The Occom Circle

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.

Moses Peck, letter to Eleazar Wheelock, 1766 September 19

Manuscript Number766519

Date19 September 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractPeck writes of good reports from England regarding Wheelock, Whitaker and Occom, and discusses other business relating to matters at home and abroad.

Samson Occom, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1772 January 27

Manuscript Number772127.1

Date27 January 1772

Author

Recipient

AbstractOccom updates Wheelock on his travels. He notes that he hopes to visit as soon as he can make longer trips, and to attend Indian congresses at Stockbridge and at Sir William Johnson’s.

Samson Occom, Journal, 1786 June 26

Manuscript Number786376

Date26 June 1786

Author

AbstractOccom details his travels during the second half of 1786. As Occom notes, he spends a great deal of time among the Dutch.

Samson Occom, journal, 1786 December 11 to 1787 April 7

Manuscript Number786661

Date11 December 1786

Author

AbstractOccom describes his travels as an itinerant preacher through Connecticut and New York. He also relates an episode involving a rumour that his son Aaron has been arrested for murder.

New Stockbridge Indians, letter, to Samson Occom, 1787 August 29

Manuscript Number787479

Date29 August 1787

Authors; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;

Recipient

AbstractThe New Stockbridge Indians testify to their faith in the Christian religion and request that Occom become their pastor.

John Sergeant, letter, to Peter Thacher, 1788 May 19

Manuscript Number788319

Date19 May 1788

Author

Recipient

AbstractSergeant writes of a division within the Stockbridge Tribe regarding his position as minister, as opposed to Occom's. He reports that Occom has been resorting to unkind means to support his own position.

State of New York, resolution, 1791 February 24

Manuscript Number791174

Date24 February 1791

Author

AbstractThe NY State Assembly and Senate grant Occom 15 pounds to pay his expenses in attending the legislature on behalf of the Brothertown and New Stockbridge Indians. Also, Samson Occom’s receipt for the sum.

Samson Occom, letter, to a Minister of Albany, 1791 December 26

Manuscript Number791676

Date26 December 1791

Author

AbstractOccom writes that he cannot attend an ordination due to ill health, that he has moved to Munhegunnack (or New Stockbridge), and that many Indians are coming to New Stockbridge to hear preaching.

Samson Occom, journal, 1785 May 1 to October 3

Manuscript Number785301

DateMay 1 to October 3, 1785

Author

AbstractOccom's account of his travels as an itinerant preacher over the course of several months in 1785.