Ely Parker’s Letter of Resignation as Commissioner of Indian Affairs (1871)

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Washington, D.C., June 29

To the President:

The effect of the Congressional legislation, since I have had the honor to hold the position of Commissioner of Indian Affairs, has been to almost wholly divest the Indian Bureau of all its original importance, duties, and proper responsibilities. The Commissioner of Indian Affairs, under the present arrangements, is merely a supernumerary officer of the Government, his principal duties being simply those of a clerk to a Board of Indian Commissioners, operating wholly outside of and almost independent of the Indian Bureau. I would gladly and willingly do anything in my power to aid in forwarding and promoting to a successful issue the President’s wise and beneficent Indian policy, but I cannot, in justice to myself, longer continue to hold the ambiguous position of Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

I therefore most respectfully but firmly tender my resignation of said office, to take effect the 1st day of August, 1871. Sincerely...