Hearn, J. A. (fl. 1870) [Annual report on the Grand River Agency in South Dakota]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05893 Author/Creator: Hearn, J. A. (fl. 1870) Place Written: Grand River Agency, South Dakota Type: Manuscript document signed Date: 14 September 1870 Pagination: 3 p. : docket : envelope ; 31.8 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Addressed to Ely S. Parker, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. Comments on different tribes, their numbers and their willingness to farm. Recommends providing government assistance to the friendly Indians, who "are fully convinced that the Government will not always provide for them, if they do not by and help themselves." Describing a meeting with Father Pierre-Jean de Smet, a Jesuit missionary, who planned to start a mission school. Describes the Agency's location as poor. Mentions the military presence. Lists the buildings constructed. Commends the Indians good conduct over the past year.
Biography: J.A. Hearn was an Indian agent and captain in the United States Army. 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.
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