Stuff You Missed in History Class: Ely S. Parker and Ulysses S. Grant (Part 2)
Hosted by Holly Frey and Tree
Release Date: December 11, 2024

Introduction and Recap

In the second part of their deep dive into the lives of Ely S. Parker and Ulysses S. Grant, Holly Frey and Tree continue to explore the intricate relationship between these two pivotal figures in American history. Building on the foundational aspects discussed in Part 1, this episode delves into Parker's military career, his significant contributions during the Civil War, his role in the post-war era, and the lasting impact of his legacy.

Parker and Grant's Early Relationship

Timestamp: [04:10]

When Ely S. Parker first encountered Ulysses S. Grant, Grant was navigating life outside the military, employed as a clerk in his family's leather goods store in Galena, Illinois. Despite their humble beginnings and initial reservations—Grant was described as "quiet and reserved," often avoiding small talk and retreating to the back of the store—over time, a profound friendship developed between the two men. Holly Frey notes, “He reminded Parker of the Seneca,” highlighting the mutual respect that formed the bedrock of their relationship.

Civil War Service

Timestamp: [05:04]

With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Grant returned to military service, and Parker sought to join him. Initially denied due to his indigenous heritage, Parker's persistence and Grant's influence eventually secured him a commission as Chief Engineer of the 7th Division under Brigadier General John Eugene Smith on June 4, 1863. Tree emphasizes, "Parker essentially acted as Grant's secretary," leveraging his engineering expertise and impeccable handwriting to support Grant's strategies.

Surrender at Appomattox

Timestamp: [07:38]

One of Parker's most notable contributions occurred at the Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865, where General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Grant, effectively ending the Civil War. When Colonel Theodore S. Bowers struggled to draft the formal surrender terms, the responsibility fell to Parker. Danielle Robay recounts a poignant moment during the surrender: “Lee seemed startled for a moment when he saw Parker. 'I am glad to see one real American here,' Lee said, to which Parker replied, 'We are all Americans.'” This interaction not only underscored Parker's pivotal role but also his ability to bridge cultural divides.

Commissioner of Indian Affairs

Timestamp: [20:13]

Following the war, Ely S. Parker was appointed Commissioner of Indian Affairs by President Grant, making him the first Indigenous person to hold a cabinet-level position. His appointment was confirmed by the Senate on April 16, 1869, with a vote of 36 to 12. In this role, Parker sought to implement a four-point plan aimed at establishing "permanent peace between the United States and indigenous nations." This included reforming the Bureau of Indian Affairs, promoting land protections, and providing educational resources and financial support to Indigenous communities.

Policies and Challenges

Timestamp: [25:07]

Parker's policies were a blend of progressive intentions and the prevailing colonialist mindset of the time. He advocated for the "humanization, civilization, and Christianization of the Indians," believing that assimilation was inevitable but should occur "on their own terms." However, his approach was rooted in the belief that "civilization as defined by white norms was superior," reflecting a complex interplay of advocacy and paternalism.

In his 1869 annual report, Parker emphasized the need to respect existing treaties and called for Congress to pass legislation ensuring additional lands for reservations and territorial autonomy. He stated, “The government must take upon themselves the burden of rescuing the Indian from the unhappy state into which he has been thrust.”

Personal Life

Timestamp: [13:57]

Parker's personal life was marked by both triumph and turmoil. In 1867, he married Minnie Sackett, a white woman significantly younger than him. Their union was controversial, sparking rumors and societal backlash, including a dramatic incident where Parker initially failed to appear at their scheduled wedding—leading to wild speculation before the ceremony was quietly rescheduled.

Resignation and Later Years

Timestamp: [44:01]

Parker's tenure as Commissioner of Indian Affairs was fraught with challenges, including accusations of fraud and opposition from the all-white Board of Indian Commissioners, led by William Welsh. Despite investigations that found no evidence of corruption, the mounting pressure and undermining by his peers led Parker to resign on June 29, 1871. In his resignation letter, he poignantly stated, “I cannot, in justice to myself, longer continue to hold the ambiguous position of Commissioner of Indian Affairs.”

After leaving Washington, D.C., Parker and his wife relocated to Fairfield, Connecticut. Financial setbacks, including losses during the Panic of 1873, forced Parker to take up roles far removed from his former stature, such as working as a desk clerk for the New York City Police Department.

Legacy and Controversy

Timestamp: [50:35]

Ely S. Parker's legacy remains a subject of debate. While he pioneered the role of Indigenous individuals in federal positions and advocated for certain protections and autonomy for Indigenous peoples, his policies were also intertwined with assimilationist and paternalistic ideologies that had lasting negative impacts. According to a 1999 documentary, Warrior in Two Worlds, Parker is viewed by some within the Seneca community as having lost his connections to his heritage due to his ambitious pursuits within the federal system.

Historian John Mohawk reflects, “I think he lost his connections to it. I think after he was gone for 30 to 40 years, people felt kind of like he wasn't one of us anymore.” Similarly, Rick W. Hill Sr. describes Parker as someone who "forgot where he came from," navigating the tensions between two worlds without fully belonging to either.

Despite his efforts, Parker's work laid the groundwork for a bureaucracy that would later facilitate policies of assimilation and cultural erasure. His initial advocacy for land protections and education was overshadowed by subsequent government actions that rolled back many of these protections and intensified efforts to dissolve Indigenous sovereignty.

Conclusion

Ely S. Parker's life is emblematic of the complex and often contradictory nature of Indigenous participation in 19th-century American politics. His contributions to the Civil War effort and his groundbreaking role in government service are significant, yet they are accompanied by policies that contributed to the erosion of Indigenous autonomy and culture. Parker's story serves as a poignant reminder of the nuanced and often painful intersections between personal ambition, cultural identity, and systemic oppression.

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