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.

Amos Smith, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1766 May 19

Manuscript Number766319

Date19 May 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractSmith asks for a settlement of the payment due for work done on Occom’s house.

Bezaleel Woodward, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1766 June 13

Manuscript Number766363.4

Date13 June 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractWoodward writes about Mary Occom's accounts with the merchants Gershom Breed and Nathaniel Shaw while her husband is in England.

Receipt, 1766 August 22

Manuscript Number766472.2

Date22 August 1766

AbstractReceipt for the purchase of several different kinds of cloth from John Rowend. A note is added by Sarah Whitaker.

Moses Peck, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1766 September

Manuscript Number766540

DateSeptember 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractPeck encloses a bill, and copies a letter from Whitefield to Mason regarding the controversy involving Occom and the New England Company.

John Cleveland, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1766 October 20

Manuscript Number766570

Date20 October 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractCleveland writes that he has heard from Jonathan Parsons of a letter, sent to England by Secretary Oliver, intended to do damage to Occom and Whitaker in England. He mentions that Parsons intends to write to England and state the truth.