Parker in Washington

In 1846, the Tonawanda Senecas sent Ely Parker to Washington as their spokesman. Seneca Chiefs John Blacksmith and Isaac Shanks accompanied him, but the 18-year-old would be their voice. Their goal was to get President James Polk to support a repeal of the 1842 Buffalo Creek Treaty, which threatened to take away their homelands.

The White House, Washington D.C.

Their first meeting in the White House did not go well. Polk was evasive and sent their petition on to the Senate where it sat for weeks. After some time, the Chiefs went home, advising Ely to stay and patiently wait for the Senate to act. He refused to wait, and in May took it upon himself to return to the White House and request another meeting with President Polk. His success and growing confidence is evident in the following 1846 letter to his brother Spencer.

"Washington City, June 8, 1846

To Spencer H. Cone

Dear Brother:

It is with peculiar emotions that I have taken my pen to write a few lines to you. I am now in the city of Washington and have been for nearly two months. I have been delegated by the Tonawanda Band of Senecas to come here and ask the Senate to relieve them from them unjust operations of the Treaty of 1842. I first stated my business to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs and then to the President. I have taken the old ground, that we were not parties to either the Treaty of 1838 or that of 1842 and that consequently, it would be unjust to enforce it against us. This position is at once admitted by the Executive Department to be right and equitable, but they say the Treaty is made, and as Executive Officer, "we cannot go behind the face of a Treaty and pronounce it fraudulent or unjust, but right or wrong, we hold ourselves bound to execute all laws and Treaties to which the U.S. are a party." This of course placed me in a very peculiar position at first; I immediately applied to the President to suspend the execution of the Treaty and to lay the whole matter before the Senate of the United States where we could have a hearing. This was granted, and he sent our memorial to the Senate with a Special message, recommending the subject to their careful consideration. It is there yet, and I am waiting for their final action before I return home. I shall make a tremendous effort to unhinge that Treaty, at least so far as the Tonawandas are concerned. I do not believe in having the Indians drove from one place to another, as they have been by the rascally white race, and if the Senate, after a full hearing upon our side, conclude that we at Tonawanda are bound by that Treaty, it would be but adding another stigma to her ill-gotten glory.

Although the United States has made great professions of beneficence to the Indians, yet they cannot allow a few who wish to have permanent homes upon the lands that are already cultivated and highly improved, to live peaceably and undisturbed by miserable land suckers. An application was made more than a year ago by the Ogden Company to the U.S. Government to send on troops and force us into compliance of the stipulations and contracts of the Treaty. This was promptly and justly refused them. Since the first day of April, at which time the Indian's day of grace expired, another application has been made by the Company for assistance of the troops to put them in possession of the Tonawanda lands. I was here, and defeated the project, and now the President has assured me that we fear nothing from him until the Senate has made a final action in the premises. So much is good. The Company, finding that there was no disposition on the part of the General Government to put the Treaty into force against the obstinate Indians, went and put their men on the improved lands of the Indians, and they went to work to put in crops. The Indians immediately ordered these white rascals off, and put crops into the lands. Upon that, the Company sued 8 or 10 Indians for trespass. (Trespass upon whose lands?) They went to court and the Indians beat the Company, upon which the Company withdrew all the suits they had entered against the Indians.

All this has happened within the last month. Thus you see how we at Tonawanda are yet fighting for our lands. It may be all in vain, this I am not willing to hope, for it is my sincere wish to see the Indians firmly planted upon their own soil. If we have to leave our lands, I look forward to other result than death - the destruction of the Senecas as a nation. We are already so divided that to unite again is impossible. A letter from home a few days ago informed me of a start of a body of Senecas to their homes in the West. Numbers variously estimated at from 100 to 300. Good luck to them. Though I do not suppose that half of them will survive a year after they have reached their new homes. I don't know how much you are kept informed of the proceedings of the Indians in New York, but I will tell you a little more. The Buffalos (Senecas at Buffalo Creek) have all left their reservation. Most of them gone to Cattaraugus and some to Tonawanda.

It is said that those who went to Cattaraugus are doing well and I know many who are not doing at all. It was a hard time for many of them when they left, for they were driven out by the agents of the Company - not all of them, but those who remained when their time expired. Those at Tonawanda care no more for the Company's agents than they do for their dogs. They are all working their farms as though they never intend to leave. Many of the Tonawanda Indians have died, but others have come into their places. Again last winter several froze to death and some were burnt to death. The verdict of the former must of course have been that they died from the freezing of the great abundance of water in them, and of course the latter, the Indian verdict might be, the drinking of too much "fire water."" John M. Mason died at Tonawanda about two months ago. Disease, bilious fever. The last information got from home - all the family well as usual, that is, in good health. You have probably heard of the death of Solomon, our youngest brother, last fall. His disease was dropsy of the brain. His death was miserable. He lay insensible and without a mouthful of food, or a drop of water or medicine to cool his burning tongue for more than a week before he died. It was wholly impossible to make him eat, or to pour anything down his throat in the shape of sustenance, so that when his spirit left him, he was a mere skeleton.

There are in this city, a large number of Cherokees. From the, I learned where a letter would find you, and I have scribbled a few lines to send you hoping that when they reach you, they may find you safe and well. I have continued to attend school until I came here. I cannot tell whether I shall go anymore. If I do not, I should like to visit the west this summer, and if I could get a profitable berth anywhere, I don't know but I would stay. I have been ready to enter college for more than a year, but means have been wanting, and I have been scudding from one place to another till I am here."

Transcribed with permission from the American Philosophical Society

Another of Parker's 1846 letters reveals growing criticism of his actions from Tonawanda residents. Parker's response is cutting and highly confident.
"You say Stephen talks much about my being much too young to attend to matters of such import. I do not envy his misery, the mere knowledge of the fact that a little boy has superceded him in wisdom and power, although he is old enough to be my grandfather. Poor man! He strains to swallow a great gnat! His operations remind me so very much of the fight between the giant Goliath, and the boy David. The giant relied on his great strength, size and age, and looked down with contempt upon the little, insignificant David. And yet the little boy killed the giant…..Oh children! Children! How have you forgotten our wise counsels? Why have you not preserved that unanimity which we always recommend and which is the only life and hope of the poor Indian?"

Congress adjourned in 1846 without debating the Tonawandas' case, and Ely returned home. But he would be sent back to Washington weeks later when the Senecas learned the fate of Haudenosaunee who had voluntarily removed to Kansas. Within six months, nearly a third of them had died from disease, exposure to the elements, or lack of supplies. This letter to Ely from his brother Levi is testament to the fear that gripped Tonawanda.

"There is nothing stirring new at present about the law - we shall stick to the last minute if we can because we do not want to go to the west. You say that they that have moved there this spring died off fast, and if we should go too we would die. It must be mean country. It is an outrageous thing for the Indians to be driven from their homes and go to new country. If the whites will keep driving us from our home we will all die and who will mourn for us - there will not be one."

Levi Parker
October, 1846

Ely Parker arrived in Washington on New Year's Day, 1847. He kept a diary of nearly every event that followed: of brushes with racism, and his lobby efforts in Congress. Parker was alone in the Capitol. The Tonawandas' attorney, William Brown, was out of town.
"There are many periods in the history of a man's life, the circumstances of which, were they recorded, would afford pleasant themes for reflection and instruction. We know that the pathway of life is bedecked not merely with roses, but strewn with thorns and briars. It is therefore a delicious and a desirable treat, when the pathway of life is verging to the brink of eternity, to turn back the leaves of our life and as it were, to live our days and years over again, and evermore to inhale the fragrance of those roses long since lost in the mazes of the past. Our declining years will thus be made happy and easy, for experience will have taught us how to avoid the poisonous weeds and the wily brambles. Nor should a man record his thoughts, actions and purposes for the sake merely of self-legacy to speculate upon, but for improvement. For if our memory serves us, we read that for every good thought and action whether good or evil, he is to give a strict account to God his maker, hence speculation and theory should be abandoned and man should feel it a duty he owes to himself to keep a record of his thoughts and actions to see what account they render to his maker, to see whether they speak well or evil of him, and if well he has only to persevere in his course, or if evil, he should take to heart the necessity of a reformation in himself, always making it his primary rule, that to know himself is his first duty. If faithful to himself, he will soon learn his great depravity and he will not seek to enlarge upon the weaknesses and miseries of human nature by laying open the deficits of his fellow man, for the discoveries of his self examination will have sufficiently disgusted him to deter him from a general condemnation upon human nature. Those persons only are found engaged in fault finding and disseminating misery as cheap manufacture, who know not themselves or their God; for the very course they pursue is evidence enough that they take no time for self examination and reflections upon the duties they justly owe to mankind and their responsibilities to God their Maker.

When we reflect also upon the many changes to which mankind are subject, the various circumstances under which they are forced to act, and the great truth that the "fashion of this world passeth away," we feel somehow inclined to prescribe upon ourselves the duty of devoting some of our time daily to reflection and recording a few of our thoughts and actions whatever they may be. Though our sun has risen amidst clouds, presenting but dark prospects for a prosperous voyage upon the great sea of life, and though the moon of reflection now blushingly hides her serene countenance behind the clouds of adversity and misfortune, we hope that our Author, the Great Spirit, the God of the red man, may disperse these gloomy clouds, and that as the Sun of life begins to verge to the brink of eternity, it may grow brighter and brighter, descending calmly and serenely into that abyss from which no mortal ever returns. With these reflections, we commence our work with the New Year 1847, and though we may fail in our attempt, for it is said that man is a frail being and subject to err, yet we subscribe ourselves."

Ha-sa-no-an-da of the Six Nations
January 1st, 1847

January 1st, 1847 Hotel Baltimore
"This morning found the day has opened very pleasantly. The year 1847 has indeed opened with fine prospects of happy time. I was very much annoyed in my sleep last evening by the firing of all sizes of guns in honor of the New Year. It is said that Friday is an unlucky day, but I did not find it to be so at this particular time. A couple of friends and myself proceeded to the Railroad and took passage for Washington."
Washington January 1st, 1847
"Gadship Hotel - Arrived in city at about 11 o'clock and being determined to enjoy the day after the fashion of the fashionable, we ascertained that the President's Mansion would be opened for the reception of Company at 12 o'clock precisely. We at the same time were informed that many other houses would be opened, admitting all person to enjoy the hospitalities. Our only recourse there was to make a visit to as many places as we could conveniently without discommoding ourselves.

I had barely time to arrange when the appointed hour came. A.K. Ashard, Captain Martin, House Door Keeper, Members of Congress and myself then proceeded together to visit the White House and to pay our respects to the honored of our county.

Going through the streets, I formed that this indeed was a holy day for all classes. The slaves even had their liberty from Christmas and New Year and in facts they are the only days in the year they may call their own. From the appearances in the street, the crowded pass of human beings and the rolling of carriages, it did really seem as though the whole city had been literally turned out of doors. Most of the citizens and strangers (for there were many) were all directing their steps towards the President's Mansion. We could perceive that among the vast crowd were many beauties of the fairer sex.

But more hereafter, we finally succeed in reaching White House, without any natural accident. The crowd was indeed immense. It seemed to have been gathering all day. Entering the portico we saw that the crowd was so great, the going in necessarily being attended by somebody's going out, that it had become a matter of necessity that one of the windows should be opened to permit persons to pass out of. We do not mean to say however - that the ladies were obliged to pass out of the window, but only single gentlemen, or gentlemen who didn't happen to have a lady leaning upon his arm.

With the tide of the crowd we however succeeded on gaining admittance into the great hall or anteroom of the President's Mansion. We paraded about from room to room, noticing all the splendor and magnificence that had been so lavishly bestowed upon the inner apartments, and at the same time greatly admiring the hundreds of beauties that had flocked thither in all their finery; their silks, fine laces and their jewelry. We must say however, in deference to ourselves, that we were much annoyed by the inquiring gazes of the populace, who were wondering whether I might be a foreigner or an Indian brave come hither to inspect his property. It was even whispered among the crowd to guess who I might be. But close inspection and my native costume soon showed them that it was a savage brave, who thus had the audacity and impudence to mingle with the nobility.

We finally came around into the reception room of the President, who stood in the center of the room shaking hands with little children from about 6 years old and upwards. We soon advanced in front of his Majesty and looking up, he instantly recognized me, and very familiarly and courteously offered his hand, while I responded and wished him a "very happy New Year", for which he kindly returned his thanks. Passing on, as he could spend but little time with any one individual, the crowd being so great and so eager to shake hands with him. By Private Secretary J. Walker, I was introduced to Mrs. Polk who arose and politely returned the salutation. Beside her stood Mrs. Walker in crimson colored velvet dress, with a white bejeweled turban upon her head, also her niece and another relative. Soon after, I met Captain Small, a Scotsman, who informed me that Mr. McFarland had committed suicide by hanging himself in Fredrickstown, VA. Sad news but nothing else could be expected from a diseased mind.

In a few minutes we were climbing out of the window, and shortly found ourselves enjoying the fresh breezes of the Potomac. We agreed to make a call upon Mrs. Ex-President Madison (Dolley Madison,) whose mansion stood only about a stone's cast from the great White House. Upon arrival at the door, we found no less crowd than the President himself was honored with, and the fact that it was so, was honorable to the American people. She being the constant partner of Madison during his long and glorious career in the service of his country. And it is said of her, and I doubt but its truth and justice, that no Lady was ever more accomplished and qualified to grace and adorn the inner walls of the National House than she. And although she is nearly eighty years of age, when entering, we were most agreeably surprised to find her so young looking, so healthy and so cheerful.

She was exceeding graceful and affable in her manners toward us. I was introduced to her by a member of Congress from Pennsylvania. I must confess that I was highly delighted of having the honor to shake hands with her. One of our company observed to her " I wish you a thousand happy New Year, if you desire them." Her reply, characteristic of her amiable qualities was, "I wish they may be in heaven." and may they be for indeed, she is too good, amiable and lovely for this world, the scene of misery and woe. From there we proceeded to the residence of Col. Major Seaton, who treated us with great respect and regard. He kindly led an introduced me to his wife, then taking us into another room, when a rich drink was prepared of which he made us partake freely, drinking to one another's health. Happy New Year !!! Then the day passed and in our reflection, we really think and believe that many whom we saw today, although clad in liveries of gold, had put on a countenance of cheerfulness, who in fact were miserable in the extreme and had sought company to drive away their mad and solitudiness thoughts. Our knowledge of human nature made us believe from looks that betrayed too well their inmost thoughts that our supposition was but too well founded. Truly how depraved man is."

Saturday, January 2nd -
Nothing unusual occurred this day save that it was a very fine May day. Went up to the Capitol and listened to some nonsensical speeches made by care for nobody members of Congress. In entering the rotunda of the Capitol, the object first meeting my vision is the representation of the landing of the Pilgrims in 1620 upon the barren shores of New England. They are represented as in a starving condition, and being about to land, an Indian has come forward proffering them provision of his county. Who now of the descendants of those illustrious pilgrims, will give one morsel to the dying and starving Indian? Whether by a pilgrim or not, he has been sent, when in actual new, from the irons of those whom he once protected, as a worthless dog. Turning around we are met by another representation in plaster paris of William Penn and the Indians entering into an alliance. What virtue is there now in Indian treaties? The Quakers, although professing to be the unwavering friends of the Indians, have they not taken an active part in the principle of killing the Indians by some way without shedding blood, thus keeping a clear conscience. Methinks Indians are right when they say that letters lie more than the head. Turning round a little more, we observe another representation, that of the young and beautiful Pocahontas saving Captain Smith at the risk of her own life. Who now among the descendents of those whom she saved will risk his or her life for an Indian? No one. Sooner would they him hanged like a Mexican traitor than risk the hair on their heads and save him. How ungrateful is man to his fellow man.

Turning still more around we find another and a last representation, intended no doubt as a climax of the whole scene, that of Colonel Boone the hero of Kentucky in a mortal contact with an Indian. Both are struggling for life. But Boone has already killed one Indian and has trampled upon his mangled body. Such is the fate of the poor red man. His contest with the whites is hopeless. Yet he is not permitted to live even in peace, nor or his last moments given him by his insulting foe to make his peace with his God. Humbly we ask, whether justice will always sleep and will not the oppressed go free?

Sunday January 3rd 1847
Another beautiful and warm May day. I proposed this morning to have attended church, but entering the entry and seeing that the Sexton had no disposition to show me to a seat, I proposed to find a seat myself, but when opening the door, he stepped up and says to me, "You must not go up stairs." I said nothing, but turned and went out thinking to myself, if such was to be my treatment in a house devoted to the worship of God, I had rather be somewhere else. I hastened to the Capitol where I knew my privileges and rights would be as much respected as any one else. I found the house quite full. Listened to the preaching of a Methodist, one of the Chaplains to Congress. He preached an excellent practical sermon, from words bearing import similar to "who now will know the Lord." The remainder of the day I remained in my room.

Tuesday January 5th
Called upon Mr. Sevier and inquired about the Tonawanda matters. He stated that the case had not been referred to the Indian Committee, that he had been sick and could not attend to it. Very glad that I had come, and hoped that I would attend to it myself now. Stated Mr. Bagly was Chairman and must see him. Did not see him before Senate went into session. Part of the day I spent in the Congressional library, and then returned home.

Wednesday January 6th/47
This morning I saw Mr. Dix and requested him to speak to Mr. Bagly as he was not there in his seat and have the Tonawanda case referred to the proper committee. But it seems that Bagly knew nothing of the case, and Mr. Dix motioning, I went down and showed him the papers. Convinced with the care of the Tonawanda Band of Indians from the file of the Senate to refer them to the Indian Committee which motion was agreed to.

Thursday January 7th/47
Wrote to the Tonawanda Indians informing them of my safe arrival here and progress with the business. Wrote also to R.B. Warren. Nothing unusual occurs. Snowed some. Mr. Brown has not yet arrived.

Friday January 8th/47
This day was extremely cold, the wind blowing from the north. To me it seemed unnaturally cold for the place, indeed it seemed very much like some of our northern coldest days. Nothing unusual however occurred to me, save this evening I witnessed a rather tragical scene, which was a fire breaking out in Jackson's Hall. It is said that this hall, the most splendid in the city, was built wholly of the winnings from the President's last election. It happened this evening however to be the celebration of the glorious victory of Andrew Jackson at New Orleans. About 11 o'clock, just about the time when the performances of the evening were at the highest pitch, when all was gay and lively in the dance, and when the wine was passed merrily around, each drinking his good will to his neighbor, the alarm of fire in Jackson's Hall was cried through the city. Volumes of smoke were already rising densely from the lower apartments

Saturday January 9th 1847
Cold winter day again - wind from the northwest. Went up to the Capitol this forenoon and became acquainted with Mr. Martin, a member of Congress. Also with Colonel Hopkins of Virginia. Both of them are very interesting men. Feeling a deep interest in the prosperity of the Indian race, and apprising me of the benevolent disposition of the federal government towards the ill-fated fortune the human family, they made many inquiries of me concerning them. I related to them in brief our condition, and that we no longer lived by the chase, but had become totally agricultural and lived in that wholly. That we preferred that mode of living, it giving us more solid happiness and comfort that did our custom of supporting ourselves by the chase. But at the same time we were not allowed to have our own way, and strong efforts were being made to drive us from our lands, into the western wilderness among uncivilized savages, where we did not wish to go and where we could not expect to live long.

They promised to assist me in having fair play in the Senate, and that they would do what they could to assist me. Mr. Martin promised to introduce me to as many Senators as I had not become acquainted with. This interview gave me much encouragement. It told me that the poor Indians had yet a few friends who would stand by him. The Great Spirit may yet see justice done to the poor remnants of his children. His wisdom may yet be exercised in the bosom of the legislature of this great American republic, and be placed the means in his hands to save us from utter destruction and extermination.

Sunday January 10th 1847
Today I again attended church at the Capitol. Heard the words of the Apostle Paul as recorded in Hebrews, where he says, "How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?" The house was very full, and if I may be allowed, I will also include the singing, which had a powerful effect in reviving my drooping spirits. It brought to recollection happy events of the past, and my mind reverted hastily to the music of my native woods. I was so taken up in the idea of pleasing music, that at times I fancied to myself that I heard the tones of the angelic harp, sending forth its melodious music from the heavenly choir. But I am diverging. The tenor of the discourse was to impress us with the fact that we are all sinners and had revolted against the Government of Jehovah, and that in order for us to enjoy "happiness with Him in heaven", it was essentially and positively necessary that we should be purified and sanctified by the grace and holy blood of Jesus Christ. That without his mediational influence it was utterly impossible and hopeless to receive the favor and smiles of our Father which art in heaven. Man, he said, had lived in rebellion for thousands of years, before the birth of the Savior was announced by the angels of heaven. That this Savior lived to redeem men from his evil ways, that he was taken and condemned, crucified, buried and rose again the third day, and ascended to the regions above to seat himself upon the right hand of his Father until he should make his enemies his footstools. That Paul when he, with his powerful mind, had examined the mysteries of religion, and had been permitted to view, not with natural eyes, the wonders of heaven, he was led to testify to the fact that it was not in the power of man to conceive, and that ear had never heard the glory that awaits the faithful believers of the religion of Jesus Christ. John also when exiled on the island of Patmos, says that being in the Spirit upon the Lord's day, the veil that separates him from eternity and mortal vision from beholding heavenly splendor, was at once as if it were made transparent, and he saw many things, and among them a great white throne, upon which sat the Savior of the world, with upon his body the marks of recent slaughter, that about him stood four and twenty elders, and innumerable number of angels, who sang, "Thou are worthy to be called the Lamb of God for Thou hast redeemed us by thy blood." How then shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? Let every one bear it in mind. Let every one read it in the sun beam, in the moon and stars, and then answer how he can escape.

The Tonawanda petition to repeal the 1842 Treaty of Buffalo Creek was finally debated in the Senate in the winter of 1847. Ely Parker told the Seneca delegations that he had promises of support for every Senator but one, Daniel Webster. When the vote was taken however, the Tonawanda petition was defeated. The Committee's decision was as follows:

"The committee are of the opinion That… to annul or set aside an Indian treaty would not only tend strongly to unsettle the whole of our Indian policy, but would open a field of interminable difficulty, embarrassment, and expense. They therefore recommend the adoption of the following resolution: Resolved, That the prayer of the petitioners ought not to be granted."


February 19, 1847
29th Congress, 2nd Session
U.S. Senate