The Occom Circle

Samuel Buell, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1758 October 17

Manuscript Number758567.1

Date17 October 1758

Author

Recipient

AbstractBuell writes that Occom should be sent on a mission to Virginia and, therefore, ordained as soon as possible.

John Smith, letter, to unknown, 1761 July 16

Manuscript Number761416

Date16 July 1761

Author

Recipient

AbstractSmith writes to an unknown recipient about Wheelock's work among the Indians, and of the need for Indian missionaries. Mention is made of Occom.

Solomon Williams, letter, to Rev. Samuel Wood, 1761 November 12

Manuscript Number761662.1

Date12 November 1761

Author

Recipient

AbstractWilliams writes a lengthy letter regarding news of his sister-in-law, events in Great Britain and in the colonies, and the desire of various tribes to receive missionaries. Mention is made of Samson Occom.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to George Whitefield, 1762 September 16

Manuscript Number762516.1

Date16 September 1762

Author

Recipient

AbstractCopy of a letter in which Wheelock discusses Occom's mission, those affected by Indian wars, the growth of the School, grants of money, and the donation of books.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to Sir William Johnson, 1764 August 25

Manuscript Number764475.2

Date25 August 1764

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock writes to Johnson asking him to oversee Occom’s proposals to the Six Nations to receive missionaries and school teachers. He also asks that Johnson select 15 or 20 Indians of both sexes for education at the Indian Charity School.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to John Erskine 1764 September 9

Manuscript Number764529

Date9 September 1764

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock writes that Occom was unable to join General Johnson on his way to visit remote tribes, and details George Whitefield's activities during his visit to America, including his plan to take Occom to England to raise funds for the school. Wheelock also discusses the supplies needed for schools among the Indians.

Samson Occom, journal, 1765 November 21

Manuscript Number765621.6

Date21 November 1765

Author

AbstractOccom details the events of his time in Great Britain.

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.

George Whitefield, letter, to Peter Vanbrugh Livingston, 1766 February 27

Manuscript Number766177

Date27 February 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractWhitefield writes that Lord Dartmouth proves himself to be America’s friend, that Occom preaches to acceptance and is meeting nobles, and that the king has become a benefactor of Wheelock’s plan.

Nathaniel Whitaker, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1766 March 7

Manuscript Number766207.1

Date7 March 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractWhitaker, in London, writes that he has received letters from Wheelock, and that Wheelock should take care with regard to where he sends letters and what he writes, so that the Society in Scotland does not appropriate the money Whitaker, along with Occom, hopes to raise. Occom is shortly to be inoculated for small pox.