The Occom Circle

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.

David Fowler, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1766 January 21

Manuscript Number766121.2

Date21 January 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractDavid Fowler writes of the progress of his Indian school, the present religious state of the Indians and their want of a minister, news of Kirtland, and personal matters.

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.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to George Whitefield, 1766 July 24

Manuscript Number766424

Date24 July 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock writes to update Whitefield on the missions of Kirkland and others.

David McClure, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1766 August 5

Manuscript Number766454

Date4 August 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractMcClure writes from his mission about his arrival, the work of the school, the condition of the pupils, and the kindness of people. He notes the difficulties in not knowing the language.

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.

Phineas Dodge, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1767 November 3

Manuscript Number767603

Date3 November 1767

Author

Recipient

AbstractDodge writes regarding his trip to Oneida country, the danger from small pox, and a meeting with Sir William Johnson.

Aaron Kinne, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1768 June 23

Manuscript Number768373.1

Date23 June 1768

Author

Recipient

AbstractKinne writes that the Oneidas have agreed to his proposal for a more permanent ministry.

David Avery, letter, to David McClure, 1768 August 14

Manuscript Number768464.3

Date14 August 1768

Author

Recipient

AbstractAvery writes a collegial letter, over a few days and in segments, about the people and conditions at his mission. He notes that he will travel to Canajoharie to recruit an interpreter, and then writes from there as well.