Unraveling Ezra - Episode 4: Schemes, Scrapes, and the Philadelphia Finale

In this episode, we follow Ezra Baker Jr.'s final chapters: from his desperate appeals to Abraham Lincoln after losing his Indian Agent post, through the infamous Norfolk "trading with the enemy" affair, and back to Philadelphia where his life quietly ended. Along the way, we confront the reality behind the myths: Ezra wasn't a hero, nor a tragic figure—he was an opportunist, a schemer, and a man chasing adventure and money until the very end. Join me as I untangle the facts from the legend and reflect on what Ezra's story tells us about ambition, morality, and the messy middle of history.

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References & Sources for Episode 4: Schemes, Scrapes, and the Philadelphia Finale

1. Letter from William P. Dole to Abraham Lincoln (March 26, 1863)

• Context: Dole requests that Lincoln meet with Ezra Baker, recently dismissed as Indian Agent in Washington Territory.

• Citation: Dole, William P. Letter to Abraham Lincoln, March 26, 1863. Abraham Lincoln Papers, Series 1: General Correspondence, 1833–1916. Library of Congress.Link

2. Letter from Ezra Baker to Abraham Lincoln (March 26, 1863)

• Context: Ezra Baker asks Lincoln for an audience after being demoted; included in Dole's note.

• Citation: Baker, Ezra. Letter to Abraham Lincoln, March 26, 1863. Abraham Lincoln Papers, Series 1: General Correspondence, 1833–1916. Library of Congress. Link

3. Letter from Ezra Baker to Abraham Lincoln (April 13, 1863)

• Context: Ezra expresses concern over his reputation, requests redress, and mentions moving to Philadelphia.

• Citation: Baker, Ezra. Letter to Abraham Lincoln, April 13, 1863. Abraham Lincoln Papers, Series 1: General Correspondence, 1833–1916. Library of Congress. Link

4. Telegram from Abraham Lincoln to Brig. Gen. G. H. Gordon (April 9, 1865)

• Context: Lincoln orders a full report on why Ezra Baker and others were detained in Norfolk, VA; issued three days before his assassination.

• Citation: Lincoln, Abraham. Telegram to Brig. Gen. G. H. Gordon, April 9, 1865. The Writings of Abraham Lincoln. Library of Congress. Link

5. Speech of Brig. Gen. George H. Gordon (October 28, 1868)

• Context: Gordon recounts events related to Norfolk detentions and the "trading with the enemy" suspicions.

• Citation: Gordon, George H. Speech of Gen. George H. Gordon, delivered at Newburyport, Mass., October 28, 1868. Open Library. Link

6. Trade with Rebellious States Congressional Document (1865)

• Context: Legislative report including Ezra Baker's name, documenting alleged trade with Confederate states.

• Citation: United States Congress. Trade with Rebellious States, 1865. Library of Congress. Link