We have attended two conferences and are about to engage in the third. In less than two weeks my husband has preached ten times. He is somewhat weary; but today is Thursday and he will rest today and tomorrow, and then engage in labor again.1EGWLM 688.4

Our first conference was at Carlton, N.Y.²

Held over the weekend, August 19-21, 1859.

See: James White, “Appointments,” Review, Aug. 4, 1859, p. 88.

We had never been in that part of the country before. The friends there received us heartily, and every arrangement was made for our convenience and comfort. The [railroad] cars stopped at Albion [New York], five miles [eight kilometers] from Brother Buckland's [Curtis P. Buckland]^{3
Identity: Curtis P. Buckland's obituary mentions the fact that he had moved to Carlton in 1858 and that “in 1859 … [a] tent-meeting was held on his farm by Bro. and Sister White.”
See: Obituary: “Curtis P. Buckland,” Review, Feb. 3, 1891, p. 79.} in Carlton. He was at the depot waiting for us with a fine span of horses and easy carryall.^{4
A light covered horse-drawn carriage. The adjective “easy” suggests that this “carryall” was comfortable.} We had been riding all day^{5
James White felt exhilarated after covering more than 300 miles (483 kilometers) in one day: “It seemed hardly possible that we had left … Jackson, Mich., only sixteen hours before. We were hurried over the roads, through the dust, and from one train to another, with such speed that we seemed to forget headaches and other ills.”
See: J. W. [James White], “Eastern Tour,” Review, Sept. 1, 1859, p. 116.}—took breakfast at half-past three A.M. at Jackson [Michigan]—and we were very weary. But we enjoyed a bath of cold water which refreshed us much before retiring. We slept well and had Friday to rest.1EGWLM 688.5

Meeting commenced Friday evening. Brother Lampson's⁶

Identity: A distinction is made in this statement between “Brother Lampson's family” and “Bradley Lampson [Joseph Bradley Lamson].” “Brother Lampson” probably refers to the father of Bradley, Jonathan Lamson, who was an active member living near Clarkson, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Carlton, where the conference was being held. (The discrepancy in spelling between “Lamson” and “Lampson” is understandable and not significant.)

See: Search term “Lamson” in Words of the Pioneers; 1850 U.S. Federal Census, “Jonathan Lamson,” New York, Monroe County, Clarkson, p. 155.

family were present, also Brother Orton [and his] wife, [Jonathan T. and Caroline Orton]^{7
Identity: Among several indications that “Brother Orton” is Jonathan T. Orton, of Rochester, New York, is the fact that “Drusilla” and “Alva,” the names of two of Jonathan Orton's children, follow directly after.
See: 1850 U.S. Federal Census, “Jonathan Orton,” “Drusilla Orton,” “Alva Orton,” New York, Monroe County, Rochester, Ward 7, p. 317.} Drusilla [Drusilla Lamson], Alva [Alva Orton], and Bradley Lampson [Joseph Bradley Lamson],^{8
Identity: There is some evidence that Joseph Bradley Lamson (or “J. B. Lamson,” as he was known in the Review) also went by his middle name. Thus, Ellen White reported in the Review that she and James stayed with “J. B. Lamson” in December 1865 while J. N. Loughborough, referring to the same event, says they were entertained at “the home of Mr. Bradly [sic] Lamson.”
See: Ellen G. White, “Our Late Experience,” Review, Feb. 27, 1866, p. 98; J. N. Loughborough, Rise and Progress of the Seventh-day Adventists, p. 269.} Brother Lindsay [John M. Lindsay],^{9
Identity: The only members with the name “Lindsay” in the vicinity of Carlton at this time were the family of John and Eliza Lindsay, living near Olcott, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) away. Several of the Lindsay children were baptized in 1859-1860.
See: Search term “Lindsay” in Words of the Pioneers; R. F. C. [R. F. Cottrell], “Report From Bro. Cottrell,” Review, Feb. 3, 1859, p. 85; R. F. C. [R. F. Cottrell], “Report From Bro. Cottrell,” Review, June 5, 1860, p. 21.} wife and children, and a large company from Mill Grove [New York], Brother and Sister Crage [Stephen B. and Miranda B. Craig],^{10
Identity: The name “Crage” does not appear in the Review. But during this period there was a Sabbathkeeping couple named “Craig,” living in Hamlin, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from the meetings at Carlton. It is likely, therefore, that “Crage” is a misspelling. Stephen and Miranda Craig are the only members with that name living near Carlton at this time.
See: Search term “Craig” in Words of the Pioneers.} and Brother and Sister Smith,^{11
These persons have not be identified.} the last two living in Parma [New York]. Many from different places were present. I mention those whom I think you are acquainted with.1EGWLM 689.1

Sabbath forenoon there were about one hundred present, and in the afternoon also. Sunday the tent was crowded full and quite a number of females dressed in their rich silks and satins sat upon the grass at the edge of the tent. Many came out from curiosity to hear the woman talk. Husband had perfect freedom in talking to the people. The Lord strengthened me to talk five times.1EGWLM 689.2

The people would not be satisfied until I had spoken. We expect that meeting will result in much good. Many were convinced of the truth of our position. We never saw a more attentive, interested congregation.¹²

“We felt distressed to leave this people,” James White added. “Could the tent remain three or four weeks … we have no doubt but a good church would be raised up in the vicinity of Carlton.”

See: J. W. [James White], “Eastern Tour,” Review, Sept. 1, 1859, p. 116.

They numbered above seven hundred on First Day.^{13
Sunday.} Many who came in the morning would not leave until the third (five o'clock) meeting closed. Food was taken from the houses and distributed among the eager listeners to truth. While eating our dinner at the house, we concluded that if Jesus had been present He would have had compassion upon the multitude and provided bread for them by His divine power.1EGWLM 689.3

After the close of the afternoon meeting we called the young together and just as they were about to leave for their homes we faithfully exhorted them to make sure work for eternity. We told them that they must each have an individual experience and feel an individual responsibility, that unless they should cease to worship at the shrine of fashion they could not be disciples of the meek and lowly Jesus. It was an affecting time. Parents and children wept aloud, and thus we parted. I felt that my garments were clean from their blood. I had prayed for them and warned them faithfully with many tears. I was free. I felt that I had done my whole duty. They must now form a character for heaven or choose the broad road that leads to death. I want to feel a deep interest for souls and labor to do all I can for their salvation. I know that time is short, and I want to do all I can in the cause of my Master.1EGWLM 690.1

We left Carlton Monday morn and went to Rochester [New York]. Visited Brother Orton's family. They waited upon us with their horses and hack¹⁴

Carriage for hire. Jonathan Orton was a hackman by trade.

around the city where we wished to go. Wednesday we left Rochester for Syracuse [New York].1EGWLM 690.2

Ms 4, 1859

Lt 4, 1859