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 and The Boston Commissioners, February 1756

Manuscript Number756190

DateFebruary 1756

Author

Recipients;

AbstractWheelock describes Occom's duties, notes that Occom is in debt, and proposes that he be given aid.

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.

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.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to Moses Peck, 1761 March 25

Manuscript Number761225

Date25 March 1761

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock thanks Peck for the money sent for Occom, and gives an account of Occom’s work since leaving Wheelock’s school.

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.