Parker, Ely S. (1828-1895) [Petition to amend an 1861 New York state legislative act pertaining to the Tonawanda band of Seneca Indians]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02707 Author/Creator: Parker, Ely S. (1828-1895) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph document signed Date: 10 February 1863 Pagination: 10 p. ; 37. 5 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Includes a cover letter by Parker, writing as chief and delegate of the Tonawanda band of Seneca Indians, that claims that the 1861 legislation entitled "An Act for the protection and improvement of the Tonawanda Band of Seneca Indians, residing on the Tonawanda reservation in this state" has been defective. The letter is followed by eight pages, most in Parker's hand, of drafted suggestions for amendments and repeals to various sections of the act. The final page has a list related to land allotment and a pencilled in note dated 30 May 1863 at the Chiefs Council also pertaining to land allotment.
Ely Parker was a Seneca Indian, born on a reservation, who would become the first Native American to be Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
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