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.

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.

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.

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 George Whitefield, 1766 May 14

Manuscript Number766314

Date14 May 1766

Author

Recipients;

AbstractWheelock writes that Whitefield’s zeal will be rewarded with blessings, that he has sent for Indian rarities with which to gift Lord Dartmouth, and that he is waiting for Kirtland to return from the Senecas to hear of their situation.

Nathaniel Whitaker, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1766 May 29

Manuscript Number766329.1

Date29 May 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractWhitaker writes that Occom is recovered from his dysentary, and requests an account of all the money received from the London Commissioners. He reports on money already subscribed and on Mr. Penn’s gift, and hints at possible trouble to come from enemies of the design.

Samuel Buell, letter, to Samson Occom, 1766 June 9

Manuscript Number766359

Date9 June 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractBuell writes that he has received Occom's letter from England, and expresses joy that God has been kind to Occom. He also notes that he has recently published a narrative ("A Narrative of the Lord's wonderful Work of Grace among us in this Day of the Redeemers conquest and triumph"), and relays information about the good health of Occom's family.

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.

Nathaniel Whitaker, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1766 June 17

Manuscript Number766367.2

Date17 June 1766

Author

Recipient

AbstractWhitaker writes that the The Company for Propagation of the Gospel in New England and the parts adjacent in America has been attempting to discredit Wheelock and Occom in London. He suggests that Wheelock should make his will and appoint a successor to oversee the money raised.