The Occom Circle

Samson Occom, letter, to Unknown, 1756

Manuscript Number756900.2

Date1756

Author

AbstractA letter to an unknown donor expressing thanks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Samson Occom, letter, to Mary Occom, 1763 June 1

Manuscript Number763351

Date1 June 1763

Author

Recipient

AbstractOn the eve of his departure for a mission, Occom writes with instructions for management of the farm in his absence.

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.

Samson Occom, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1764 September 8

Manuscript Number764508.3

Date8 September 1764

Author

Recipient

AbstractOccom is determined to set out on his long journey despite a scarcity of funding, and leaves his house and other business to be done upon Wheelock’s credit. He informs Wheelock that he has hired Mr. Peabody of Norwich Landing to get the materials that his house requires, and to hire hands and pay them. He notes that his family needs clothing and provisions.

Samson Occom, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1765 October 4

Manuscript Number765554.2

Date4 October 1765

Author

Recipient

AbstractOccom requests the use of a Negro and a yoke of Oxen.

Samson Occom, letter, to Connecticut Board of Correspondents for The Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge, 1765 November 21

Manuscript Number765621.3

Date21 November 1765

Author

Recipient

AbstractOccom writes to the Board asking them to pay his debt to Gershom Breed for nine pounds, seven shillings, and seven pence.