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Collection Reference Number GLC05190.01
From Archive Folder Documents Relating to the 1880s 
Title Ely S. Parker to William C. Bryant regarding the 'Coke Bill'
Date 16 February 1885
Author Parker, Ely S. (1828-1895)  
Recipient Bryant, William C.  
Document Type Correspondence
Content Description Parker, a Seneca Indian, tells Bryant that he concurs with his ideas on the "Coke Bill." In regard to the treatment of Indians, he comments that "There are so many covert as well [as] open schemes to undermine the Indians of every vestige of the few rights remaining to them that it is a herculean task to follow them let alone battling with them." Thanks Bryant for organizing an Indian Association to protect their interests. Also comments on temporary aspect of names among the Iroquois, indicating that his old name "Hasanoanda" is no longer spoken or even remembered since his own elevation to sachem. He remarks that "so little consequence is attached to names by the Indians," except for in the case of the fifty sachems, or Iroquois League Officers, who have recurring names. Parker signs "Donehogawa or E.S. Parker." Accompanied by a photograph (see GLC05190.02).
Subjects American Indian History  Congress  Government and Civics  Military History  
People Parker, Ely Samuel (1828-1895)  Bryant, William C. (fl. 1885)  
Place written New York, New York
Theme Government & Politics; Native Americans
Sub-collection The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1860-1945
Additional Information Biography: Ely S. Parker was a formally educated Tonawanda Seneca who served as an interpreter and tribal representative. During the Civil War he served as military secretary to Ulysses S. Grant and wrote out the official copy of the terms of surrender. In Grant's administration, he served as the first Native American Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
Copyright The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945
Related documents Photograph of Ely S. Parker