PARKER, Ely S. (1828-1895). Autograph letter signed ("Ely S. Parker / Sachem"). New York, 15 December 1893.

One page, 7 5/8 x 9 3/4 in. Partially inlaid, with remnants of border to upper edge, and creased along folds.

In this letter to John Schuyler Esq., Parker delivers on a promise "to ascertain all I could about the Indian names on your medal of 1750."

He writes: "I assumed that they were Mohawk names and inquired of those whom I knew were more familiar with the language than I am. I could have given you, at the time we met, the meaning of some of the names, but I was desirous of greater certainty and accuracy. Among those I consulted was an educated Mohawk clergyman of Canada, whom I regard as the best authority. He says that the names appear to be Mohawk but are misspelt. The 1st name means houses in plenty. The 2nd, double or twin lakes. The 3rd, drifts on obstructions in small creeks. The 4th, Silversmith or worker in metals. The 5th, Tobacco Maker. He further says that there are now no such names used in the tribe and surmises that these men were warriors (they were not officials) who had distinguished themselves in the King's service and hence the medal. I regret that I cannot give you more satisfactory information."

Ely Samuel Parker was a Tonawanda Seneca engineer, attorney, U.S. Army officer, and diplomat. In 1851, he was selected one of the 50 sachems of the Iroquois Confederacy. His engineering skills provided him opportunities to work with the New York State Canal Board, the Chesapeake and Albemarle Ship Canal, and the US Treasury Department in Detroit, Dubuque, and Galen, where he met Ulysses S. Grant. Grant appointed Parker to his staff, where he served as adjutant and military secretary during the war. As such, he was present for Lee's surrender at Appomattox where he famously asserted "We are all Americans." Parker continued to serve in the United States Army after the war, being commissioned an officer in the 2nd U.S. Cavalry and again becoming Grant's military secretary with the rank of colonel. After Grant became president in March 1869, he appointed Parker as Commissioner of Indian Affairs. The first Native American to hold the office, he served from 1869 to 1871.

Lot accompanied by a copy of the Medal Collectors of America newsletter containing an article about the medal referenced in this letter, "The Schuyler Medal," by Margaret Hofer.

Property from the Augustana Collection