The Occom Circle

Samson Occom, receipts and expenses, 1761

Manuscript Number761290

Date1761

Author

AbstractOccom records various receipts and expenses collected and incurred in travel to and from Montauk and Oneida in the year 1761.

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, 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.

Samuel Hopkins, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1761 September 30

Manuscript Number761530

Date30 September 1761

Author

Recipient

AbstractHopkins writes Wheelock about reports that Occom lacks tact in his dealings with the Oneidas, and that he is instructing them to leave off their Indian ways. He suggests that Occom may not be right for an Indian 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.

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.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to George Whitefield, 1765 May 4 and 24

Manuscript Number765304

Date4 May 1765

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock writes a long letter to Whitefield, detailing the events and outcome of the Occom-Jewett controversy, news about activities related to the School, and the plan to send Occom to fundraise in England.

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.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to Nathaniel Whitaker, 1767 April 11

Manuscript Number767261.4

Date11 April 1767

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock writes of Kirkland’s visit and of his progress on his mission among the Oneidas. He also relates news of Whitaker's and Occom’s wives, as well as other business related to the Charity School.