The Occom Circle

Joseph Woolley, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1765 July 22

Manuscript Number765422

Date22 July 1765

Author

Recipient

AbstractWoolley writes that he has been taken very ill, and updates Wheelock on the whereabouts of other charity school students.

Theophilus Chamberlain, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1765 July 29

Manuscript Number765429.1

Date29 July 1765

Author

Recipient

AbstractChamberlain writes from his mission with an account of work among the Indians, occurrences of problem drinking, a funeral, and weddings.

Nathaniel Whitaker, narrative, 1766

Manuscript Number766900.11

Date1766

Author

AbstractWhitaker gives a brief history of Indian conversion in America and why it has thus far been relatively unsuccessful. Occom’s story is used as an argument for promoting Wheelock’s School and its focus on educating Indians, rather than English, as missionaries. A plan for an expanded school is put forth.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to Nathaniel Whitaker, 1766 April 5

Manuscript Number766255

Date5 April 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock writes to update Whitaker -- in England on the fundraising tour of Great Britain -- on the progress of various students and missionaries, and on Whitaker’s family.

Elisha Gunn, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1767 September 2

Manuscript Number767502.3

Date2 September 1767

Author

Recipient

AbstractGunn writes to introduce an Oneida chief.