The Occom Circle

Samson Occom, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1756 November 12

Manuscript Number756612.3

Date12 November 1756

Author

Recipient

AbstractOccom writes to Wheelock about the concerns for his safety voiced by the Haudenosaunees he visited the previous Fall. He also notes troubles with the Delaware (Lenape) Indians.

Andrew Oliver, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1757 November 28

Manuscript Number757628.1

Date28 November 1757

Author

Recipient

AbstractOliver writes that he does not approve of an ordination for Samson Occom at present, since only the Niantics would benefit. There is no allowance now for a new mission.

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.

Moses Peck, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1761 January 8

Manuscript Number761108

Date1761 January 8

Author

Recipient

AbstractPeck encloses £3, 16 shillings for Occom's aid, and asks for an account of Occom's work.

William Whitwell, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1761 January 27

Manuscript Number761127

Date27 January 1761

Author

Recipient

AbstractWhitwell writes on behalf of the "Private Society," enclosing eight pounds for the support of Occom.

William Hyslop, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1761 March 30

Manuscript Number761230.2

Date30 March 1761

Author

Recipient

AbstractHyslop encloses 13 pounds, four shillings for the relief of Occom.

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.

Dennys DeBerdt, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1761 August 31

Manuscript Number761481

Date31 August 1761

Author

Recipient

AbstractDeBerdt writes regarding various donations and fundraising efforts.

Samson Occom, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1761 September 25

Manuscript Number761525

Date25 September 1761

Author

Recipient

AbstractOccom states that he has written three letters to Wheelock and has not heard back. He describes his misfortunes (the escape of his mare, his inability to read or write due to eye strain), but remains hopeful that he will be of use to the Oneidas.

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.