The Occom Circle

David Fowler, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1765 May 29

Manuscript Number765329.2

Date29 May 1765

Author

Recipient

AbstractFowler reports on the progress of the mission at Oneida. He writes that Joseph Woolley was appointed schoolmaster at Onaquaga, and expresses concern for Mr. Kirtland.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to the Trust in England, 1767 October 8

Manuscript Number767558.1

Date8 October 1767

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock copies an extract from his son Ralph’s journal describing a trip to Oneida Country, and relates the progress of the mission work there.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to Stephen Williams, 1767 October 16

Manuscript Number767566.3

Date16 October 1767

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock writes to congratulate Williams on his recent marriage and to update him on the progress of the school and various missions.

Aaron Kinne, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1768 June 13

Manuscript Number768363.1

Date13 June 1768

Author

Recipient

AbstractKinne writes that the missionary party has arrived at Kanawalohale, and that the Oneidas there have received them well. He also writes that they are having trouble securing an interpreter, and relates other matters of interest.

Jacob Johnson, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1769 May 14

Manuscript Number769313

Date14 May 1769

Author

Recipient

AbstractJohnson writes that, if Huntington should go to Oneida Country, it is important that he learn the Indian language. Johnson strongly urges Wheelock to employ a professor of Indian language, and counsels him not to send Ralph Wheelock on a mission before meeting with Mr. Kirtland.

John Thornton, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1772 February 28

Manuscript Number772178

Date28 February 1772

Author

Recipient

AbstractThornton writes a lengthy letter mentioning the conflict with Kirkland, doubt that the Trust in England will confirm Wheelock's charter, and rumors that the college is to come under Episcopal management. He believes that Wheelock is too trusting of Ralph Wheelock, and that Occom has been unfairly treated.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to John Thornton, 1772 September 23

Manuscript Number772523

Date23 September 1772

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock writes to Thornton about his failures with the Six Nations. Six days later, he writes again about improving prospects, as several boys are coming to the School, and Occom’s former haughtiness is softening. He also writes that the charges against his son Ralph are false.