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Post by mdenney on Oct 9, 2007 0:34:30 GMT -5
Dakota war whoop:or,Indian massacres and war in Minnesota, of 1862-3(1864) Author: Bishop, Harriet E., 1817-1883 Digitizing Sponsor: MSN Book Contributor: University of California Libraries Language: English Keywords: Dakota Indians -- Wars, 1862-1865 ------------- Title Dakota war whoop : or, Indian massacres and war in Minnesota, of 1862-3 Creator Bishop, Harriet E., 1817-1883 Publisher St. Paul, Minn. : Published for the author Date 1864 Language eng Possible Copyright Status NOT_IN_COPYRIGHT Copyright Region US Copyright Evidence Evidence reported by scanner-ian-white for item dakotwarwhoopori00bishrich on October 10, 2006: no visible notice of copyright; stated date is 1863. Copyright Evidence Date 20061010165109 Contributor University of California Libraries Media Type texts Call Number ucb_banc:GLAD-84079281 Identifier dakotwarwhoopori00bishrich Public Date 2006-10-10 09:51:52 Image Count 450 Scribe Operator scanner-matthew-hicks@archive.org Scribe Station rich9 Flip Book link below- www.openlibrary.org/details/dakotwarwhoopori00bishrich----------- Posting test of book below |
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Post by mdenney on Oct 9, 2007 0:50:08 GMT -5
DAKOTA WAK WHOOP :
OR,
INDIAN MASSACRES
AND
WAE IE" MINNESOTA,
1863 '3.
BY
HAEEIET E. BISHOP McCONKEY,
A/utlaor of " Floral Homes," &:c.
i s EI i>
ST. PAUL :
PUBLISHED FOB, THE AUTHOR.
WM. J. MOSES' PRESS, AUBURN, N. Y.
1864.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year one thousand eight hundred
and sixty-three, by
HABRIET E. B. M'CONKEY,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Minnesota.
BRIG. GEN. HETSiRY H. SIB-LET.
TO BRIGADIER GENERAL
fenrg f . Sibleg,
ON "WHOM HONORS WERE NEVER UNFITTINGLY
OR UNWORTHILY BESTOWED,
THIS BOOK
IS VERY RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED.
THAT THE LAUREL WREATH
WHICH ENCIRCLES HIS BROW, MAY
NOT FADE
TILL EXCHANGED BY THE DIVINE HAND
FOR A CROWN OF IMMORTAL GLORY,
IS THE EARNEST PRAYER OF
THE AUTHOR.
PBEFACE.
This edition of the DAKOTA WAR WHOOP, is a careful revision of
the first, with additional items of interest, and is a reliable historical
work, detailing facts in their time and order, so far as possible, and
endorsed by the most conspicuous actors in the great drama. Gen.
Sibley, a prominent actor, as will be seen, said to the writer, after a
close perusal of the first edition, that it seemed quite a mystery, "how
one, not an eye witness of the events, could detail them so graphi
cally and minutely correct." So, also, another : "It is a truthful and
vivid picture of the scenes represented." But we know the vast
arena and scores of the sufferers, and have lost no opportunity in col
lecting personal experiences, and yet, horrid as it seems, heart-sick
ening as is the detail, there are unwritten facts, still more horrid,
which would seem but the emanation of a distorted brain, or too vivid
imagination.
We take pleasure in crediting the photographs from which the en
gravings and cuts were made, to Whitney's celebrated gallery, in St.
Paul, to whom was awarded the first prize medal, at the Chicago Na
tional Fair.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I. PAGE.
INTRODUCTION. News of the outbreak 17
CHAPTER II.
THE BREAD RAID. Troops called to Yellow Medicine Threatening as
pects Heroic conduct of Lieut. Sheehaii Quiet restored 20
CHAPTER III.
THE FIRST BLOW. Commencement of hostilities Burial of the dead
Evacuation of the settlement 30
CHAPTER IV.
THE COUNCIL FIRE. Little Crow and his intent Indian wrongs (?) Prep
arations for attacking the inhabitants Annuity Indians Upper and Low
er Agency ... 37
CHAPTER V.
THE OUTBREAK AT RED WOOD. James "W. Lynde, the first victim Fall of
Andrew Myrick, and horrid treatment of his body Wm. Bourat's fall
and escape Death of Doct. Humphrey and family Surprise of the
whites * 41
CHAPTER VI.
THE SLAUGHTER. The fury Miraculous escape from a burning mill Tor
ture of women and children Bloody work of Cut Nose Slaughter of a
family The daughter made captive Murder of George H. Gleason 46
CHAPTER VII.
GEORGE H. SPENCER. Early manhood Home among the Indians and its
object 1.
made capt
CHAPTER VIII.
CAPTIVITY AND RELEASE OF GEORGE SPENCER, AS TOLD BY HIMSELF. Dis
satisfaction of the Indians The people's security The first note of alarm
on the morning of 18th Aug. Knew it to be a war party Four comrades
shot Spencer receives three balls, and rushes up stairs Position of dan
ger there Intense suffering rescued by Chaska, his Indian friend Lit
tle Crow's treatment of him 55
CHAPTER IX.
TJ. S. TROOPS CUT TO PIECES. Alarm at Fort Ridgley Death of Capt.
Marsh Lieut. Sheehan going North Double quick return Assumes
command Maj . Galbraith 61
object Attempts on his property and life "Was wounded at first fire, and
ide captive Saved by an Indian friend 50
8 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER X. PAGE.
YELLOW MEDICINE. Mission stations Dakota council fire John Other-
day News of the outbreak at Bed Wood, its effect The anxious night
Sixty-two persons saved by Other Day Mr. Garvie 65
CHAPTER XI.
THE FAMILY OF AN OLD SETTLER TAKEN CAPTIVES. Their first alarm
Start for the Port are captured by Indians Dead bodies At the house
of Little Crow Escape of Charles Blair 72
CHAPTER XII.
THE PANIC. Flight of women and children Depopulated country Sad
condition of refugees 30,400 involved in the massacre, directly or indi
rectly 75
CHAPTER XIII.
ATTACK pN NEW ULM. Its situation and character of citizens Their
sacrilegious work on Sabbath, August 17, and what followed Assault of
the town Arrival of Judge Flandrau in command 81
CHAPTER XIV.
ATTACK ON FORT RIDGLEY. Return of Lieut. Sheehan His efforts to meet
the expected attack Isolated position The attack Excitement in the
Fort The spirit of the leader diffused through the ranks condition of the
Fort Fire arrows The life struggle Re-enforcements sent Anxiety
for their arrival Minnesota Third Promotion of Lieut. Sheehan 85
CHAPTER XV.
SECOND AND FINAL ATTACK ON NEW ULM. Preparations for renewal of hos
tilities Destructive work of the Indians Courage of Commandant Flan
drau The turning point in the struggle The savages repulsed Evac
uation of New TJlm Mournful cortege 97
CHAPTER XVI.
OFFICIAL REPORT OF JUDGE FLANDRAU. Destruction of New Ulm 101
CHAPTER XVII.
THE MISSION PARTY. Rev. Dr. Williamson Peril of Rev. S. R. Riggs
Peril of Dr. Williamson Prairie Wanderings Joy and disappointment
on nearing the Fort Dangers of the way Norwegian grove housed
with friends Ill
CHAPTER XVIII.
MASSACRE AT BIG STONE LAKE. Government plans Surprise and capture
of Government hands Escape of Manderfield Ruins visited some months
afterwards Dead bodies then found 117
CHAPTER XIX.
MURDER OF AMOS W. HUGGINS. Early settlement of Misssionaries Amos
Huggins and his work His home Miss La Frambois Strange conduct
of the Indians they shoot Mr. Huggins The excitement, etc 120
CHAPTER XX.
CAUSE OF THE WAR WHAT is AN INDIAN 1 Mr. Spencer's statement
Cause of complaint The Indian defined Their language Half-breed
interpreters The Agent volunteers into the service of his country Im
pression of the Indians in regard to it British flag in their possession
Desire of Little Crow for British protection Little Priest assisting in the
fights Expectations of assistance from other tribes, &c. Demand of
Standing Buffalo 124
CONTENTS. 9
CHAPTER XXI.
SIIETAK MASSACRE. The community The memorable 20th Aug.
Mr. Phineas P. Hurd Mrs. H.'s unwelcome morning visitors The raid
on her house Fall of the hired man Driven from home her wander
ings and sufferings of her two children Willie sick Her mother heroism
to get on with both, after "Willie became unable to walk Arrival at a cab
in Disappointment in finding nothing to eat She finds some decaying
meat, and her boy is saved irom starvation Joined by other refugees 133
CHAPTER XXII.
THE GENERAL ONSLAUGHT Starting for the other settlements Attack by
Indians Twelve killed Women made captives Mrs. Eastlick left for
dead Mrs. Errett and two children killed Mrs. Eastlick revives and re
turns to the battle-field Mr. Myres and family overtaken by the wounded
fugitives Their sad condition Perils by the way Fears, &c. Mr.
Myres goes to New Ulm and finds the battle raging The others to Man-
kato Protection of U. S. troops Care for their wounds 139
CHAPTER XXIII.
OUTBREAK AT THE NORTH. Attack on the Breckenridge House Old Mrs.
Scott, her perils, sufferings and escape Little Jimmy Scott Life adven
turers 145
CHAPTER XXIV.
SIEGE OF FORT ABERCROMBIE. The first alarm Rush to the Fort First
battle Return of Messengers A friend of the writer in peril Birth
of three children Edgar Wright his body exhumed and mutilated. . . . 150
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CHAPTER XXV.
INDIANS AT Sioux FALLS CITY. Murder of J. B. Amidon and son De
parture of the populace The place burnt 157
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE HEROIC BOY. Mr. Ireland his captive daughters sufferings, men
tal and physical Burton Eastlick starts on a tour of 90 miles with his
baby brother in his arms Mrs. Eastlick, wounded and suffering, follows
Meets her children August Garzene Mrs. Hurd and Mrs. Truland
Ten days at "Brown's" Relief sent Burial of the Shetak dead 160
CHAPTER XXVII.
SIEGE OF HUTCHINSON Capt. Stuart's report Mrs. Adams Murder of
her child 168
CHAPTER XXVIII.
BATTLE OF BIRCH COOLIE. The dead on the prairies the detachment sent
to bury them 85 bodies found Encampment Morn of Sept. 2 Des
perate fighting Extreme peril Benjamin S. Terry his life given from
love to his friend Spencer Corporal Wm. M. Cobb Sergeant Wm. Ir
vine Continued fighting Relief sent Joy of the men in the trenches
Burial of the dead and removal of the wounded Robert Gibbons Mr.
J. W. Decamp fought to retaliate the supposed death of his wife and chil
dren, who lived to weep at his grave Other refugee women 171
CHAPTER XXIX.
BATTLE OF BIRCH COOLIE. OFFICIAL REPORT OF MAJ. J. R. BROWN 182
At
10 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXX.
WANDERING REFUGEES. Escape and rescue of Almira Harrington Mrs.
Caruthers claimed by two Indians escapes by the aid of a squaw pad
dles her own canoe safe in the fort An Indian playing priest, which en
ables his fair captive to escape Peril of a young man and his escape 190
CHAPTER XXXI.
THE MANIAC. A poem 194
CHAPTER XXXII.
TALES OF SUFFERING. A woman and four children found after three weeks
of prairie wandering and suffering Shocking mutilation of children
Escape of the parents Further search reveals further horrors Mrs.
Boetler's eight weeks of prairie life Dead bodies found and buried 196
CHAPTER XXXIII.
THE ATHENAEUM. Succor given to the refugees Changes of a day in their
circumstances the fair-eyed babe saved as by miracle Heart-thrilling
tales told by the sufferers 201
CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE CAPTIVE'S EXPERIENCE AS FURTHER RELATED BY HIMSELF. The In
dians bi-eak camp for removal to Yellow Medicine Spencer recognizes the
body of Gleason Soldier's Lodge Firing of buildings 206
CHAPTER XXXV.
EFFORTS TO REGAIN THE PRISONERS. Correspondence between Gen. Sibley
and Little Crow 209
CHAPTER XXXVI.
CORRESPONDENCE OF GEN. S. AND LITTLE CROW CONTINUED Letter from
"Wabashaw and Taopee Forward the trOops Body of Philander Prescott
-%A brief history of the good man 212
CHAPTER XXXVII.
BATTLE OF "Woop LAKE Burial of George Gleason Preparations for bat
tle The Indians driven Fidelity of Other Day "Wisdom of the Gene
ral commanding 217
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
OFFICIAL REPORT OF COL. SIBLKY TO Gov. RAMSEY 224
CHAPTER XXXIX.
THE CHIPPEWAS. Proclamation of Hole-in-the-day Threatening aspect at
the North Efforts for treaty unsuccessful Accomplished by Gov. Ram
sey Novelty of the Indian dance They become a terror An embassy
of Chippewas visit the capital The "talk," the feast, and ride on the "fire
wagon " 229
CHAPTER LX.
THE CAPTIVE'S PBRIL 235
CHAPTER LXI.
THE FRIENDLY CAMP. Efforts to form it Final success Release 239
CONTENTS. 11
CHAPTER XLII.
CAMP RELEASE. Two hundred and twenty captives rescued Strategy of
Mrs. Reynolds Terrible sufferings of Miss Mattie Williams while a cap
tive Joy on release Approach of Col. Sibley's troops Joy at camp
Release Glory of the achievement 242
CHAPTER LXIII.
TRIAL OF THE PRISONERS. Heavy criminal calendar Various subterfugees 247
CHAPTER LXIV.
MRS. HUGGINS IN CAPTIVITY. Trials and heart-aches Mr. Manderfield re
ceives kindness at her hands Julia takes leave of Mrs. H., and goes with
her brother She goes to De Cota's Unwelcome reception Kind recep
tion at the lodge of "Walking Spirit De Cota's fears for his scalp 252
CHAPTER LXV.
MRS. HUGGINS in care of Walking Spirit Kindness of her host Redeem
ing traits Effects of their new mode of life Her employment Perplex
ities of various kinds The children Insulting proposal Day of the
week lost 257
i " ."
CHAPTER LXVI.
THE ALARMS. Train of Northerners Fears for her children Return of
a detachment of Northerners Feast with the chief A letter A bad
man Explanation of his conduct 262
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CHAPTER LXVII.
LEAVING FOR THE PLAINS. Mrs. H. decides to go Mode of travelling In
cidents of the way Fears Trust 267
CHAPTER LXVIII.
RELEASE AND RETURN. Last outward bound night Increase of the cara
van Darkest hour before dawn Preparations for company Joy in the
arrival Release of two little girls Steps retraced Perils Visits the
grave of her husband, &c. At Camp Release 270
CHAPTER LXIX.
REMOVAL TO CAMP SIBLEY. Trial resumed The criminal calendar at last
cleared The sufferers of New Ulm 274
CHAPTER L.
REMOVAL OF THE "GOOD INDIANS" TO FORT SPELLING. Winter quarters
Old Betsey Ta-o-pee First note of freedom to the captives Chaska. . 277
CHAPTER LI.
PROTEST ON SENATOR WILKINSON. Thrilling rehearsals, &c 280
CHAPTER LII.
CAUSE OF THE DAKOTA UPRISING. The normal savage state The desola
tion The hidden harm Secession the main-spring of action Indian
councils Discussion of the war theme The rebel Col. 's plan Where
rests the guilt Its enormity deduced from the data 287
12 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER LIII.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE EXECUTION OF THE CONDEMNED INDIANS. Its an
nouncement to the prisoners Col. Miller's remarks Confession of their
guilt Death-song General appearance Ascent of the gallows In
tense interest of the throng Pall of the platform 38 souls launched
into eternity , 292
CHAPTER LIV.
THE EXECUTION 300
CHAPTER LV.
THE CONDEMNED. Spiritual advice given them Apparent spiritual change
Removal to Davenport, Iowa Improved condition 304
CHAPTER LVI.
THE WINNEBAGOES DECLARE WAR WITH THE Sioux. Former alliance
Awful scene in Mankato Removal to new Reservation 306
CHAPTER LVII.
AN ALARM. Troubles at Medalia Col. Marshall sent in pursuit of the foe 309
CHAPTER LYIII.
REMOVAL OF THE GOOD INDIANS. Families of the scouts remaining Cos
tume Blameworthy treatment of the Indians "Work of progress in their
new homes, &c 312
CHAPTER LIX.
HORSE STEALING. Gangs prowling through the country Murders frequent
Bounty for scalps 317
CHAPTER LX.
MURDER OF THE DUSTIN FAMILY. Appearance of hostile Indians in Henna-
pin Co. Horrid state of the bodies One little girl alive 320
CHAPTER LXI.
LITTLE CROW'S WHEREABOUTS 323
CHAPTER LXII.
THE RANSOMED. Months of torture Horrid boasts of the savage Saved
by Maj. Galpin Meeting of Mr. Everett with his little daughter Tilla. . . 326
CHAPTER LXIII.
THE INDIAN EXPEDITION. Camp Pope Arrival of Gen. Sibley His be
reavement Departure for the plains Organization of the expedition
Drouth and drawbacks Resting on the Sabbath 330
CHAPTER LXIV.
DEATH OF GEN. LITTLE CROW. The boy Lampson shoots an Indian Ex
citement in town Striking resemblance to Little Crow Gen. Sibley and
others declare it the veritable Chief himself confirmed 339
CONTENTS. 13
CHAPTER LXV.
CAPTURE OP WO-WI-NAP-A. His wanderings after his father's death con
dition when taken His own statement The boy chief when an infant
Kissed by the writer 344
CHAPTER LXVI.
THE CAPTIVE BOYS. George Ingalls Little Jimmy Scott 349
CHAPTER LXVII.
THRILLING ADVENTURE OF MR. BRACKETT, AND DEATH OF LIEUT. FREEMAN.
Mr. Brackett's story Eulogy of Lieut. Freeman 352
CHAPTER LXVIII.
THE CAPTIVE, JOHN JULIEN. Ten months in captivity Sad experience with
the Indians Deliverance 359
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CHAPTER LXIX.
PROGRESS OF THE EXPEDITION. Above calumny Delay of tidings Col.
Marshall's adventurous return He brings reports of their engagements
with the Indians Rehearsed 364
CHAPTER LXX.
CAPTURE OF A TETON. When found His motive in coming out Kindly
treated and discharged A boat- load of returning miners killed brave
fighting and slaughter by them 379
CHAPTER LXXI.
DEATH OP LIEUT. BEEVER. Col. Crooks with his men scour the woods and
drink of the Missouri waters the body found Sadness in camp 382
CHAPTER LXXII.
TERMINUS OF THE CAMPAIGN. Return order 385
CHAPTER LXXIII.
OFFICIAL REPORT OF MAJ. GEN. HENRY H. SIBLEY 389
CHAPTER LXXIV.
OFFICIAL REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL ALFRED SULLY 40G
CHAPTER LXXV.
TIE OF COMRADESHIP Death of Chaska Attachment to Geo. H. Spencer
Brave and faithful Sudden death Poison the probable cause 420
CHAPTER LXXVI.
HOME AGAIN 426
CONCLUSION.... ..428
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION.
"THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND MORE!" The na
tion's rallying cry had electrified every telegraph wire
and intensified the great heart of the Northwest.
Women, with the spirit of the Kevolutionary mothers,
had bidden their loved ones GO, glad that they had hus
bands or sons to give in the crushing of a rebel foe.
Minnesota was thoroughly aroused. Though as a State
she had yet scarcely seen her first decade, she had
already sent her Fifth Eegiment into the field. Fired
with the spirit of the immortal "First," which won lau
rels even in defeat,* her quota was again being filled.
Young men, the flower, vigor, and hope of the State,
with musket in firm grasp, stood ready, impatiently
awaiting "orders !"
"Home work enough to engage our troops for the
present," said the "other half" of myself, excitedly, as
lie entered from a spirited war meeting. "It is well
that they had not received 'marching orders.' "
"Another Indian 'scare,' " I interrogatively replied.
* At the memorable battles of Bull Run and Ball's Bluff.
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION.
"THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND MORE!" The na
tion's rallying cry had electrified every telegraph wire
and intensified the great heart of the Northwest.
Women, with the spirit of the Revolutionary mothers,
had bidden their loved ones GO, glad that they had hus
bands or sons to give in the crushing of a rebel foe.
Minnesota was thoroughly aroused. Though as a State
she had yet scarcely seen her first decade, she had
already sent her Fifth Regiment into the field. Fired
with the spirit of the immortal "First," which won lau
rels even in defeat,* her quota was again being filled.
Young men, the flower, vigor, and hope of the State,
with musket in firm grasp, stood ready, impatiently
awaiting "orders !"
"Home work enough to engage our troops for the
present," said the "other half" of myself, excitedly, as
he entered from a spirited war meeting. "It is well
that they had not received 'marching orders.' "
"Another Indian 'scare,' " I interrogatively replied.
* At the memorable battles of Bull Run and Ball's Bluff.
18 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
"It is no 'scare,' I assure you, but an earnest and ter
rible reality."
"To frighten the credulous and the 'new comer'
nonsense !"
" 'TRUTH is stranger than fiction.' Facts need no
further confirmation. An army of savages are even
now sweeping down the Minnesota Eiver valley, swear
ing destruction to all in their course, and death to every
white man !"
"It is not the first time our nerves have been set
vibrating by such unpleasant rumors, and I have long
since ceased to give credence to these crazy reports,
which have had their birth in some wild brain. If the
Indians would have made us trouble, it would have
been when we were only a handful, and they strong as
now, and in close proximity. It is all nonsense to think
of it 1" And thereupon I proceeded to dash off the
remaining stanza of a patriotic song, which was pulsa
ting in every nerve and quivering on my pen's nib,
when he entered.
Alas ! the visions of the night troubled me, despite
my unbelief. To fancy's ear came the fearful wail and
the groans of the dying, and to fancy's eye came only
one blood-blinding scene the dead, in tall prairie
grass, or at their own hearth-stones ; and above the
shrieks and groans of their victims rose the terrible war
whoop of the government-pampered Dakotas, furious
from a taste of blood, and panting for more.
With the celerity of execution for which Gov. Eam-
sey is noted, he had, on the following morning, four
DAKOTA WAK WHOOP. 19
companies armed and equipped, and moving towards
the murder scenes, where hands were already stained
with the blood of more than one thousand victims.
The demand for energetic action was met by prompt
effort, otherwise the savage hordes might have carried
out their design ; swept through the land, killed or
driven off the inhabitants, and re-possessed the soil for
which they were receiving annually the interest on its
equivalent, in gold and goods, thereafter to revel amid
their blood-gained spoils.
It is a dreadful tale one from which the heart re
coils and the pen shrinks ; but I have girded me for
the effort, and what though every hair of the head is
erect, and every nerve a vibrating medium, making me,
for the time being, as a living, actual witness of all I
rehearse ; the reading world shall hear, if they cannot
see, what young Minnesota has experienced, how her
adopted sons and daughters have suffered from the sav
age bullet and bloody tomahawk, while yet is undula
ting the clear, prairie air, in brutal fierceness, never to
die from the ear of the sufferers, the terrible Dakota
war-whoop.
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CHAPTER II.
THE BREAD KAID.
The Dakota or Sioux Indians number about thirty
thousand. These are divided into Bands, and each
Band has its own Chief. They ignore the name of
Sioux, by which they are known in the civilized world,
and answer only to the name of Dakota. The purchase
of the late Eeservation secured to the small number of
the Bands interested in the sale, the interest annually
in gold on $2,000,000 for the ensuing fifty years, to
gether with blankets, provisions, etc., which, with any
provident foresight, would place ordinary economists
quite above want. On their new Keservation, Govern
ment had established two Agencies, the lower at the
mouth of the Red Wood, the Upper Agency at the
mouth of the Yellow Medicine rivers, both tributaries
of the Minnesota. The lower bands, residing mostly at
or near the Lower Agency, went there for their pay,
while the upper bands, living mostly on the plains,
came to the Upper Agency.
Choosing their own time to assemble, or instigated to
it by a secret foe, the upper bands, numbering nearly
7,000 men, women and children, had come to their
Agency, demanding annuities, the arrival of which was
delayed, and in regard to which, the Agent, Thomas J.
Galbraith, was not advised. They had brought little or
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 21
no provisions with them, and the small amount of game,
with the fish they caught, hardly served to satisfy so
many hungry stomachs. They demanded flour, for
which orders of distribution had not yet been given
shot an ox belonging to the Agent, which was scarcely
a mouthful, among so many. The begging dance
would furnish them food for a day or two, and so with
the buffalo dance ; but they had no idea of seeking
any laudable or remunerative employment, even though
some of their children had died, they said, from starv
ation. But it was a formidable work knowing the
character of the Indians, as they did, that once giving
them, you must continue to give to think of feeding
so many, for a period quite indefinite ; besides, Govern
ment had not provided boarding accommodations at
this point, on so grand a scale. But the spirit of unrest
became more and more apparent, and indicative of hos
tilities. The tents of their encampment were struck,
and hurriedly removed two miles to the rear. Dark,
portentous clouds were evidently gathering in the polit
ical heavens, Siouxward. A consultation of the few
Government officials resulted in sending to Fort Ridg-
ley for an armed force.
In 1856, the frontier settlers were thrown into panic
by the murder of forty persons, at Spirit Lake Settle
ment, in Iowa and the southern extreme of Minnesota.
The leader of the desperado gang was Ink-pa-du-ta, the
basest among the base, who, ever since, had roamed at
large, the vilest wretch unhung. It had been feared
that his going unpunished and unpursued would em-
22 DAKOTA WAK WHOOP.
bolden the evil inclined, that the leniency would be a
precedent on which they might base their future deeds.
Still, dangers slept ; the settlers were unmolested, and
those who had known him longest, became quite stupid
in relation to the red man, so that when the clarion
notes rang with such vibrating thrill through the State,
one company of volunteers of the Minnesota 5th, at
each of the three military posts, was all deemed essen
tial for the protection of Government stores and fron
tier defense. Capt. Marsh was in command at Fort
. Eidgley, on the Minnesota, Capt. Hall at Fort Eipley,
on the Crow Wing, and Capt Vanderhock at Aber-
crombie, on the Eed river of the north, and the least
expectation of these men was, that they were to bear
the brunt in the outset, of a home outbreak, and so
check the savage onset as to save the State from gen
eral desolation, while relief forces were mustering, hur
riedly, for the conflict. Well that we may not lift the
curtain and peep into futurity. Experience, as it
falls in life's pathway, is quite enough for our finite
view, while, if the scope of mental vision enabled us
to comprehend the whole in one, the effect would be
overwhelming. The Divine Euler has his marked men
for the emergency, though they know it not ; and rich
in the fact is that man whose Grod is the Lord, and who
can so await the disposal of His will, as to say in the
results, "my life has been to a purpose."
The 18th of June, 1862, Lieut Thomas J. Sheehan,
Co. C., Fifth Eegiment Minnesota volunteers, a young
man, full of patriotic fire, and burning with intense de-
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 23
sire to combat a rebel foe, had orders to report with a
detachment of fifty men, to Capt Marsh, and ten days
after, loud cheers for their arrival rang through Fort
Kidgley. The following morning, June 29, Capt. Marsh
issued orders that Lieut. Sheehan, with his detachment
from Co. C., and fifty men from Co. B., Fifth Minne
sota, with Lieut. Gere, report forthwith to Agent Gal-
braith, at Yellow Medicine, "for the purpose of preserv
ing order, and protecting United States property, du
ring the time of annuity payment."
The Indians would listen to no advice to return
home, secure their crops, and await the Agent's call,
when their annuities should arrive. Assuming no mil
itary dictation, but regarding "discretion the better part
of valor" in warding the impending blow, Command
ant Sheehan waited upon the Agent, with the earnest
desire that provisions, to the extent of his ability, be
issued, to satisfy the constant demand for "something
to eat."
As if to add intensity to kindling fire of desperation,
two of their tribe were killed by the Chippewas, a few
miles from camp. At early morn, the following day,
an imposing array of mounted and armed Indians,
1500 strong, clad only in moccasins and the breechlet, -
started on the "war path," but at night they returned,
crest-fallen from disappointment, directing vicious
glances at the soldier's camp, which augured no good.
To avert their minds from pursuit of the foe, a feast is
promised, with the stipulation that they submit to be
counted when thus convened, an ordeal essential to
24 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
payment. Citizens and soldiers, some of whom kept
guard, enjoyed the rare fun of the scramble, each for
his share, as barrel after barrel of crackers were emptied
on the ground. It was a hilarious time, and one of
apparent satisfaction to the participants. Some forty
barrels of water were served to satisfy the demand of
the clamorous crowd for "drink," after which, for an
hour or two, the friendly pipe passed from hand to
hand, and the counting process was the finale of the
day.
On the 27th July, the following order was issued,
giving little hope of rest for mind or body of our
young hero :
"SiB : I have to request that you detail a small de
tachment of your command, and with it proceed forth
with in the direction of Yellow Medicine river, in
search of Inkpaduta and his followers, who are said
to be camped somewhere in the region, with stolen
horses, &c.
u You will take said Inkpaduta and all Indian soldiers
with him, prisoners, alive if possible, and deliver them
to me at the Agency. If they resist, I advise that they
be shot. Take all horses found in their possession, and
deliver them to me.
"A party of reliable citizens will accompany you ;
they will report to you and be subject to your orders.
"Ten or twelve men will, in my opinion, be sufficient.
They should, by all means, be mounted on horses or
mules. You should take at least nine days' rations,
and should start a sufficient time before daylight to get
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Post by mdenney on Oct 9, 2007 1:03:02 GMT -5
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 25
away without the knowledge of our Indians. While I
recommend prompt and rigorous action to bring these
murderers, thieves and villains to justice, dead or alive,
yet I advise prudence and extreme caution.
"Very respectfully, your ob't servant,
THOS. J. GALBRAITH,
Sioux Agent
"LIEUT. T. J. SHEEHAN,
"Commanding Camp at Sioux Agency."
Accompanying the expedition was a Christian In
dian, who acted as guide. He seemed most eager of
all the party to bring the scamp to justice, while he
boasted of having before killed his son, and was one of
the party who rescued Mrs. Nobles and Miss Gardner
from their hands, after the Spirit Lake Massacre. After
a chase of many a weary mile, finding the deserted
camp, their eyes gratified only with the sight of a soli-
itary Indian in the distance, supposed to be a spy of
Inkpaduta, whom the best horse speed could not over
take, and after continuing the search till further pur
suit seemed useless, their horses were headed campward,
where they arrived on the evening of August 3d, most
opportunely. Notwithstanding the drumming and pow
wow at the Indian encampment, during the night, the
adventurers rested well after the excitement and travel
of the last five restless days and nights, a needed refresh
ing for the ordeal of the morrow.
Scarcely had the sun of August 4th gilded the bluffs,
when, painted and stripped for the work, the entire
body of male Indians, with axes, hatchets and clubs,
26 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
made general onslaught on the warehouse, the doors of
which soon yielded to the well wielded blows. Then
followed an unceremonious seizure of goods, flour and
bacon, which the squaws, with wide spread blankets,
(the common receptacle of all things,) awaited to re
ceive, and, so far as able, convey to their encampment.
They had chosen this early hour, before the powers of
resistance should be astir, but in quick time the alarm
was beat, and the little band of stout hearts were ready
for action. Leaving the rest to guard camp, Lieut
Sheehan, with twenty -five men, hastes to the scene of
confusion. The resistance of the immortal one hun
dred, in Sumter's walls, to ten thousand rebels, was less
daring, had less of cool and determined bravery than
this. What power have twenty -five men to cope with
fifteen hundred infuriated savages, armed to the teeth ?
But ah ! there was a power in the courage of the bear
ing, in the determined flash of the eye, when he ordered
them to "fall back," threatening with instant death any
who disobeyed. See them quail beneath it their
withering glances change to awe, as they coweringly
obey. The gun of private Foster was jerked from his
hand, discharged, his scalp was seized, and about to
pass from his head to savage hands, when arrested by
the above order. Mr. Fadden and James Grormon,
warehouse and trader's clerks, were the only citizens
rendering any assistance during this emergency, and
are deserving of much credit and the thanks of the
State at least.
Now followed a grand stampede for camp, for though
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 27
awed, they were not subdued. Here they were rushing
to and fro, insulting the soldiers, and evidently daring
them to unequal contest ; but when the howitzer, by
order, was turned upon them, there was a "scattering
in hot haste," for they had no power to cope with this,
to them, most dreaded monster. The lull in the raging
of human elements was seized by Lieut. Sheehan for
an interview with the Agent, in the quiet of his own
home. Permission was granted for convening a coun
cil with his "red children." The chief speaker shook
hands in mock friendliness with the commanding offi
cer, and made a speech as* follows :
"We are the braves. We have sold our land to the
great father, (the President,) and we think that he in
tends to give us what he has promised, but we can't get
it, and we are starving; we want something to eat."
Commandant Sheenan replied : "You should have
gone to the agent before breaking open the warehouse,
and asked him for something to eat, which he was in
tending to give you to-day. If your great father heard
that you had committed these depredations, breaking
open the warehouse and attempting the life of his sol
diers, he would not forgive you, for it would make him
very mad"
"We have asked the Agent almost every day, but he
will give us nothing ; now we are starving, and we
want you to ask him for us. We know if we kill the
soldiers, it will make our great father mad. We held
a council last night, and concluded we must have some
thing to eat." B
28 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
"If I get you a good issue of provisions this after
noon, will you all go back to your teepees, and not
trouble my camp, nor come around the warehouse any
more?"
"Yes, that is what we want."
The whole responsibility being thrown upon the
shoulders of this young officer, with results which fol
lowed, may have had its parallel, but has been surpass
ed by few. The plunder being ordered returned to the
warehouse, the execution of the order devolved on him,
but it was hauled from the shoulders of the men, by the
Indians, as often as raised thereto. Matters again
seemed rife for a general massacre. Guards were set
by the savage rebels, and the lowering war clouds again
muttered their thunders. Still the determined courage
of the man for the hour did not forsake him, and in
every effort was nobly seconded and aided by his com
rade, Lieut. Gere, and he again demanded an issue of
provisions, for which "they were as eager," he says, "as
wolves for blood." This being received, the aggressors
retired to feast in their own encampment, regarding
themselves, no doubt, victors of the day. Considering
all things, this was a fortunate ending, even though but
temporary. The following day, some of the ring-lead
ers were arrested and put in jail, when came a demand
for their release, with a threat to kill every man, and
blot out the Agency, if not complied with. Agent
Galbraith ordered their release.
Capt. Marsh, in compliance with the request of Lieut.
Sheehan, arrived in camp, August 6th, and gave im-
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 29
mediate and peremptory orders for the issue of the
goods and provisions on hand, when quiet returned,
and seeming satisfaction was restored. The military
force having other, and, as thought, more important
posts of duty, withdrew. Alas, for limited human
foresight ! Little thought they that the startling events
of these two weeks were the foreshadowings of the hor
rid tragedies so soon to make every heart faint with
their recital, and pale every cheek with terror the
result, perhaps, of a long maturing plot.
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Post by mdenney on Oct 9, 2007 1:05:19 GMT -5
CHAPTER III.
THE FIRST BLOW.
The first event in tMs great Sioux raid to confirm
the fact that they had broken truce with the whites,
was at Acton, Meeker county, on Sunday, the 17th of
August, 1862. A party of six or seven reckless young
warriors from the Lower Agency, forty miles south,
had gone out the previous day on a Chippawa "scalp
hunt," but meeting no success in that line, and imbibing
largely of "fire water," they entered that isolated set
tlement, intent on carrying out whatever promptings
their evil hearts might devise. The house of Mr. Jones,
the postmaster of Acton, was first visited by them,
where they were loud in their demand for whisky, but
in lieu of which he gave them tobacco, to their appa
rent satisfaction, when they left with no unfriendly
demonstrations. Still, Mr. Jones was suspicious that
evil was lurking in their hearts, as he an hour after as
serted at the house of his step-son, Mr. Howard Baker,
where he and his wife had gone, leaving his niece, an
adopted daughter, with a child a year old, alone in the
house.
Three weeks previous to this, a "prairie schooner,"
a mere speck on the horizon, was seen approaching the
settlement. It "cast anchor" before the door of Mr.
Baker, and its crew was Mr. and Mrs. Webster, who
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 31
had come to start life in that really inviting region.
Here a temporary home was given them, while prepa
rations for their own went forward.
A little before noon, these same Indians, in their
usual unceremonious manner, entered the house of Mr.
Baker, where the friends were still in social converse.
Save the fact of their being drunk, there was nothing
to incite suspicion. In such a state they are always to
be feared. After much meaningless talk, they proposed
to "go out and shoot at a mark."
Mr. Webster, who had never before seen an Indian,
stood on the door step, a mere spectator of the game.
The Indians, taking advantage of the discharged guns
of the others, made him their first victim. His wife was
in the covered wagon, unpacking some articles for use,
and thus screened, escaped their bullets. Mr. Jones
ran a short distance, when an unerring aim brought
him down. Mr. Baker rushed into the house, where
he and his mother, Mrs Jones, were soon prostrate in
death. His wife, with her two children, of four and
six years, had fled to the cellar, and so escaped. The
sight of blood infuriated their demon thirst, and hastily
they return to Mr. Jones', break down the dooi which
the young girl had fastened, and killing her, spared
the child, which the next day is found lying in the
blood of the slain, which is in coagulated pools on the
floor.
As soon as satisfied it was safe to do so, Mrs. Web
ster and Mrs. Baker come from their concealment
and, almost paralyzed with horror, survey the dreadful
32 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
scene. The life-blood of Mr. W. had not yet ceased
its flow, and an hour afterwards he dies in the arms of
his heart-stricken wife. It was no time for communion
with grief, but prompt and decisive action. With feel
ings akin to joy, they call to a white man then passing.
He stands in the doorway when, with speechless lips
and bursting hearts, they point to their dead. With
a demoniac srnile he says, "0, they've got the nose
bleed," and turned to go. "But you will not leave us
alone with these dead bodies," agonizingly pleaded the
women.
"They're doing well," was the reply of the heartless
wretch, and then he followed in the wake of the In
dians.
Various were the conjectures as to who this inhu
man monster might be, some of the more charitable
believing him insane. Not so in the neighborhood
where the tragic scene transpired. By those, he was
believed to be in league with the enactors, and inciting
to the bloody deeds.
Three miles away was an intelligent Swede settle
ment, and thither these women and helpless children
wend their lonely way. The sun had sank to rest, ere
with sickned hearts and weary feet they are welcomed at
a friendly abode friendly, though the spoken language
of each is not understood by the other. The Indians
had been seen ; yea, a fine span of horses had been
mounted and rode off by two of them. Then the in
telligent signs ; the grief-marked faces, and the blood-
bedabbled dresses told the awful tale. Before mid-
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 33
night, the whole settlement was aroused and their
course determined.
On the following morning, some two hundred in all,
every man armed, went out to bury their murdered
friends. Mr. Jones, whom the women had supposed
instantly killed, and was concealed from their view by
an outbuilding, had evidently had a severe grapple
with death, deep holes having been dug in his strug
gles by his hands and feet Already the bodies had
become very offensive, and pools of clotted blood were
all over the floor of the house. The burial party was
fired on by the Indians before the hasty rites were
finished ; a ball passing through the hat of one, which
was returned with even less effect, save in causing
them to mount their stolen steeds and fly to the covert
of the woods.
That was an anxious, restless night, for those about
to abandon their homes for safety. Guards were sta
tioned around the house where the women and chil
dren were gathered, while the main body of men were
preparing to depart on the morrow. In that vast train
of sixty teams was one bright Swede girl, who was
afterward employed as a domestic in the home of the
writer. From her the minutiae of these facts were
obtained. All was smiling with plenty and homes
were becoming attractive, when the rude touch of sav
age hands passed over them, and subsequently wrote
desolation on all. Change, how sudden, had come over
their earthly hopes ! Blight how unexpected had fallen
on their prospects ! As they wind over the prairie,
84 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
both ear and eye are alert, lest an ambushed or grass
hidden foe lurks with deadly aim ; but safely they are
guided to a haven of rest, where present dangers are
past. The smitten hearts find sympathizing friends ;
but no kindness can efface the memory of that Sabbath
day, when, powerless to save, their loved ones lay dead
before them. During that day's trial and those which
followed, these women evinced rare good sense and
genuine intelligence, impressing those who conversed
with them, of their worth and virtues.
LITTLE CHOW.
( The Bloody Chief. )
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Post by mdenney on Oct 9, 2007 1:08:24 GMT -5
CHAPTER IV.
THE COUNCIL FIRE.
The purpose of Little Crow, chief of the Lower
Annuity Indians, was to strike a strong, decisive blow
at the Lower Agency as soon as "paid off," before the
whites had scattered to their homes, and this to be
followed up by extermination and a repossession of the
entire State.
A premature and unbidden blow had been struck
at Acton, and with lightning speed some of the fiend
ish perpetrators hastened on their stolen steeds to Eed
"Wood, or Lower Agency, twelve miles above Fort
Ridgley and at midnight, stand before their chief,
exhibiting their blood-stained hands, and recounting in
fiendish triumph, the deeds of the day, and urging an
immediate onslaught on the whites. For well they
knew the consequences if they were given up to re
ceive justice at the hands of a proper tribunal if
withheld, war, they urged, was inevitable.
Little Crow had, in several trips to "Washington, and
otherwise, picked up some knowledge of the world,
and the nation's power, and he knew well the element
with which he had to contend. He had so far adopted
the customs of the whites as to wear their apparel, live
in a brick house, sleep in a bed, eat at table and drink
all the whisky he could get. Being an adept in craft,
38 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
he hesitates, though his heart thirsts for blood, and he
covets the rewards of the white man's industry. But
there is much at stake. "Wait till paid off," he said, and
then the work should begin. Still, if his young men
were going to fight, even now, he coveted the glory of
leadership, they could have their own way.
Here let us say that the name by which this bloody
Chief is known, is only a nickname, which descended
to him from his grandfather, who received it from
wearing a crow's skin upon his breast. His true name
is Tah-o-ah-ta-doo-ta, meaning "his scarlet people."
The band he governed was known as the Lightfoot
Band.
The longer that council fire burned, the higher and
brighter rose the flame, and the more determined grew
the spirit emitted by the lightning flashes of their eyes.
They urged that the whites, all but the old men and
boys, had "gone to the war," and that these, with the
women and children, could be easily exterminated.
Now was the time for the work of death to begin,
to avenge their wrongs.
Here let us pause and investigate those wrongs.
Personal wrongs there may be, but national wrongs in
relation to them we fail to see. Sloth is their own
worst and most powerful enemy. Like the care of a
provident parent for the children of his love, is the
government provision to render them useful and happy.
To encourage civilization among them, it has used
every means that money or influence could induce.
To every Indian who will lay aside his blanket, cut off
DAKOTA WAK WHOOP. 39
his hair, and put on white man's apparel, is accorded,
in addition to his annuities, a farm of eighty acres, pre
pared and stocked, and farming implements provided ;
on this a house is built and furnished, and medical
attendance guaranteed. In addition to this, he receives
a percentage on every rod of fence built, on every bush
el of grain or potatoes raised, and for every acre of
new land cultivated, with full ownership of the same,
so long as he continues to occupy it, or follow indus
trial pursuits. How would the souls of poor white
men expand with ambition, was the same kindly gov
ernmental care extended to them ! There would be far
less poverty and wretchedness in our large cities than
now. But in the main, the Indians prefer their own
mode of life, and despise the one who thus sells his
tribal birthright (his blanket,) and goes to work like a
white man. Some, however, have done it, in spite of
the disgrace, as many small but comfortable brick
houses at Red Wood and elsewhere will testify. This,
however, is the exception, not the rule. More generally,
you will find their chivalrous spirit manifested in loung
ing and smoking, while the women perform all the
labor, except fighting and eating.
The decision was made. The remainder of the
night, while the populace slept in security, was spent
in preparations for action. Before dawn, the spirit
was deeply imbibed by all, with few exceptions, and
the murderous weapon was clutched with a despera
tion which even their blood-thirsty souls had never be
fore known. They were eager for the onset.
40 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
The signal for general attack was to be the firing of
a gun by the store where waved the American flag,
when the assailants, previously divided into squads
and stationed at every house, would each discharge a
volley, and the people, rushing from their houses to
learn the cause, would become an easy prey. Thus it
was settled, and thus eating and drinking, they wait
and watch for the first glimmerings of day.
It will be remembered that the Lower Annuity
Indians all resided at or near the Lower Agency, and
a day was sufficient to bring them all together to pay
ment, whenever the gold and goods should arrive.
These for all time, they were now willing to exchange
for the booty they would obtain, and the glory of
wearing a scalp feather.
CHAPTER V.
THE OUTBKEAK AT BED WOOD.
That Monday morning of August 18th, 1862, dawned
clear and mild, all nature seemed radiant with life and
hope, and more like a festive bridal morn than the en
acting of the dark plottings of the night.
Their plan was admirably carried out, and had blood
alone been their intent, not one would have escaped
to tell the tale. The people, as they had presumed,
rushed to the doors to ascertain the cause of the strange
alarm, with no apprehension of evil. Men were indis
criminately shot down, hatchets were buried in the
heads of women and children, or they were dragged
off into captivity, a fate far worse. Soon arose the
smoke of burning buildings and the shrieks and
groans of the sufferers, as the tomahawk cleft their
bones and chopped their flesh in pieces, was terrific,
beyond the power of pen to describe. There were
women and children imploring mercy at the hand
where there was none, from those whom their own
hands had fed, and their own houses, now in flames,
had often sheltered from the pitiless rain and cold,
now as reckless of all as the weapon which seeks
the brain. O the horrors of that one first hour ! One
has very truthfully said, that these barbarities could
42 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
"not have been exceeded, had all hell been turned
loose, with no opposition or restraint."
So paralyzed were the people, tha^ strange to say,
not a gun was fired, not a hand was raised in defense,
and such unlocked for success seemed but to madden
their rage into more violent fury.
The first victim was James W. Lynde, son of an
eminent Baptist minister of Covington, Kentucky.
He was a single man, thoroughly cultivated in all the
physical, social, intellectual and refined elements of
manhood. His soul- absorbing love of nature led him
where he could revel amid her beauties, and worship
amid her smiles. His passion for music and the muses
he had highly and extensively cultivated. He had
held the position of editor of the "HENDERSON DEMO
CRAT," had served with acceptance as State Senator,
and held many other offices of trust in his adopted
State. As they had predicted, he with others stepped
to the door to learn the cause of the tumult, when he
was made a target for seven balls, and fell dead.
Andrew My rick, formerly of Westport, N. Y., when
the first gun was fired, ran up stairs, where for a long
time he lay concealed under a dry goods box. The
Indians, with all their daring, are arrant cowards, and
no one dare to be the first one up for fear of being a
victim to whatever death weapon he might have. To
bring him down, they in a loud voice proposed to fire
the store, when he climbed through the scuttle to the
roof, let himself down by the lightning rod to the roof of
a low addition, and from thence j uniped to the ground
DAKOTA WAK WHOOP. 43
and ran toward the brush, where, had he not been seen,
he might have been safe. Unfortunately, it was other
wise, and a shower of arrows pierced him through.
He was then dragged back to the store, and his face in
dignantly pelted with the gold coin they had found in
his safe, while the vilest imprecations fell from their lips.
The burying party of Birch Coolie notoriety, of whom
more anon, found his body and buried it, so marking
his grave that his brother had him afterward removed
to St. Paul.
William Bourat was clerk in the store, and on being
wounded, rushed up stairs with another, whose history
demands a separate chapter, securely fastened the trap
door and prepared for their fate. With a wild whoop
of triumph, the Indians had rushed in and taken pos
session of the store, and while distributing the goods,
were concocting their plans to dispatch these hapless
victims, and then burn the building. Bourat hearing
this, determined to make a bold dash for his life,
wounded and bleeding as he was, rushed down stairs
and through the crowd, clamorous in securing their plun
der, and passed out in safety. When two hundred
yards from the building, he received a heavy charge
of duck shot in the side, and another in his leg, which
brought him to the ground. Nor had this satisfied
the savage thirst. His clothing was stripped from him,
and then he was piled with logs to prevent escape, till
they could return and "cut him up," as they talked
among themselves. What a moment was that ! To do
or die, was the only alternative. None could look to
44 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
a comrade for aid, and few knew the fate of their
friends. He must save himself if saved, and by su
perhuman effort. he removed the logs and went on the
way rejoicing in his own escape.
Doct. Humphrey, Government physician, had fallen
in death, at his own door, which he had turned to enter,
when his house, in which his wife and children were
fastened, was set on fire, and she and her three
little girls were burned in it. Several weeks after,
their charred and blackened remains were found in the
cellar, and with the decayed and mutilated body of
her husband, decently buried. A little boy of this
family, eleven years old, escaped from the burning
building to the woods, across the river, where he re
mained concealed till the arrival of troops, when he
"fell in," and stood in the thickest of the fight, while
the unequal contest raged, and was by them protected
till conveyed to friends in St. Paul, the sad-hearted
lone remnant of an unbroken happy family of the
previous day.
Such was the surprise of the whites, that they were
as nearly paralyzed with wonder as alarm. Some mis
take, thought they, and in some instances, actually gazed
at the elevated rifle, threatening to send a bullet to the
heart But in less time than I am writing, the true in
tent was evinced by bloody reality. Many had come
out with half made toilets, some of whom were shot
down, and others barely escaped with their lives, having
no time to return for more clothing. What a scene !
burning dwellings, dead men strewing every yard, and
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Post by mdenney on Oct 9, 2007 1:12:28 GMT -5
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 45
forbidding entrance to every door, women butchered
or dragged into captivity, children screaming, till their
brains are dashed out against a tree,. or the butt of a
rifle, and all so sudden, so unlooked-for ! My God, is
there vengeance in heaven !
With demoniac yells, they seize upon every treasure.
Goods are recklessly trodden down, money safes broken
open and the contents divided, and a scene of such car
nage and plunder, modern history does not record.
When the sun arose, the smoke of burning buildings
darkened its rays, and the earth was drinking the blood
of the slain.
CHAPTER VI.
THE SLAUGHTER.
A few had. escaped by the ferry, and, the Indians
well knew, would carry the news of their dreadful work
to the Fort, and that retributive justice was sure to fol
low. To retard this, they secure the ferry-boat, kill the
ferryman, disembowel him, chop off his head, hands and
feet, which they insert in the cavity, and then dance
around him, in hellish triumph, at what their own hands
had done, and their own savage hearts devised.
In some instances, after the first excitement of the
onslaught, persons met their death by slow torture. A
boy, in trying to escape, was overhauled, stripped to
the skin, and then pierced with sticks and knives, as he
was driven along, they in the meantime mimicking his
agonies, hooting and laughing at him till death ended
his sufferings.
One man leaped from the window of the mill, which
they set on fire, to the river, not soon enough, how-'
ever, to prevent their well-aimed balls from entering
his breast. With more than mortal energy, he swam
the river, and was scarcely alive when he reached the
opposite shore. For four days, without food, he drag
ged himself round in swamps and grass more dead than
alive, and was at last found by a party of refugees,
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 47
sixty-five miles from his starting point, and by them
taken to a place of security.
Women were tortured in every imaginable manner.
Some, with infants in their arms, had their breasts cut
off, others their toes, and some were hamstrung and
dragged over the prairie till torn and mangled ; from
that alone they died Those who escaped, spread the
alarm. The people seemed paralyzed to all but per
sonal safety, and fled precipitately, not knowing whith
er they went. In one instance, several families, not far
away from home, had congregated in consultation as -to
their course, when they were overtaken by the Indians,
at the head of whom was "Cut Nose," one of whom it
might emphatically be said, "Ye are of your father,
the devil, and his works ye do." The first volley kill
ed the few men, which, the women and children seeing,
in their defenseless state, huddled more closely togeth
er in the wagons, and bending low their heads, drew
their shawls tightly over them. Two of the fiends
held the horses while Cut Nose jumped into a wagon,
containing eleven, and deliberately cleft the head of
each, while, stupefied with horror, and powerless from
fright, each awaited their turn, knowing the tomahawk
would soon also tear through their flesh and bones, in
like manner. Then kicking these butchered victims
from the wagon, they filled it with plunder from the
burning, houses, leaving them a prey to vultures and
ravenous wolves.
Forcing an infant from its mother's arms, with the
bolt of a wagon they fastened it to a tree, and holding
48 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
the mother before it, compelled her to witness its dying
agonies. They then chopped off her legs and arms,
and left her to bleed to death. And thus they butch
ered twenty -five, within an area of as many rods.
To serve their base passions, some of the younger
women were saved alive, while perhaps the parents
were cut down before their eyes.
One family, who lived a few miles out, consisting of
the parents, son and daughter, fled from the back door,
as the murderers appeared at the front door. The
father fired the first gun that had been raised against
them, but before he could re-load, with fiendish yells
the savages sprang upon them. The father, mother
and son fell dead, and the daughter, with genuine tact,
fell to the ground, holding her breath and feigning
death. The monsters, after hacking and mutilating the
quivering flesh of the others, seized her feet to drag
her off unconsciously, she attempted to adjust her
dress which these barbarians seeing, stopped short,
and sparing her life for viler purposes, sent her back
to swell the company of hapless captives.
On the route between Yellow Medicine and Eed
Wood, George H. Gleason, Agency Clerk, having in
charge Mrs. Wakefield and two children, was surprised
by a party of these Ked Wood murderers, who now
were ravaging the country in every direction, and mad
dened by every fresh taste of blood, were still dealing
death and captivity to all in their way. Gleason was
a favorite with all, and they had never received aught
but kindness from his hands. But that did not save
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 49
him. A bullet quick went to his heart. His person
was searched, valuable papers scattered to the four
winds, and he left, stripped nearly to the skin, while
Mrs. Wakefield and her children were carried into cap
tivity, there to remain until the time of the great re
lease had come.
CHAPTER VII.
GEORGE H. SPENCER.
The subject of this chapter, who has furnished much
material for, and will play a conspicuous part in the
tragedy announced, came to St. Paul in the early dawn
of manhood, while yet the thriving young city was
struggling in swaddling bands. West of the Missis
sippi river, the Sioux title was not yet extinct. Their
villages and encampments were in close proximity to
town, and numbers of them were daily parading the
the streets, visiting the stores to trade, and the houses
to beg.
Young Spencer, as clerk, found a knowledge of their
language quite essential to success in business. Devo
ting half of the night to study, and being a persever
ing scholar and good linguist, he soon acquired a per
fect knowledge of the Dakota language. This made
him a favorite, and some strong personal friendships
were formed with some of the most deserving of the
tribe.
The study which our hero most loved was the starry
heavens. Watching the planets as they rose, tracing
the stars in constellation, and the comets, till they
moved off in unknown space, he, in nature's observa
tory, would be lost to all else, save in adoration of Him
who made them all, till his garments were drenched
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 51
with the dews of night. To perfect himself in the
glorious study of Astronomy, was the one absorbing
desire of his life. And to facilitate this, was the main in
ducement for forming a co-partnership with Wm. II.
Forbes, which would isolate him in the heart of the
Indian country for the five succeeding years. The
lumber which entered into the construction of his store,
was drawn more than two hundred miles, and none
could be obtained nearer.
Goods were readily converted into furs, and these
into gold, which poured into the coffers of the firm like
rain from full clouds. True, the life of Spencer was in
jeopardy, or, to use his own words, he was obliged to
"risk his scalp" in carrying out his designs ; for though
he had many professed friends among them, those who
sought his advice, and offered to him their daughters
for wives, which he rejected with a firmness they could
but respect, yet he well knew there was many a secret
lurking foe, who would not hesitate to do him any
amount of eviL
Once his store was fired in the night time, when, but
for timely notice by his Argus-eyed friends, he and all
his goods would have been consumed
Another time, his store had, all the evening, been
filled with those who came for trade or gossip, when, at
a late hour, he drank from a pail of water, to which all
had had free access. An unusual taste excited his sus
picion, in test of which he gave some to a cat, which
died in violent convulsions, in less than a minute. In
vestigation proved the presence of strychnine. His
52 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
heavy moustache had collected the poison, and thus
saved his life. Those more honorable than their fel
lows, tried, in both of these instances, to find out the
guilty, but investigation was a failure. He had learned
thereby a lesson of caution, and that, as a race, the
Sioux were worthy of little confidence.
Mr. Spencer was en route to visit his host of St. Paul
friends, where he held membership in the First Baptist
Church, and stopped to spend the Sabbath at the
Agency. He was at the store of his partner when the
attack was made, and thinking there must be some
mistake in what he saw, was looking on in perfect won
der, till recalled by the power of three convincing bul
lets. But as Mr. Spencer still lives, after being forty
days regarded as dead, we shall let him tell his own
story, simply adding, that this Chapter was commenced
as a biography when there was scarcely a hope of his
being alive. That he was shot, and said he must die,
was all that his escaped friend knew of him or his fate.
But there was "joy in that city," when it was told that
he lived, was safe with his Indian friend, who designed
to restore him to his white friends, as soon as safe to
do so.
The engraving represents him in the dress in which
he was taken captive, the bullet holes being distinctly
seen. While a captive, he was, as all others, obliged
to wear the Indian costume, but his clothes, watch, dia
mond pin and ring, together with his money, were care
fully kept, by his Indian friend, and returned to him
on his release.
X/x
CHAPTER Ylii.
CAPTIVITY AND RELEASE OF GEORGE H. SPENCER, AS
GIVEN BY HIMSELF.
"Upon Monday morning, August 18th, 1862, the
dissatisfaction which had long been manifested by the
Mile-na-kan-toan and Wah-pe-ku-te bands of the Sioux
Indians, reached the culminating point, and inaugura
ted one of the most horrible massacres of which we
have any record.
"About six o'clock in the morning, the inhabitants
of the Agency were, as usual, pursuing their customary
avocations, little dreaming that that bright and beauti
ful sun which was diffusing its genial rays over the
earth, had risen for the last time upon them, and that
when he should have performed his daily journey, and
returned to his resting place at eve, their mutilated and
mangled remains would be left food for the vultures,
and their unprepared souls summoned into the pres
ence of their Creator.
"I had arrived in the place on Saturday evening, the
16th. On Sunday evening, the 17th, I attended the
Eev. Mr. Hinman's Church, where I heard a very fine
and appropriate sermon. Had the Kev. gentleman
known that the events which transpired on the following
morning were to have taken place, he could not have
preached a more appropriate sermon for the occasion.
"On Monday morning, about six o'clock, on going
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56 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
to the door, I noticed an unusual number of Indians
coming down the road into the village, all armed and
naked, except the breech-clotk I knew it was a war
party, and upon arriving in the village, they divided
into small parties, and stationed themselves around
every building in the place, and upon inquiring of those
around our building (the store of Wm. H. Forbes)
what the matter was, I was told that some of the
enemy were seen near by, and that they were going to
attack them. Supposing they meant Chippewas, I
thought no more about the matter. Presently, how
ever, I heard the firing of guns, and hideous yelling
outside, when I rushed to the door, with five or six oth
ers, and just had time to see that the trading house of
Messrs. My rick & Co., had been attacked by them, and
that they were firing into it, when a volley was dis
charged at us. Four men fell dead, and I received
three balls, one through my right arm, another struck
me in the right breast, and the third in the stomach.
One white man, William Bourat, and a half-breed boy,
were not hit. I did not fall, and with these two, rushed
up stairs. Upon reaching the foot of the stairs, I turn
ed to see if they were following, when I saw the store
was filling with Indians, and one had followed me to
the stairs, where, placing his double-barrel gun almost
against my body, endeavored to shoot me, but, provi
dentially, both barrels missed fire, and I succeeded in
reaching the upper story, without further injury.*
*This Indian, so intent on the life of Spencer, was one whom, with his family,
he had kept, two winters, from starvation ; in short, had been his most available
friend. Such is the Indian's gratitude.
DAKOTA WAK WHOOP. 57
"After being up stairs a short time, the half-breed,
looking through the window, saw an Indian, to whom
he called. The Indian told him to come down, and he
should not be. hurt; he thereupon opened the door and
went down.
"It was a trap door, secured by two or three boxes
of guns, making it quite impossible for the Indians to
open from below.
"Bourat also gave himself into their hands, and after
getting outside of the house, perceiving a good oppor
tunity, started, and ran for life. The Indians fired
upon him, and two charges of duck-shot struck him
in the side and hips.
"He fell, and feigned death. Some of them then
threw some sticks of wood upon him, but he never
moved, and they, supposing him to be dead, left him,
saying they would come back and cut him up, when
their other ^srork was done. After a while, seeing the
coast clear, he succeeded in making his escape.
"The half-breed,* through fear, I am inclined to
think, joined the Indians in some of their raids, and
confessed to having killed a white woman. He was
among those who surrendered themselves to Gen. Sib-
ley's command, and was convicted and executed at
Mankato, with the others.
"Being thus left alone up stairs, and my wounds be
coming painful, I threw myself upon a bed, expecting,
if I did not very soon die, that the Indians would come
* His name was Paulito Osier, once a pupil of the writer, and by her taught tho
first rudiments of education. lie was now a clerk in Forbes' store.
58 DAKOTA WAK WHOOP.
up and dispatch, me. While lying there, I could hear
distinctly, all that was going on below.
"I soon learned, from their conversation, that they
were afraid to follow me up stairs, as they had the im
pression that I was standing at the head of the stairs,
with a gun. There were four cases of double barreled
shot guns, and one case of rifles, in the upper story, of
which they were aware. They proceeded to open the
boxes and bales of goods and to carry them out They
appeared very anxious to get at the guns, but would
not come up, each one fearing to be the first one up, as
they supposed he would be shot. They talked of firing
the building. Fearing this, I arose quietly, and took
off my shoes, and took a bed-cord and attached one end
to the bed-post, and carried the other end to one of the
windows, which I raised. I thought if they did apply
the torch, I would lower myself to the ground and take
the chances of being shot again, rather than to be burnt
to death. About this time, an Indian called out to me,
from below, to come down, that I should not be hurt,
or, as he expressed it, 'you shall live.' I went to the
door, but not recognizing him, refused to go down. I
had been in tight places before, among the Indians of
the plains, but a kind providence had always watched
over me, and delivered me safely, and I now put my
trust in that same Power, to deliver me from this most
dangerous situation.
"Thus matters stood, and things began to look des
perate, when I heard a well known, and to me, most
welcome voice, shouting my name from below. I rec-
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 59
ognized the voice at once, and hastened to the door,
and called him up. I was saved for the present, at any
rate. It was the voice of my Indian comrade, Wa-kin-
yan-tu-wa, (Chaska.) We had been intimate friends
and comrades for the past ten years, and he happened
to hear that I was wounded, but still living, and hast
ened to where I was, to save me, if possible. When
he came up, several others followed him, some of whom
took me by the hand, and appeared to be very sorry
that I had been hurt. My friend asked me 'if I was
badly hurt, and if I thought I would die.' I replied, I
did not know, but that my wounds were very painful
He then said that he would take me home with him,
and cure me, if he could, and if I died, he would bury
me like a white man.
"He then assisted me in getting down stairs, when
several Indians cried out, 'kill him ! kill him ! show
mercy to none! spare no American!' &c., when my
friend, who was unarmed, seized a hatchet that was
lying near by, and declared that he would cut down the
first one who tried to do me any further injury. Wa-
kin-yan-tu-wa had always been noted for his bravery
on the war-path against the Chippewas, and they knew
that he was not to be trifled with. Said he, 'this is my
friend and comrade ; we have been comrades for ten
years, and if you had killed him before I got here, of
course I could have said nothing, but now that I have
seen him, I will protect him or die with him.
"They then suffered him to pass out After getting
out of the house, he gave me in charge of a couple of
60 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
squaws, and told them to take care of me while he got
a wagon to carry me home. His lodge was about four
miles above, at Little Crow's village. After putting me
in the wagon, he ordered the squaws to take me home,
saying that he would be along in a few minutes. We
were stopped on the way three or four times, by armed
Indians, on horse-back, who would ride up to the wagon,
and demand 'what that meant.'* Upon being told, by
the squaws, that 'this is Wa-kin-yan-tu-wa's friend, and
he has saved his life,' we were allowed to pass on, and
reached the lodge in safety.
"My friend soon came home with some roots, with
which, after washing me, he dressed my wounds, which
were, by this time, exceedingly painful. Several of the
Indians came in to see me, and to talk over their
wrongs, (?) &c., and the reasons why they had declared
war.
"Little Crow, with whom I had been personally ac
quainted for many years, came in to see me frequently,
and assured me that I need have no fears, that I should
be well treated, and thought that I could be very use
ful to him as soon as I recovered from my wounds.
This professed friendship, however, did not last long,
for my friend utterly refused to join in the war against
the whites Little Crow attributed it to my influence
over him and they frequently quarreled in regard
to the disposition that was to be made of me."
* This was the first adult male captive whose life was saved, and the only one.
CHAPTER IX.
U. S. TKOOPS CUT TO PIECES.
At the time of the outbreak, only eighty men, all told,
garrisoned Fort Ridgley, which was distant from Eed
Wood twelve miles. At nine o'clock, the first breath
less refugee had told them of the awful slaughter, and
one-half of the command, with Capt. Marsh, post com
mander, were hastily moving toward the scene of car
nage.
At noon, they approach the ferry, but all is as quiet
as death, with which they are surrounded. Not a red
skin is to be seen. The ferry boat is on the other side,
and the ferryman killed. There is no means of cross
ing the river, and they wait in consultation, and doubt
how to proceed. The ambushed Indians, all stained
with blood of the slain, see their dilemma, and lose no
time in wily movements to surround them. Crawling
through grass and bushes to a bend above, they get
across the river in canoes, and by moving unperceived
by the troops, till sending one forward with instructions
to detain them in friendly conversation through In
terpreter Quinn, whom they beckoned to their aid till
the adroit manoeuvre is successful. Then a galling, a
terrible fire is poured upon them from both sides of
the river. In panic they broke and run, but twenty-
six of their number fell, to rise no more. Capt. Marsh,
Ct
62 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
a brave man, but bewildered by the unexpected on
slaught, rushed into the river, sword and pistol in hand,
as his only means of escape. Whether his death was
occasioned by an enemy's ball or by drowning, is
not known. He was carried down by the current, and
one month later was found among driftwood, one mile
below, his body in a remarkable state of preservation.
He had been stripped of his coat and sword, which
had been worn and flourished by the defiant savage, as
testified by Spencer.
The remnant of the command, fourteen in number,
reached the Fort by different routes during the day,
where the wildest alarm now reigned. Eefugees,
many of whom were wounded, and all torn, worn and
weary had come in, to the number of five hundred.
The stock of ammunition was small ; their leader dead,
and only thirty men capable of bearing arms. What
was to be done in case of attack, which might come,
any moment ? It was a question to be tested ! He
who "is stronger than the strong man armed," taught
them, most emphatically, in the lessons which follow
ed "that the race is not the swift nor the battle to
the strong."
With the other events of the day to be chronicled, was
the arrival of the long-delayed annuities, but for the
delay of which, the trouble would have been postponed
or prevented. It is but personal justice, however, to say,
that the delay was unavoidable, "the powers that be"
having had much trouble in purchasing the gold, for
such was the treaty stipulation, and with no other funds
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DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 63
would they be satisfied. This having been forfeited,
their treaty, annulled by their own base hands, it is
needless to say, never went to the Agency.
The reader will recollect, that some two weeks pre
vious to the general outbreak, Lieut. Sheehan, with
one hundred men, had been ordered to Yellow Medi
cine, that their armed presence might awe into quiet,
the hordes of Indians awaiting "payment." From
thence he had been ordered to attend Commissioner
Dole, in efforts to make a treaty with the Eed Lake
Indians. So, when the blow was struck, the match
ignited so soon to produce a conflagration, the glare of
which would be seen all over the State, yea, and na
tion, he was forty miles away in rapid march north
ward
Orders were dispatched for his return, and his men
hurried through most of the way on "double quick,"
and providentially arrived at the Fort on Tuesday
noon, Aug. 19th, having made the distance in 9 1-2
hours. The command now, by the death of Capt.
Marsh, devolved on Lieut. Sheehan, and how nobly
and how well he performed his duty, we shall soon
see. The mantle of the lamented dead fell not on
unworthy or unfitting shoulders.
The morning previous to the outbreak, Maj. Gal-
braith, government agent, who apprehended no more
trouble, had left his family and post to raise the com
pany of Eenville Hangers, had reached the Fort, fifty
strong. When tidings of the outbreak reached them,
they were on the way to Fort Snelling, to be mustered
64 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
into the volunteer service of the general government,
in response to the first three hundred thousand call.
Thus in one day was that little handful, unexpected
ly when hope was well nigh sinking, re-enforced by
one hundred men, ready for action. Without these,
the Fort must have fallen, and an unparalleled massa
cre have ensued.
For days, Maj. Galbraith continued in the active
discharge of duty, writhing with intense desire for the
fate of his family, whom he had little doubt had shared
in the general massacre. This gave intensity to his
efforts to meet the foe, and vigor to his arm when the
siege had commenced. He would avenge their death !
He would mete to them the full reward of their doings.
But, fortunately, these, after many days, were heard
from. They had made their escape mid dangers thick
around them, and now the husband and father hears
of them in St. Paul.
CHAPTER X.
YELLOW MEDICINE.
The settlement at Yellow Medicine is emphatically
a farming community, the country for miles being laid
off in eighty acre farms, on which are comfortable
houses and other buildings. The owners are "farmer
Indians," and this is the encouragement which govern
ment gives to all who will adopt the customs and
habits of the whites. Here at Hazelwood, was the
Mission station of Rev. Mr. Biggs ; and here, in their
little chapel, on Sunday, while the Acton tragedy was
being enacted, was celebrated the supper of our Lord
and Savior, of which several Indians partook. We
speak of this here, because these persons, thus remem
bering Him, were so soon to act an all-important part
in the temporal salvation of their white neighbors.
One mile below this point was the Mission house, of
Rev. Dr. Williamson, of whom the writer has many
pleasant and almost fraternal remembrances ; and,
three miles below this, the Agency, with all the gov
ernment buildings and the dwellings of other citizens.
Here, the "upper Indians" came, annually to pay
ment, and here, in addition to those residing here, they
were now gathered, to the number of several thousand,
for this purpose.
Secure, as in months agone, the people had slept
66 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
that ni.glit, and the morning dawned as others, bright
and beautiful, full of hope and promise, for there were
no premonitions of danger. They knew not that all
day long the council fire in the Dakota encampment,
the same which, two weeks before, had withdrawn its
threatening atittude, burned with fearful brilliancy ;
that their great captain, the Devil, had stirred the de
moniac spirit in their hearts, till the war-spirit was
sending its lightning flashes from their eyes, and mad
dening them for the onset. He had instigated them
simultaneously to strike the blow of extermination, and
duped them into the belief that they were fully ade
quate to the task. Then they should be a great and
mighty people, like the "big knives" (Americans.)
Other tribes would see and admit their greatness when
the tree of prosperity should wave over them, and
they would have no need of war, for their acknowl
edged power would forever keep their enemies in awe.
John Other-Day, the Christian name of one seated in
that council, was, four years before, a miserable drunken
Indian ; now his very presence seemed a terror to those
inclined to evil. What had wrought the change?
Hear what he saith : "It is the religion of Jesus Christ
alone ; but for this, I should have been the bloodiest of
the murderers." Who shall gainsay the power of the
living vital principle which can so tame the savage
heart ?
His dress was now the white man's, and by his side sat
a white woman, whom he had brought from Washing
ton to be "the Indian's bride" and the light of his
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 67
home, which had been transformed from a bark lodge
to a comfortable brick house. He urged them to heed
no more the muttering war thunders, but listen to the
good spirit rapping at their hearts, and patiently await
their annuities, and then return peaceably to their
homes, adopt the customs and industrious habits of
the whites, and the religion which the missionaries
preached, so would they be prosperous and happy.
Though he could not prevent, he evidently delayed
the decision.
Just as sunset's rosy tints were thrown athwart the
sky, a horseman, with flashing eye, flowing hair and
blood-stained blanket, rode up to the council circle.
Intuitively they understand the message he brings.
Every determined warrior springs to his feet and clutch
es his musket. The work of destruction has com
menced. Eed Wood is a heap of smouldering ruins.
Other-Day waits to hear no more. Taking his wife by
the arm, he moves in the direction of the Agency,
and loses no time in warning all of their danger.
In obedience to his directions, sixty two persons flee
to the Agency warehouse, a strong brick building, for
safety. Around this building, with four others, he
keeps faithful watch all that anxious night
Still outside of these, a hostile guard was set, with
the supposed intent of dispatching them and attacking
the building, at the moment when came the signal for
general attack. But the Almighty Kuler thwarted
their purposes, and permitted these sixty- two persons
to escape, and saved the populace alive.
68 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
At the sombre gray of dawn, the sharp crack of
musketry was heard, followed by loud and triumphant
yells. The hostile guard yell in fiendish response, and
run for their share of the booty. The attack was on
the government stores, and richest spoils awaited those
soonest on the ground Their preconcerted signal had
failed, through venal desire. By this bold dash, their
own hands were greatly strengthened, the hand of re
sistance weakened. At the two Agencies, during these
two days, they took some twenty tons of ammunition
to aid in their deadly work.
Seeing the coast clear, Other-Day and his party has
tily prepare for evacuation of their night's quarters.
The sixty-two persons, with a small amount of pro
visions, were crowded into live wagons, and before the
sun had arisen, they had looked their last on their
pleasant homes and the scenes which association had
rendered dear.
From Tuesday morn till Friday noon they wandered
over the prairie, with little rest for man or beast, when
they found themselves directly opposite the Lower
Agency, only thirty eight miles in advance of their
starting point. They had desired, on crossing the
river, to take the main road to the Fort, to which
Other-Day would not listen, and refused to act longer
as their protector, unless they yielded to his wish.
Events proved the wisdom of his choice, and the only
course by which they could have escaped massacre.
We regard John Other-Day as one having this espe
cial mission to fulfill, as one whose heart the Lord had
JOHN OTHER DAY.
(The Christian Indian.)
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DAKOTA WAK WHOOP. 71
prepared to act this very part in the bloody drama. A
full week had passed before all were safely housed
with friends at various points at the lower settlements,
truly grateful for their escape, and anxious for the fu
ture.
Mr. Grarvie, a pioneer and for several years a trader
at Yellow Medicine, inclined not to credence of the
reports brought to him at an early hour, and at all
events resolved to stay and defend his property to the
last ; but before many hours, he found reality in the
alarm, and all night vigorously defended himself and
his barricaded building. He listened not to their fre
quent calls to surrender, and was finally hit by a ball
fired in at a window. He escaped from the rear of
the building and reached the warehouse, about a half
a mile distant, where Other-Day and his party were
convened. His wounds aroused them to a keener
sense of their danger. Before the terminus of their
eventful journey, the sufferings of Mr. Garvie became
so great they were obliged to leave him in the care of
a friend, wliere death soon came to his release.
CHAPTER XL
THE FAMILY OF AN OLD SETTLER TAKEN CAPTIVES.
Joseph R Brown was one of the earliest adven
turers in the then undefined limits of Minnesota, He
has acted a conspicuous part in the various settlements,
and, understanding the language perfectly, had often
been an important agent in the adjustment of Sioux
matters. His wife is a full-blood Sioux, whose mother
still lives with her tribe. His present residence is a
few miles below Yellow Medicine, and his family, at
the time of the outbreak, numbered fourteen. Most of
his children had been pupils of the writer when he re
sided in St. Paul, and therefore it was with no ordinary
emotion that we received tidings of the massacre of
the entire family. Mr. Brown himself, returning from
the East, read the same in a St Paul daily, while on
board a steamer, and knew not to the contrary, till in
the vicinity, he learned instead they were captives in
savage hands.
On Monday, the 18th, Miss Ellen Brown went to
see her grandmother at Yellow Medicine, and was by
her informed and warned of the bloody intent. She
returned home in alarm, but the family discredited it,
to find it too sure on the following morning. It was
earnest and hasty work then. Two teams were got
ready, and they started for the Fort. Angus Brown,
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 73
Jharles Blair, his brother-in-law, and hired man, re
mained to see the way things were going, and follow
on horseback. They were joined by two men who had
crossed the river and come upon them unawares. Ap
prehensive that the enemy might approach them in the
same way, they turned the cattle loose and started on
after the family. Blair rode ahead, and overtook them at
Patterson's Rapids, where they were prisoners in the
hands of about twenty Indians. This savage party
averred they had as yet shed no blood, and did not
wish to begin there, as all of these, except Mr. Blair,
were allied to them by blood. They shook hands
with him in a mock friendly manner, ordered him to
dismount, appropriating his horse to their own use.
The balance of the equestrian party, re-enforced by
other refugees, were also taken prisoners, and from some
strange freak the men allowed to go on with the rigid
injunction "to speak to no one on the way" the first
instance where men in their power were left unharmed,
which was owing to Sioux blood.
As the captive party proceed, half bewildered by
the rapidly occurring events, and half doubting the
reality of their experience, they are startled to its full
consciousness by the sight of three dead mangled bod
ies. They, too, might be awaiting a like fate !
After various erratic movements on the part of their
captors, they were taken to the top of Red Wood hill,
and there compelled to listen to a discussion as to the
disposition to be made of them. An old Indian woman,
seeing their danger and desirous to save them, got off the
74 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
Browns, by secret manoeuvre, to Little Crow's village,
and into an upper room of the chiefs house.
Here they remained, trembling with apprehension,
till a late hour in the evening, when Little Crow him
self came up, and kindly shook hands with all. Evi
dently, on his part, there was no hostile design. But
he shook his head when Mrs. Brown spoke of ransom,
and would not listen to it or encourage the hope.
He, however, assured them, they should all, except
Blair, be safe from hostile hands, but refused to insin
uate his destiny. He evidently wished his escape, and
it was to facilitate this that he blew out the light be
fore going down stairs. Little Crow went off into the
village, and a young Indian soon came whom he had
commissioned to aid Blair in escaping. Hasty prepa
rations followed, which left him "shaven and shorn,"
as well as blackened and blanketed. Several times,
suspicious ones tried to pull his blanket from his face,
as he followed his guide through their village. When
two rods beyond its limits, he was told- to "go," and
needed not a second bidding.
That night he went into a marsh, where, for half a
day, he floundered in the mud, and then lay in the tall
grass for four days, eating only two crackers, which the-
old squaw had given him when he left. Whenever he
raised his head to reconnoitre, he held grass before his
face an Indian trick, but for which he would have
been seen, for the woods around were filled with them.
On the fifth day he crossed the river, keeping under
cover of a log which he pushed before him, and at
night reached the Fort in safety.
CHAPTER XII.
THE PANIC.
Despite the unbelief evinced in the "Introduction,"
the reader has seen it was not all a "scare," and a cer
tain fertility of imagination enabled me to take a
bird's eye view of the arena of three hundred miles,
while the heart pulsates with fear for the safety of the
enactors.
In every direction are seen men, women and children
with streaming hair, en dishabille, or garments rent
and torn, perhaps blood-stained, in wild confusion fly
ing from the theatre of actual danger. Horsemen,
frightened out of their wits, are flying through the
country, giving the alarm, perhaps when there is no
cause for it, and the people "flee for their lives," as if
a dozen Indians were at their heels, and their toma
hawks raised above their heads. Mothers go one way,
children another, while perhaps the husband and father
hides himself from sheer fright, or becomes powerless
for action from the same cause. Some hide in the tall
prairie grass; some seek the covert of the woods;
some rush to the river and take to the nearest water
craft they see, and others fly to the nearest village, to
find it quite evacuated, and feel themselves compara
tively safe in the deserted houses they enter.
One instance we know of, and were assured there were
76 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
not a few of the same order, where a mother, alone
with four children, was preparing them for bed, A
messenger called from without, that "the Indians
would soon be upon them, and were murdering all in
their way." The children were almost nude at the
moment, the mother but little in advance of them and
barefooted, threw one child over her shoulder, took her
babe in her arms, bade the others, one on each side, to
hold to her skirt, and thus, though raining hard,
she ran eight miles, never laying down her burden or
stopping for breath, while she saw an Indian on every
stump, and a blanket in every bush ; and this where
there was not then an Indian within a hundred miles
of them.
I hope my reader will not indulge a smile, audible
or otherwise, at this panic scene, for "I myself" con
fess to a feeling akin to this, even though a citizen of
St. Paul, a hundred miles or more away, though with
no disposition to run. I wished to see it out, and then
write it in a book for you to see what we suifered, my
good friend. I had been over all this arena, and I
knew the Indian from an acquaintance of fifteen years,
and I knew no good of him. Now, the least street
alarm would unseal the eye-lids and bring my nerve-
quivering body to the window, for the Indians might
even come here, and so cat-like were their movements,
that the town might be half destroyed before an alarm
was sounded ! Many families actually went "below,"
while those from "above" were rushing here for safety.
Do you remember, reader, of the horrid "scare sto-
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 77
ries" of the nursery, about the Indians, and of the after
lessons of our school books, and how the impression
of terror mixed in the mind with the very name of
Indian ? You would have run then at the sight of a
passive Indian, and these impressions were now hav
ing their fruition of fear. You, no doubt, would have
done the same.
But it was not every where thus. Far up the valley,
the alarm started, and like a wild tornado, it rushed on,
till every house was filled in all the villages of this so
lately quiet and beautiful valley ; every strong build
ing was barricaded, and hastily put in the best possible
state for defense. Arms and ammunition of all kinds
were concentrated with all speed, and brave hearts,
men, yes MEN of will and purpose, resolved to do or
die.
Still they come, those worn and weary refugees :
One mother has dropped her darling infant by the
wayside, and being hotly pursued, could not stop to
recover it. A child has seen its parents, perhaps both,
fall beneath a murderous bullet or tomahawk, and
barely escape with life. Alas, "there is no more room
in the inn ;" in many hamlets, every house is an inn,
and every woman a nurse, and, pitiable to relate, not a
few are obliged to turn from what would gladly have
been a friendly shelter to the covert of bushes, and
the protection of Him who "carries the lambs in his
bosom," and to the ministrations of those who
"Walk the. earth unseen,
Both when we sleep and when we wake."
78 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
On the more remote boundaries, red lights darted
athwart the sky in the night time, and dense pillars of
smoke obscured the sun in the day the light and
smoke of burning houses and ripened grain-fields.
As if to add to one night of terrific horror, a storm
of thunder and lightning, and wind and rain, fell on
those shelterless ones, so lately in the homes of com
fort Yivid flashes made the darkness visible, felt
almost, as in Egypt in the day of the plagues. It is
no fiction, no fancy sketch, reader, nor was it a single
instance, but innumerable, that when the heavens
cleared, when the sun again rose on these roofless
mothers, it rose, also, for the first time, on a new exist
ence. A new life, a being of immortal destiny was
folded in the arms and feebly clasped to the bosom of
that mother. Yes, during surroundings like the above,
many a child was born ; many a sad-hearted mother
prayed the angels would take it before it should know
sorrow or be left to die from starvation and cruel want,
or worse, to fall into the hands of the merciless sav
age.
Let the plate be adjusted so as to take in the scene
entire ; let the skillful artist daguerreotype the same in
an actual life view, would it all be told ? Ah, no !
none but the Divine Artist can daguerreotype the
heart throbs, and mental and physical throes in these ter
rible days of panic and fright Faithfully registered
in heaven, it is kept for the wonder and admiration of
the angels ! Every pang is numbered, "every tear is
bottled," for the future healing of those suffering
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 79
hearts, on whom the calamity fell, not in righteous in
dignation and judgment, as on some.
True, much of the above described panic occurred
where there was no immediate or present cause for it ;
yet it cannot be wondered at Fresh excitement was
constantly imparted by continual arrivals, as was new
vigor to the flight by the fears which accumulated at
every step. With all who participated in the panic,
the cause to them was real. They suffered equally, in
mind, with those who were flying from the actual mur
derous scenes, for such there were, as the reader has
seen and shall presently see. They believed them to
follow close in the wake of those who told the tale.
In short, to be just upon them ; hence, like the snow
ball gathering bulk and power as it rolls over the in
clined plain, did this panic-ball roll on, depopulating
the whole country in its course.
During that memorable Monday, Aug. 18th, the In
dians ranged over Brown county, elated with the pre
vious day's success, carrying death and carnage wher
ever they went Those who here escaped their mur
derous hands, rushed to the charming little town of
New Ulm, and, added to the population, made about
2,000 souls.
Gov. Eamsey, in his message to the Legislature,
soon after convened, says, "Brown county, adjacent to
the Sioux Keservation, has felt the worst effects of
this calamity. It was peopled chiefly by Germans,
and their neat cottages and fine farms gave evidence
of the superior thrift and industry which distinguish
80 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
this class of our foreign-born citizens. Driven from
their homes, their property destroyed or plundered,
robbed even of their household goods many of them
mourning wives, husbands, children and parents mur
dered their beautiful and busy town of New Ulm,
and their own homes a blackened heap of ruins:
these poor fugitives, many of whom cannot speak our
language, are especially deserving our Sympathies."
"In all probability, not less than 30,000 are involved,
directly or indirectly, in the loss of life or loss of pro
perty, from pillage, destruction, or abandonment," and
the details of each family or individual experience
would make a volume of thrilling interest
CHAPTER XIH.
ATTACK ON NEW ULM.
Fifteen miles below Kidgley, on the opposite side of
the Minnesota river, at the mouth of the Cottonwood,
was the neat little town of New Ulm, containing about
1,500 inhabitants. Nature had furnished an inviting
site and been lavish with charms on the surroundings.
Sad to say, a class of infidel Germans were first at
tracted by its beauty were first to build here their
homes. The original proprietors had stipulated that
no church edifice should ever "disgrace its soil," under
penalty of returning to the former owners. Thus,
with no religious restraints, they became strong in
wickedness, defiant of the restraints of the Gospel,
and resolved that no minister should be allowed to
live among them. One they drove from the place, and
another was annoyed in every possible way. Even
private Christians could not live in peace. They built
a dancing hall, and the Sabbaths were spent in drink
ing and dancing. Wealth had rolled into their cof
fers, and they said, "our own hands have gotten it."
As the crowning act of their ungodliness, some of the
"baser sort" paraded the streets one bright Sabbath
day, while Heaven was preparing the "vials of wrath"
at Acton, bearing a mock figure, purporting to repre
sent our blessed Savior, and labeled with vile and
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82 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
blasphemous mottoes ; and the closing scene of the
day was burning him in effigy.
Scarcely had the smoke of their unholy doings
ceased to rise, as if calling for Heaven's vengeance,
when, panic-struck, the enactors hide themselves as if
from the wrath of the Almighty. The pleadings and
threats of women to protect their homes were alike
unavailing. New Ulm was doomed. The dance hall
escaped the general conflagration, where "the wrath of
man was made to praise Him," in being afterward used
for worship by the troops stationed there. Yes, He
who was here so lately derided and crucified afresh,
was now worshipped and adored.
Kecruiting for the volunteer service, some of its cit
izens found, on Monday afternoon, several dead bodies,
horribly mutilated, a few miles back of town. Hasten
ing home to give the alarm, this party was fired upon
by Indians in ambush, some of their number and two
horses killed. The panic, increased by the constant
arrival of refugees, who had barely escaped the bullet,
the knife or tomahawk, became terrible.
In expectation of an immediate attack, no man for
the emergency was near. A few there were, brave,
God-fearing men, who stood firm and unscared, ready
to confront the danger, with a suitable leader.
Midway between St. Peter and Traverse, which are
separated only by a school section, is the mansion of
Judge Flandrau, forty miles from New Ulm. On Tues
day morning, while it was yet dark, the Judge was
aroused by a violent rapping at his door. The start-
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 83
ling news needed no repetition. Rapid movements en
sued. Preliminaries were arranged for advanced ac
tion ; the care of wife and child committed to an invalid
relative from New York City, with peremptory orders
to make the best time with a nag whose travelling
qualities never won him a reputation for "fast," till
past the line of danger. By noon of that day, his own
house was closed, and he, with a company of one hun
dred and fifty men, true as steel, and of the best mettle,
was ready to march to the "seat of war."
At four o'clock the same day, the dreaded assailants,
three hundred strong, besieged the town. The entire
population were huddled together, in houses, inside of
two squares, and utterly powerless, from fright, when
the first volley was fired Fortunately, a party of
eighteen men had preceded the main body from St
Peter, but vain were their efforts to rally the panic-
stricken citizens. The Indians had first fired with long
range guns, from the top of the table-land, and while
they were advancing, this brave little body hastily or
ganized and advanced to meet the skulking foe, who
were now intrenched behind buildings, pouring their
murderous volley into the town. The sure aim and
true steel of these defenders of those who would not
defend themselves, was made, in turn, to tell, and sev
eral red skins "bit the dust" in mortal agony. A man
and woman, running through the street, to seek better
security, were killed, and these were all who met death
in this encounter. To increase the panic, and add to
the horrors of the scene, several buildings were on fire,
84: DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
some of which were fired by the enemy, and others by
friends, in order to get a better shot at the foe.
At six o'clock, Judge Flandrau arrived, to the great
joy and relief of those who preceded him. His cavalry
charged at once, drove them back, killing twelve or
fifteen. The Indians, seeing they had encountered
more than their match, gather up their dead, and retire
from the field
At the end of these two awful and ever memorable
days, in which the soil of Minnesota drank the blood
of more than one thousand of her citizens, by savage
hands inflicted, eighty of these were in New Ulm and
the immediate vicinity, the list made up by the rem
nants of slain families, who had sought refuge in other
towns.
CHAPTER XIV.
ATTACK ON FORT RIDGLEY.
The thrilling events at Yellow Medicine, the weary-
prairie marches, neath a burning sun, the change of
programme in rapidly varying events, did not abate the
determined zeal of the young officer, on whom, now
that Capt. Marsh had fallen, devolved the command in
volving the temporal salvation of the post, and the
hundreds who had sought refuge there from the most
wily of human foes. Nature's sweet restorer, rest, was
forgotten food was scarcely taken into the account of
human needs, while the most active preparations to re
sist an attack went on. No little assistance was ren
dered by Mr. Wycoff, of the Indian department, hav
ing in charge their annuities on the way to the Agency,
accompanied by J. C. Ramsey, A. J. YanVorhes and
Maj. E. A. C. Hatch, since having been commissioned
with the celebrated Hatch's battallion doing active and
efficient service, for which it was originated.
So crowded was the garrison with refugees, that rigid
discipline had to be kept over the citizens, as well
as the soldiers, and the men were armed, or set to
work on the defenses. Those were anxious working
hours, greatly embarrassed by the presence of women
and children. But the energy of their brave leader
never failed him ; everywhere present, he cheered the
Dt
86 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
men in their work, infusing, throughout the ranks, his
own indomitable spirit, while the Supreme Kuler held
the savage hordes at bay, until they were comparatively
prepared to receive them. No knowledge could be ob
tained from the outer world, and they knew not of the
fearful work in progress at New Ulm, but were sure
that this news-calm was no precursor of good tidings,
and regarded the whole region as under savage
blockade.
Foiled in their first attack on the doomed city, in
censed by defeat, and thirsting for larger draughts of
blood, these demon besiegers haste over the intervening
space, designing a grand surprise, and capture of the
fort Very cautious and guarded was their approach,
with flowers and grass fastened into their turbaned
heads, that they might not be detected from the tall
weeds and grass. But the watchful eye of sentinels
discovered them on the west side of the fort, at noon,
on Wednesday, Aug. 20th. At one o'clock, they had
nearly surrounded them, and with horrid yells, poured
a volley into the garrison. Several crawled even to
the walls of a building, raised the windows, and fired
several shots at Mrs. Jones, wife of the Ordnance offi
cer, who was rescued from her fearful position by a
squad from Co. C., one of whom, Mark Grere, lost his
life, in the brave, soldierly act, for which the lives of
three Indians at once paid the forfeit.
The excitement was intense. Men rally, in haste, to
the conflict women and children scream, in uncon
trollable panic the big guns fail to work, and inves-
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 87
tigation finds them stuffed with rags, the work of four
half-breed soldiers, who had deserted, and gone over to
the Indians, and were now encouraging them in their
work of death. Had the courage of the assailants
been equal to the opportunity, they might have rushed
in, at this moment, and carried off, in triumph, the
scalp of every person there.
But Grod overruled the savages' purpose, and the
calm presence of mind which so characterized the com
mandant, through all this anxious siege, never, for a
moment, forsook him ; but, reckless of personal safety,
even when bullet showers were thickest, he passed from
post to post, cheering and encouraging his men, and
had the satisfaction of seeing one savage fall by his
own unerring aim. From the confusion came order,
and the leader's spirit was soon diffused through the
ranks, and every man stood firmly at his post A six
pound howitzer being ranged upon the foe, in the
hands of Sergeant Jones, did deadly work. Some
were seen to bound into the air, from its unwelcome
effects, and all, for that time, were scattered like autumn
leaves, in a strong wind. As darkness fell upon
the brave but besieged company, the foe gathered in
council so near, that the clamor of voices was heard,
all that weary, working night The day's battle had
been sharp, determined and persistent on the part of
the assailants ; as sharp, more cool and decided, on the
other. Two soldiers and two citizens killed, and one
wounded, was the sum total of the day's casualties to
the garrison.
88 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
The Fort buildings are mainly of wood, without walls
or fortification, erected more for the purpose of govern
ment storage than military defense, hence in constant
danger of being fired, as were also the citizens' build
ings without. Several ignited arrows were shot into the
roofs, but fortunately without effect A timely rain,
with thunder and fearful tempest, checked the night
work, and gave the handful of weary men within the
Fort, time to rally their failing strength and courage.
With no lightning speed had the news of the out
break gone to the Executive department. The Eden
Yalley of the Minnesota had not yet seen its first de
cade since it passed from savage to civilized hands,
from those who would now wrest it from its lawful and
just purchasers, and telegraph posts had not had time
to grow, even in this prolific soil. But messengers,
disguised as Indians, had crept forth from those walls,
and gone, with swiftest horse speed, demanding re-en
forcements.
Impatient of delay, and distrusting their own powers
of endurance, this struggling band continued daily, du
ring the five days they were besieged, to send forth a
"hurry up" for the relief desired.
Eveiy hour was full of the most intense anxiety.
If the battle ceased, it was only to be renewed with
greater vigor.
Women huddled together, in almost breathless fear,
children clung to their mothers in terror, and those too
young to understand its nature, seemed conscious of
impending danger. Sentinels stood on the "watch
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 89
tower" with eyes keenly alert, and ever and anon a spy
glass surveyed the direction whence re-enforcements
were expected to come ; officers and men stood at their
posts all that weary night, not doubting but the attack
would be renewed on Wednesday night. At daylight,
on Thursday, 21st, the attack was renewed, but was less
bold and spirited than on the previous day. The num
bers seemed depleted, which was probably owing, in
part, to losses of the previous battle, but more to scout
ing parties being out, plundering the country and ex
tending the work of death. The Indians retired, after
about four hours hard fighting, until six, when they
again renewed their work of death, continuing it for an
hour and a half, when, being warmly repulsed by our
troops, again retired, leaving the little struggling, heroic
band to another night of anxiety. Aside from an oc
casional alarm, nothing broke upon its quiet. It is sur
prising, how long and how much, in the face of danger,
men can endure, without rest 0, how eagerly they
waited re-enforcements, but still they came not
On Friday morning, the Indians seemed resolved on
one more desperate assault on the Fort, to retrieve the
advantage lost by the three previous attacks. In an
ticipation of this, strong breastworks had been com
menced, and though incomplete, afforded some protec
tion.
At mid-day, the enemy were seen advancing, at a
distance of two miles, in increased numbers, and all
mounted. The ravine surrounding the Fort, gave them
protection, till fully ready for action. For five hours,
90 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
bullets flew like hail, and the guns were one continuous
rattle; the battle was bitter and persistent In one
room, thirty-two balls were picked up, which had per
forated the walls. One who was there, says, "All our
previous engagements were as boys' play, in compar
ison with this. It was evidently expected to be the
last, on the part of the enemy, for they confidently de
signed a charge and a capture. The first volley, -dis
charged from the woods, the high reeds and out-build
ings, was perfectly terrific. It seemed that all the in
carnate fiends of hell were concentrated and let loose
upon this little band, with all the fierceness of infuri
ated demons, crazed for blood and plunder. The fire
was received with coolness, by our men, and returned
in the same spirit The officers and gunners were most
exposed, yet only one man was killed, and but four
wounded."
Too much praise cannot be awarded the officers and
gunners ; yea, every man in that seven days' sleepless
watch and engagement, deserves a commission of high
rank Sergeant Jones, doing deadly execution with
his big gun, really saved the post At one time, a
charging party was placed very near the fort, and the
half-breeds within, distinctly understood and interpret
ed the order "to charge on and seize the cannon." But
to thus charge with death, they had not the courage.
Early in the engagement, they had cut loose the
mules and horses in the government stables, and at
tempted to fire some outside buildings.
The writer above alluded to, A. J. Van Vorhes, fur-
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 91
ther says, under date of 25th, "After seeing themselves
foiled in taking the post, their next game was to burn
the barracks, in which are the government stores, the
families seeking protection, &c. A number of fire ar
rows were found on the roofs, but, fortunately, they
failed in their mission. Every preparation was made
for a night attack, but the severe lesson of the after
noon, or a care for their plunder, prevented.
"About six o'clock, Saturday morning, this body of
demons was seen approaching by the same route, but
continuing along the ravines, and under cover of hills
and woods, they passed by, most probably on their
way to New Ulm, or vicinity, from which direction the
fires of burning buildings were seen, all Saturday
night
"Since the battle of Friday, we have been undisturb
ed, but are in momentary expectation and preparation.
The weather, perhaps, has had something to do with it,
as we have had rain most of the day and night
"Some three hundred women and children are here,
for support and protection. This is a great embarrass
ment to the officers and soldiers. With them out of
the way, a great point would be achieved. When the
hospital becomes filled with them, as will be the case,
unless removed soon, our position will be distressing
indeed.
"What is the matter in St Paul and Fort Snelling?
Have re-enforcements been sent and cut off, or are we
to be sacrificed to indifference and apathy ? Let help
be sent in such force that it cannot be impeded. With
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this point in the hands of the enemy, the Mississippi
will share the universal desolation."
There was prompt response to the first note of alarm,
and yet they knew it not. Every hour was an age to
them. Lieut. Sheehan had written on the 21st : "We
can hold out but a little longer, unless re-enforced.
We are being attacked almost every hour. Our little
band is being decimated. We had hoped to be re-en
forced to-day, but as yet, hear of none coming."
Gov. Eamsey had hastened to Fort Snelling, where
the new regiments were rendezvoused, and ordered four
companies of the Sixth to march at once to the scene
of disturbance, under Hon. Henry H. Sibley, whose
long residence on the frontier, and thorough acquaintance
with Dakota character, especially qualified him for
the command to which he was designated. Seven
other companies soon followed, under Col. Crooks, with
orders to report to Col. Sibley.
We do not wonder that, in this severe siege, with
no rest, day or night, save, as every other man, in turn,
occasionally, in the lull of battle, slept on his arms a
few moments at a time, the eye grew weary with watch
ing, and the heart faint with waiting, and that, in this
anxious solicitude, they should feel themselves neglect
ed and uncared for. Hours were magnified into days,
and days into weeks, to them, while relief troops were
moving up the Minnesota valley.
'T was a foot-sore march. The men, many of them
just from the counting-room or law office, were not in
ured to hardness, Besides, there were unavoidable
DAKOTA WAK WHOOP. U3
delays, over which, the Colonel commanding had no
control. To meet the foe, unprepared, would be to
rush to unbidden death, and the rifles were found to be
useless, even in the hands of those most skillful in
their use ; therefore, they must camp at St Peter, till
the defect could be remedied, or others brought from
St. Paul. Two mounted companies, under command
of Col. McPhail, went forward and reached the Fort,
August 28, after the walls of the wooden buildings
were perforated "like the lid of a pepper-box," greatly
to the relief of the worn-out men, and enabled the half
starved refugees to go to a place of greater security.
The night of the 30th was the first of rest, to the
besieged party, for ten days. All now slept well, while
the re-enforcements stood guard.
The Minnesota Third, a brave and gallant band as
ever "sighted" rebels, was surrendered by their officer
in command, to which they never assented, at Murfrees-
boro, Tenn., in July, 1862. They were at once paroled,
the officers remaining prisoners of war. This well dis
ciplined regiment was deemed a desirable force for fron
tier emergency ; hence, a request from the Executive
Department, to the War Department, responded to by
prompt "orders" to report at Fort Snelling. On the
day of their departure from the south, an "exchange"
was effected with the rebel powers, and so they entered
the home field, untrammeled by the shackles of parole.
To the Third was added the Seventh, which reported
as before mentioned, so that Col. Sibley moved on to
the fort, with a force of fifteen hundred men, where he
94 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
arrived August 31st But he found not an Indian to
oppose him, though tokens of their doings everywhere
met the eyes, and their dingy smoke wreaths had not
yet ceased to rise from the ruins. Ghastly dead men
lay here and there on the prairies, their bodies far ad
vanced in decomposition, torn and fed on by hogs and
prairie wolves, and tainting the air with their vapor.
That night they were saluted by a few shots from the
foe, with no serious effect.
"We close this chapter with the record of Lieut Shee-
han's promotion to a captaincy of the Company he so
gallantly led, in the seven days of peril, a merited hon
or, awarded by Governor Eamsey, 26th Sept ; and
thereafter his military skill found wider scope on the
tented fields of the South, in combat with a rebel foe.
May his well- won laurels ever be green, and his name,
indelible on the scroll of fame, never receive ambition's
taint, but like the burnished gold, be reflecting more
glory, when children's children shall recount, with
pride, the valor and achievements of Thomas J. Shee-
han.
m
CHAPTER XV.
SECOND AND FINAL ATTACK ON NEW ULM.
During those fearful and anxious days, while the
engagement was going on at Fort Ridgley, this doomed
village was unmolested. The time was well appre
ciated in intrenching their position, burying their dead,
and in sending out scouting parties in various direc
tions. One of these brought in thirteen persons who
had secreted themselves in a slough to escape massa
cre.
The route of the Indians from the Fort was marked
by the burning of buildings, the fires of which were
seen at New Ulm, and intimated their approach to
those preparing for their reception. When four
miles in the distance, the foe were seen, and soon
drove in the pickets, but all, save the still panic-struck
inhabitants, rallied for defense. On they come, in all
their fierce savage majesty. From twelve to five
o'clock, the battle raged in the most approved style of
savage warfare. With the rapidity of thought, they
dodged from house to house, fifteen of which, in less
than half an hour, were in flames, picking their man
as they went Their arms were the best, and their aim
deadly.
The commander-in-chief, Judge Flandrau, was, dur
ing all these terrible hours, in a dense shower of leaden
98 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
hail, cool, discreet and determined, constantly among
"the boys," cheering them on, and these performed
their part equally as well. More and more desperate
the enemy become ! Captain Dodd, well known in
the State, makes an imprudent effort to drive them
back by a mighty charge. Hiding forward of the
breastwork, shouting to his comrades, "come on," he
becomes the target. His body is pierced by five balls,
but heroically he keeps his saddle till he fell in the
arms of his own people.
"At five o'clock was the turning point in the strug
gle. Now it seemed as if the Indians would capture
the town. The remarkable gallantry of Judge Flan-
drau alone prevented this result, and a massacre, which
for magnitude would have been without a parallel in
the history of Indian warfare. He rallied his men,
and, charging at their head, drove them out of the
brush at the lower end of the town, the point whence
they had inflicted the greatest injury upon the gar
rison.
"All night the burning of houses continued. Oc
casional guns were fired till ten, when they fell back,
formed into three great parties, and had war dances,
shouting and singing during the night."
During the fight, ten men were killed, and nearly
fifty wounded. Theirs were carried from the battle
field, and the number not known supposed to be not
less than forty killed.
"As morning dawned, the enemy again came dash
ing over the prairie, 'spoiling for a fight,' and great
DAKOTA WAK WHOOP. 99
indeed was their chagrin and surprise to find their
breastwork but a few smouldering ashes. They gath
ered at the east end of the town, and seemed to be
consulting what course to pursue. Finally, they col
lected a large drove of cattle, of which there were
plenty all around them, and moving these as a breast
work, again advanced. But the cattle were not to be
allied to such chaps, and soon commenced to make
tracks for other parts, and the enemy, finding himself
perfectly thwarted, skedaddled."
As these took up their line of march for parts un
known, they formed a train four miles long, of cattle,
farm horses, and wagons, loaded with valuable booty,
and several elegant "turn-outs." No wonder that,
jubilant with success, they had made the night hideous
with dance and song.
The next order in the programme of arrangements,
was the evacuation of New Ulm. The entire region
above, and on either hand, was desolated, depopulated,
one-half of the town destroyed, and had it been safe
to do so, there was no inducement for the people to
remain.
Just one week had now passed since the first intima
tion of the rise of savage ire, and alas ! what an in
calculable amount of evil had been done. Where
peace, plenty, and content reigned, there were heard
now but the wails of anguished hearts, and seen but
the desolation of hopes, the utter annihilation of
earthly trust
It was a mournful cortege which, on that Monday
100 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
morning, Aug. 25, took up its line of march for Mankato,
twenty-five miles distant. Instead of ambulances for
the eighty wounded persons, some of whom were little
children, innocent of wrong, hacked and mangled in a
most shocking and brutal manner, they were conveyed
in hard running farm wagons, while scouting Indians
watched from a distance, but happily leaving them
undisturbed.
Such another company, perhaps, the world has never
seen. Such a march, history never recorded. Here
were mothers whose children, their shrieks still ringing
in their ears, had been slaughtered before their eyes,
strong men "shorn of their strength," who in one
day had passed from wealth to poverty, homes in
ashes, wife and children gone, some of whom wounded
had crept away into sloughs or bushes to die, wives
bereft of husbands, children of parents, the heads of
all bowed down in overwhelming grief and a sense of
utter destitution. For their protection, the glittering
bayonet gleamed, and yet a sense of the comparative
security was no relief to the bitter anxiety of heart
In two instances, actual insanity occurred.
CHAPTER XVI.
BATTLE OF NEW ULM OFFICIAL REPORT OF CAP
TAIN FLANDRAU.
ST. PETEE, August 27th, 1862.
His EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR ALEX. RAMSEY :
SIR : Events have transpired so rapidly, and my
time has been so taken up since my last communica
tion, that I cannot with certainty recall the condition
of things existing at its date, but believe I wrote you
almost immediately preceding the second attack upon
New Ulm, which occurred on Saturday last.
During the morning we discovered a succession of
fires on the Nicollet county side of the river, very near
the bluffs, approaching us from the direction of Fort
Ridgley. Our supposition was that the Fort had
fallen, and the Indians were moving down upon the
town, on that side of the river, to unite with another
party on the side we were occupying.
As they increased in numbers very rapidly, I thought
it best to send a detachment over to ascertain the de
sign of the enemy, and if possible' give him a check
on that side of the river. Lieut Huey, of Traverse
des Sioux, volunteering to perform the service, I de
tailed seventy-five men with him, and they crossed at
the ferry opposite the town, about nine o'clock, A. M.
Very shortly alter their departure, the Indians were
102 DAKOTA WAR WHOOP.
discovered issuing from the woods above the town, in
large numbers, and assembling upon the prairie.
I at once posted all my available force upon the
open prairie, outside the town, about half a mile at
some points, and at a greater distance towards the
point at which I conceived the attack would be made,
determining to give them battle in the open field,
where I conceived would be our greatest advantage.
At nearly ten A. M. the body began to move towards
us, first slowly, and then with considerable rapidity.
The men were encouraged by their officers to stand
firm and meet the attack, and all promised well. We
had in all, about two hundred and fifty guns, while the
Indians were variously estimated at from four to five
hundred. I fixed the number at not over three hun
dred and fifty.
Their advance upon the sloping prairie, in the bright
sunlight, was a very fine spectacle, and, to such inex
perienced soldiers as we all were, intensely exciting.
When within about one mile and a half of us, the
mass began to expand like a fan, and increase in the
velocity of its approach, and continued this movement
until within about double rifle shot, when it had cov
ered our entire front Then the savages uttered a ter
rific yell, and came down upon us like the wind. I
had stationed myself at a point in the rear, where com
munication could be had with me easily, and awaited
the first discharge with great anxiety, as it seemed to
me that to yield was certain destruction, as the enemy
would rush into the town and drive all before them.
DAKOTA WAR WHOOP. 103
The yell unsettled the men a little, and just before the
rifles began to crack, they fell back along the whole
line, and committed the error of passing the outer
houses without taking possession of them, a mistake
which the Indians immediately took advantage of by
themselves occupying them in squads of two, three,
and up to ten. They poured into us a sharp and rapid
fire, as we fell back, and opened from the houses in
every direction. Several of us rode up to the hill, en
deavoring to rally the men, and with good effect, as
they gave three cheers and sallied out of various
houses they had retreated to, and checked the advance
effectually. The firing from both sides then became
general, sharp and rapid, and it got to be a regular In
dian skirmish, in which every man did his own work
after his own fashion.
The Indians had spread out till they had got into
our rear, and on all sides, having the very decided ad
vantage of the houses on the bluffs which commanded
the interior of the town, with the exception of the
windmill which was occupied by about twenty of
the Le Sueur Tigers, and held them at long range. The
wind was from the lower part of the town, and this
fact directed the larger part of the enemy to that point,
where they promptly commenced firing the houses,
and advancing behind the smoke. The conflagration
became general in the lower part of the town on both
sides of the street, and the bullets flew very thickly,
both from the bluff and up the street. I thought it
prudent to dismount and direct the defense on foot.
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