The Occom Circle

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to John Smith, 1761 September 15

Manuscript Number761515

Date15 September 1761

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock writes of Occom’s mission to the Oneidas, of the preparations of Samuel Kirtland for mission work, and of the general progress of the charity school. In a postscript, Wheelock states that Occom was educated entirely by him, and not at college.

Samson Occom, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1764 August 22

Manuscript Number764472

Date22 August 1764

Author

Recipient

AbstractOccom reports on his activities and on progress in the building of his house. He also notes that he’s been paid a half-year's salary by the Company for Propagation of the Gospel in New England and the parts adjacent in America. On two verso, Wheelock has written an outline for a sermon.

Joseph Johnson, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1768 September 24

Manuscript Number768524.1

Date24 September 1768

Author

Recipient

AbstractJohnson relates the progress of his and Jacob Johnson's travels, and relays news of donations for the school.

Ebenezer Gurley, confession, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1770 February 3

Manuscript Number770153.1

Date3 February 1770

Author

Recipient

AbstractGurley confesses that he tried to leave the school for Yale.

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

Manuscript Number772323

Date23 May 1772

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock writes to Thornton regarding several matters, including Thornton's warnings about Wheelock’s son Ralph, and Thornton's offer to pay Wheelock’s debt. He gives news of Occom and other potential missionaries.