September 4. James White announced:2BIO 322.1

We design to attend the eastern camp meetings, if the way is opened for us.... It is in our hearts to accept the kind invitation of brethren in California to visit them this autumn, and spend the winter with them. This we can do, after attending camp meetings in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, if the brethren will not load us down with cares and labors which do not belong to us.2BIO 322.2

But if fellow laborers dodge responsibilities, neglect our periodicals, and leave work for us to do which they should do themselves, we shall submit to remain in Battle Creek, and do the best we can. Brethren, we are at your service.—Ibid.2BIO 322.3

Two weeks later it was announced that W. H. Littlejohn would travel with the Whites to the eastern meetings, and J. H. Waggoner would remain in Battle Creek in charge of publishing operations (Ibid., August 1, 1871). While James had every intention of attending the eastern meetings, he was still much troubled about the future. He confided to readers of the Review:2BIO 322.4

We have appealed for help, and have spoken pointedly in reference to the necessity of reliable working men moving to Battle Creek. The case has been clearly stated. We are still struggling on with two or three men's work, and hope not to fail before help comes. But we are grieved with the knowledge of the fact that we cannot endure one half the work we could one year since.— Ibid.2BIO 322.5