The Occom Circle

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to Samson Occom, 1749 September 6

Manuscript Number749506

Date6 September 1749

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock writes to express his belief that Occom should take a school, provided he neither strains his eyes nor renders himself otherwise unavailable to the Honorable Commissioners.

Solomon Williams, letter, to Andrew Oliver, 1750 April 16

Manuscript Number750266

Date16 April 1750

Author

Recipient

AbstractWilliams writes to Oliver that he has advised Occom, who has been successfully teaching the Indians at Montauk for the last six months, to remain with them and await orders from the Commissioners. He includes an extract of a letter from Azariah Horton asking for an extension of Occom's services.

Solomon Williams, letter, to Secretary Willard, 1751 July 24

Manuscript Number751424

Date24 July 1751

Author

Recipient

AbstractWilliams writes to relate the circumstances regarding Occom's school at Montauk, and the uncertainty of his future there.

Solomon Williams, letter, to Andrew Oliver, 1751 October 7

Manuscript Number751557

Date7 October 1751

Author

Recipient

AbstractWilliams gives his opinion of the recent decision by the Boston Commissioners to send Samson Occom on a mission to Susquehanna and to pay him 20 pounds sterling per annum. He notes that, though Occom intends to marry, he has assured Williams this would not interfere with his missionary work.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to Colonel Henchman, 1756 September 20

Manuscript Number756520

Date20 September 1756

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock writes a draft of a letter discussing the intended charter for the Charity School.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to Samson Occom, 1757 January 7

Manuscript Number757107

Date7 January 1757

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock notifies Occom of a communication with the Company for Propagation of the Gospel in New England and the parts adjacent in America, in which the Commission recommends Occom for ordination. Wheelock feels it is more proper for the local presbytery to examine Occom for ordination, and requests that they provide testimonials of his character as soon as possible.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to A. Oliver, 1757 November 9

Manuscript Number757609

Date9 November 1757

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock writes about Occom's ordination, and speculates as to the where he will ultimately preach.

Andrew Oliver, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1757 November 28

Manuscript Number757628.1

Date28 November 1757

Author

Recipient

AbstractOliver writes that he does not approve of an ordination for Samson Occom at present, since only the Niantics would benefit. There is no allowance now for a new mission.

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.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to Mr. Whitefield, 1759 November 3

Manuscript Number759603

Date3 November 1759

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock writes of the progress at his school, and of the conditions under which he looks for more Indian pupils as well as public charity. He also mentions the ordination of Occom.