The Occom Circle

Samson Occom, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1761 June 24

Manuscript Number761374

Date24 June 1761

Author

Recipient

AbstractOccom reports from New York that collections were taken and recommendations written in support of his mission.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to George Whitefield, 1762 September 16

Manuscript Number762516.1

Date16 September 1762

Author

Recipient

AbstractCopy of a letter in which Wheelock discusses Occom's mission, those affected by Indian wars, the growth of the School, grants of money, and the donation of books.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to George Whitefield, 1762 September 16

Manuscript Number762516

Date16 September 1762

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock writes of his difficulty in securing pupils, and relays news from Occom about the bad conditions among the Oneidas. Ashpo is being trained for mission work. The future of a grant from the Massachusetts assembly and other monies are in question.

David Fowler, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1765 May 29

Manuscript Number765329.2

Date29 May 1765

Author

Recipient

AbstractFowler reports on the progress of the mission at Oneida. He writes that Joseph Woolley was appointed schoolmaster at Onaquaga, and expresses concern for Mr. Kirtland.

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.

Samuel Kirkland, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1766 March 6

Manuscript Number766206

Date6 March 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractKirkland writes a lengthy letter describing his work among the Senecas, and touching upon, among other things, his concerns regarding Chamberlain and his mission.

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.

Tobias Shattock, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1767 October 2

Manuscript Number767552

Date2 October 1767

Author

Recipient

AbstractShattock thanks Wheelock for his letter supporting the Narragansetts’ appeal to the colonial Governor that their Sachem Ninegret be prevented from selling any more of their lands.

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.