Warrior in Two Camps: Ely S. Parker, Union General and Seneca Chief

by William H. Armstrong

Book Overview

Warrior in Two Camps is the biography of Ely S. Parker, the first native American to serve as commissioner of Indian Affairs. The name Ely Samuel Parker is seldom found among famous Indian chiefs. Indeed, the name seems somehow out of place in the company of men called Black Hawk or Crazy Horse or Geronimo. But the prosaic name is part of the story of an American Indian who chose to live his life in the white man's world. It is a story in which...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B002L4Q8ZY
• ISBN13: 9780815624950
• Release Date: June 1978
• Publisher: Syracuse University Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Ely S. Parker

Excellent book about an indivdual who was a young Seneca Indian that became a Chief and grew up in the Buffalo, New York area. He became a lawyer and an engineer at a time when American Indians were discriminated against by almost all white men. Ely became a friend of Grant's while in Galena, Illinois and became an aide and confidant of Ulysses Grant during the Civil War. Ely was at Lee's surrender at Appomatox and wrote the document defining the terms of Lee's surrender. Ely Parker is a must read for Grant, American Indian and Civil War Historians. Visit the Post Office in Galena, IL and you will be able to view some of his engineering work.

What a Man, What a Life!

I first became interested in Donehogawa because of a chapter written on him in another book. Who was this person who overcame all these incredible obstacles at a point in American history when we hadn't even freed the slaves? Native Americans weren't considered citizens of the United States until sometime in the early 20th century. This young man was determined to learn to read and write fluent English. He accomplished this quickly, impressed a few influential people, and then went on to become the first Indian political influence in the United States. He wrote out the surrender terms of the Confederate Army for Grant, who trusted him implicitly. He became the commissioner for Indian Affairs under Grant and successfully stamped out the system of embezzlement and bribery that was ruining tribes from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Then he himself became a victim of the greed of others, and was ousted from office. Through all his trials, Donehogawa kept his optimism and his determination to do good. There are few examples like him anywhere in the human race. He is remarkable because he overcame extraordinary odds at a time when it was far more likely that he would be shot than that he would learn English. His success in the worlds of politics and polite society is truly phenomenal. This book is extremely readable. In fact, I could not put it down. That is probably due to Donehogawa, but a good writer also helps. This book appears to be well-researched. There should be plenty of information available on this hero of American history. He was prolific and well known in his time. This biographer is objective and devoted to reporting the truth of his subject. One thing that is needed is a psychological and somewhat more subjective portrayal of Donehogawa. I would like an author to get into his head and tell me more of who he was. That biography has yet to be written. In the meantime, this is a great introduction to the life of a fascinating person who needs to be a more well-known subject in American history.

The best book I've found on Parker yet

William Armstrong invested much time and energy into this book. Factual, including an outiline of Parkers life and accomplishments. Armstong includes many pictures and historical references. Highly recommended for anyone interested in New York State History or the Seneca Indians. Ely Parker rose above the prejudices of society and became a man of both worlds. Hurray for Armstrong, who has developed a book worthy of The Last Grand Sachem of the Iroquois.