Ely Samuel Parker (1828 - 1895)
Ely S. Parker was a member of the Seneca tribe, one of the Six Nations of the Iroquois. His father fought for the United States in the War of 1812 and following his father's footsteps he joined the Union Army.
Ely S. Parker studied law, became a civil engineer and spoke fluent English. Despite his qualifications, his Indian race barred him from the practice of law and initial acceptance into military service. He eventually served on General Ulysses S. Grant's staff and with a backdated commission of April 9, 1865 became a Brigadier General. He became General Grant's closest friend and Grant served as Parker's best man at his wedding.
Enlisted men and officers referred to him as "the Indian", "Big Indian", or "Grant's Indian".
General Ely Samuel Parker
National Archives
Ely S. Parker was ordered by General Grant to draft the articles of surrender documents which General Robert E. Lee signed on April 9, 1865, at the Appomattox Courthouse. At the surrender General Lee is said to have remarked,"I am glad to see one real American here," to which Parker replied,"We are all Americans, Sir."
Ely S. Parker studied law, became a civil engineer and spoke fluent English. Despite his qualifications, his Indian race barred him from the practice of law and initial acceptance into military service. He eventually served on General Ulysses S. Grant's staff and with a backdated commission of April 9, 1865 became a Brigadier General. He became General Grant's closest friend and Grant served as Parker's best man at his wedding.
Enlisted men and officers referred to him as "the Indian", "Big Indian", or "Grant's Indian".
General Ely Samuel Parker
National Archives
Ely S. Parker was ordered by General Grant to draft the articles of surrender documents which General Robert E. Lee signed on April 9, 1865, at the Appomattox Courthouse. At the surrender General Lee is said to have remarked,"I am glad to see one real American here," to which Parker replied,"We are all Americans, Sir."