Samson Occom, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1761 June 24

Author Occom, Samson

Date24 June, 1761

Call Number761374

abstractOccom reports from New York that collections were taken and recommendations written in support of his mission.

handwritingHandwriting is slanting and somewhat crowded, but largely clear and legible

paperTwo large sheets are in fair condition, with moderate creasing, staining and wear.

inkDark brown.

noteworthyThe year of the letter is catalogued as June 1761, but the trailer gives a date of 1762.

EventsOccom’s First Mission to the Oneidas

Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.

Persistent Identifier

Rev. Sir
We reached New York the 15 instant, and to my
surprise, the gentlemen had Concluded, not Send me
at all, and all the reason that they Can give is,
they are afraid, the Indians will kill me, I told
them, they could not kill me but once, and told them
I intended to Proceed on my Journey, and if I perish
for want of Support, I perish,—But I intended to use
your Money Sir, that David has with him; and when
they perceived my resolutions, they immediately consulted
the matter, and Concluded, that I should go, and a Collection
should be made for me, and Recommendations should
be Sent by me to Gen. Amherst and to Sir William
And the whole Matter is accomplished to my surprise
beyond all my expectations, The last Sabbath after
the afternoon Service was over, at Mr. Bostwick's Con­
gregation, they made a Collection for me and my
Family's Support, and it mounted to £60 15s 7d and
Monday Evening the Baptists made a Collection for me
at their Meeting House, and it mounted to £13 0s 0d—
And my Recommendations are done by the most Noted Gentlemen
of this Place, not only to the generals, but to other gentlemen
of their acquaintance, from this City to the further most
English Settlements,— the People are uncommonly kind
to us in this great City;— But we live in the Suburbs with one
Obediah Wells an old disciple — I am invited to
the City Every Day to Dine with Some gentleman
or other; sometimes Two or three Invitations at once,
especially the minister, of all Sects and Denominations
are extremely Kind to me,— yesterday 3 o'clock PM I was introduced
to wait upon his Honor, Colden President and Com­
mander in Chief in the Province of New York, and wished
me Good success and Gave me good advice and counsel,
—I believe tomorrow Morning we Shall out from
here on our way to Oneida,
Please to remember us in your Fatherly prayers
Continually, accept Duty, and suitable Re­
gards to the Family from
Your Most obedient Indian Son,
Samson Occom
The Rev. Mr. Wheelock
I delivered £53 7s 10d to Mr.
William Hedges of East-
hampton
, for the Support
of my Family
Samson Occom
The Letters that I have
to the generals are signed by
The Honourable William Smith Esq.
Rev. David Bostwick
Mr. Peter Vanbrugh Livingstone
Mr. David Vanhorne
William Livingston Esq.
Mr. Occom's
May 1762
Received £20 of Commissioners
and to draw on them
for last Winter—
To
The Rev. Eleazar Wheelock
at
Lebanon, New England

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