The Occom Circle

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.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to George Whitefield, 1761 July 4

Manuscript Number761404

Date4 July 1761

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock writes to Whitefield about first Occom's mission to the Oneidas, and about the difficulties of teaching Indian students. He mentions the idea of appealing to the Earl of Dartmouth for charity.

Joseph Woolley, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1761 November 2

Manuscript Number761602.1

Date2 November 1761

Author

Recipient

AbstractWoolley asks leave to visit Mohegan and Lyme.

Robert Clelland, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1762 March 12

Manuscript Number762212

Date12 March 1762

Author

Recipient

AbstractClelland writes that Ben Uncas is given over to drunkeness and wants undesirables to settle on Mohegan land. He suggests that Wheelock should encourage Occom to use his influence with the Sachem.

Samson Occom, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1762 May 12

Manuscript Number762312

Date12 May 1762

Author

Recipient

AbstractOccom expresses gratitude toward the Boston Commissioners for past and present help, and reports that the controversies between Samuel Ashpo and the Indians he is teaching prevents Occom from receiving Ashpo.

Robert Clelland, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1763 February 17

Manuscript Number763167

Date17 February 1763

Author

Recipient

AbstractClelland writes an informal letter discussing the poor state of local Indian affairs.

Robert Clelland, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1763 December8

Manuscript Number763658

Date8 December 1763

Author

Recipient

AbstractClelland opines that the Connecticut government will look bad by not supporting the school. He writes that Ashpo is still in debt, and that Occom is looking to lease a farm in Mohegan.

Robert Clelland, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1764 January 21

Manuscript Number764121

Date21 January 1764

Author

Recipient

AbstractClelland writes an indignant letter complaining that the Mohegan sachem has denigrated Clelland's teaching. Clelland believes certain parties are angling to replace him with Occom.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to George Whitefield, 1764 May 18

Manuscript Number764318.1

Date18 May 1764

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock requests Whitefield’s help in drawing up a memorial to the Assembly. He comments on Occom’s work, which received good acceptance from Indians at Mohegan and Niantic, and discusses dissatisfaction with the Boston Board of the Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge.

John Smith, letter, to his friend, 1764 May 18

Manuscript Number764318.2

Date18 May 1764

Author

Recipient

AbstractSmith gives an account of his visit to Wheelock’s school, and to the Mohegan country, where he saw Occom.