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.

Eleazar Wheelock, announcement, 1766 February 20

Manuscript Number766170.1

Date20 February 1766

Author

AbstractWheelock writes an announcement for publication stating that both the reports of Good Peter's providential arrival at Wheelock's home, and the narrative of Occom's life, are true.

John Marshall, receipt, 1766 February 25

Manuscript Number766175.2

Date25 February 1766

Author

AbstractReceipt from the captain of the ship "Boston Packett," on which Whitaker and Occom sailed from Boston to England, with a deduction of five pounds as a gift from John Hancock, one of the owners of the ship.

George Whitefield, letter, to Peter Vanbrugh Livingston, 1766 February 27

Manuscript Number766177

Date27 February 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractWhitefield writes that Lord Dartmouth proves himself to be America’s friend, that Occom preaches to acceptance and is meeting nobles, and that the king has become a benefactor of Wheelock’s plan.

Nathaniel Whitaker, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1766 March 7

Manuscript Number766207.1

Date7 March 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractWhitaker, in London, writes that he has received letters from Wheelock, and that Wheelock should take care with regard to where he sends letters and what he writes, so that the Society in Scotland does not appropriate the money Whitaker, along with Occom, hopes to raise. Occom is shortly to be inoculated for small pox.

Samson Occom, letter, to Mary Occom, 1766 March 11

Manuscript Number766211

Date11 March 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractOccom details the items he is sending for his family from England, and tells of his inoculation by Mr. Whitaker just hours before.

Moses Peck, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1766 March 25

Manuscript Number766225

Date25 March 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractPeck writes that he has printed what was desired respecting Occom, and reports that Sir William Johnson is favorably inclined towards the design. A box of goods was shipped, and Mr. Blair was shipwrecked.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to Nathaniel Whitaker, 1766 April 5

Manuscript Number766255

Date5 April 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock writes to update Whitaker -- in England on the fundraising tour of Great Britain -- on the progress of various students and missionaries, and on Whitaker’s family.

Eleazar Wheelock, letter, to Samson Occom, 1766 April 9

Manuscript Number766259

Date9 April 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractWheelock writes to Occom about his family’s unmet needs — perhaps because of the influence of the “Antimason Party” — which he supplied on his own account. He cautions Occom not to be involved in the Mason land case, and gives him advice about his son Aaron’s bad behavior.

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.