Ellen G. White: The Progressive Years: 1862-1876 (vol. 2)

James White Arrives in Battle Creek

The Michigan camp meeting, during which the General Conference session would be held, would open on Thursday, August 6, and the word was that James White would arrive a little after midnight on Tuesday, the fourth. Although usually retiring early, Ellen, of course remained up to greet him. She busied herself in writing to Edson and Emma, whom James had called to Oakland to help with the new paper. While she was writing, her eyes grew heavy and she dozed off. On hearing a familiar voice, she awakened with a start, to greet her beloved husband, James. He had very likely walked the few blocks from the station to their home. 2BIO 442.3

How she rejoiced that at long last they could be together again and unite their lives and their labor. There had been tensions for a time. We have quoted quite fully her letters to him written through a nine-day period, that the reader might have the full story. Writing from California five months later, she declared: 2BIO 442.4

We are of the best of courage. My husband will not let anything depress him. We have been harmoniously working with the armor on since we left Battle Creek for California.—Letter 16, 1875. 2BIO 442.5