Colonel Thomas L. McKenney (1785-1859) was a vociferous champion of the
cause of Native Americans.  He served as superintendent of Indian trade
and then head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  He ardently supported
Indian rights but his lasting legacy is h is portfolio of Indian
biographies, which he assembled with historian James Hall over the course
of his tenure in office.  He became close friends with many Indian chiefs,
who agreed to tell their stories and sit for portraits.  The result helped
demystify Indians and gave a human face to the people many Americans
considered aliens.