DAKOTA CONFLICT OF 1862 MANUSCRIPTS COLLECTIONS:

The collections deal with such aspects of the U.S.-Dakota War as accounts of raids and killings, construction of fortifications, the siege of New Ulm, experiences of hostages taken by the Dakota, the release of many of them at Camp Release, experiences of soldiers who served as members of Minnesota infantry regiments in action against the Dakota, the execution at Mankato of 38 Dakota convicted of murder, and the subsequent Sibley and Sully punitive expeditions into western Minnesota and Dakota Territory. A few of the collections offer insight into the background and causes of the war.

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The collections are arranged alphabetically by the name of the principal participant about whom they contain information, who may or may not be the author of the materials.

These documents are organized into the following sections:

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Access Restrictions:

Originals are closed. Access and use requires the curator's permission. Please consult the reference staff for more information.

Preferred Citation:

[Indicate the cited item and/or series here]. Dakota Conflict of 1862 Manuscripts Collections. Minnesota Historical Society.

See the Chicago Manual of Style for additional examples.

Microfilm Production:

Saint Paul : Minnesota Historical Society, 1994.

Microfilm available on interlibrary loan, and for sale to Minnesota residents and institutions, from the Minnesota Historical Society. Inquiries regarding purchase by non-Minnesota residents and institutions should be directed to LexisNexis.

Provenance:

These collections were all received separately, or removed from groups of unrelated materials. Several were submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933.

Accession Information:

Accession numbers: Accession numbers for each specific collection within this compilation are noted within the detailed description for each collection.

Processing Information:

Catalog ID number: 990017165310104294

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Location

Reel

M582

1

Anderson, Joseph, 1826-1897. Reminiscence and report on the Battle of Birch Coulee, 1862, 1894. 3 items.

Scope and Contents: Captain Joseph Anderson's report of the actions of his men, Company A of the "Cullen Frontier Guards" (September 4, 1862), and his reminiscence of the battle (August 4, 1894; 44 pages). With cover letter from his daughter Anne C. Anderson to Jared Waldo Daniels, Faribault, Minnesota (August 13, 1894).

Accession Number: 1767G

Digital version

Diary of Sibley Expedition, 1863. 25 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Diary (June 16‑August 27, typed copy) kept by an unidentified soldier in the 7th Minnesota Infantry while on march with the Sibley Expedition through western Minnesota and the Dakota Territory as far west as the Missouri River. It reviews miles covered daily, geographic features, camp sites, and skirmishes with the Dakota Indians.

Accession Number: 6458

Digital version

Armsby, Lauren, 1817‑1904. Report of the chaplain of the 8th Regt., Minnesota Vols., for the month of May, 1864. 1864, 1909. 3 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Report on the 8th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment’s moral condition and the character of its members, submitted from a camp near Fort Ridgely. Accompanied by cover letters from Mrs. E. L. Armsby to John C. Cooper, Northfield, Minnesota (September 29, 1909) and from Cooper to David Lansing Kingsbury (October 4, 1909).

Accession Number: 1780EG

Digital version

Atkinson, James Benton. James Benton Atkinson diary, 1864. 16 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typed copy of Atkinson's diary (June 2‑September 26) kept while a scout with the 2nd Minnesota Brigade on Sully's expedition. It describes their march through Dakota Territory, particularly geographic features, skirmishes with the Dakota, campsites, and buffalo hunts.

Location of Originals: Original loaned for copying by James Atkinson, Litchfield, Minnesota.

Accession Number: 13912

Digital version

Bennett, Charles Ashley, 1845‑1921. Charles Ashley Bennett diary, 1865. 18 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Diary (typed copy) kept while on march with Brackett's Battalion through southern Minnesota, Iowa, and Dakota Territory (April 5‑October 8).

Typescript made by Elizabeth Stubbs.

Biographical Note: Bennett, a printer, served in Company I, 1st Regiment Mounted Rangers (1862‑1863) and Brackett's Battalion (1864‑1865). Following the war, he was employed by newspapers in Glencoe and Granite Falls, Minnesota.

Alternate Form of Material: A microfilm copy of the original handwritten diary is cataloged separately.

Accession Number: 6562

Digital version

Bertram, A. H. Reminiscence and incidents of Company E, 8th Minn. Vol. Inf. : being a sketch of the droll side of Army camp life in field and garrison from actual facts by one who was present, December 7, 1878. 19 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Written in poetic verse, the manuscript details Bertram's experiences from enlistment in the 8th Minnesota Infantry Regiment, Company E, through service on Sully's expedition. The author was a resident of Monticello, Minnesota, when he wrote the reminiscence.

Accession Number: 6060

Digital version

Blanchard, Dick E., 1851‑. Dick E. Blanchard reminiscence, July 5, 1933. 21 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Describes experiences in Monticello, Minnesota, during the U.S.-Dakota War. Submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933. Both an original and typed copy are present.

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

Borer, Felix Adolphus. Felix A. Borer letter, June 4, 1863. 1 leaf.

Scope and Contents: Letter to his wife, Laura, from Camp Pope (Minnesota), describing his service in the 7th Minnesota Infantry Regiment, Company K, during the war.

Accession Number: 4680

Digital version

Borer, Felix Adolphus. Felix A. Borer military commissions, 1862‑1863. 2 items.

Scope and Contents: Commissions as second lieutenant (August 21, 1862) and first lieutenant (February 24, 1863), 7th Minnesota Infantry Regiment, Company K.

Accession Number: 4680

Digital version

Brack, Christiana Hudson. Christiana H. Brack reminiscence, September 4, 1933. 5 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Mrs. David D. Brack recounts her flight from South Bend toward New Ulm (Minnesota), return to South Bend after sighting fires at New Ulm, and various experiences during the remainder of the U.S.-Dakota War. Submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933.

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

Rodange, Peter, Mrs. A midnight ride and a battle with Sioux Indians in Meeker County, 1933. 4 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Jesse Branham's daughter Louise Branham Rodange describes the family's flight from their Meeker County farm to Forest City, Minnesota, Jesse's midnight ride to warn troops at Acton of an impending Dakota Indian attack, and his injury while leading sixty men to the aid of the town of Hutchinson, Minnesota, during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933. Jesse Branham was later one of the founders of Litchfield, Minnesota.

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

Allanson, George Gray, 1871‑1959. Biographical data on Joseph R. Brown, undated and 1933. 3 items.

Scope and Contents: Allanson's pamphlet, "Stirring adventures of the Jos. R. Brown family: Description of the Old Manse near Sacred Heart, Minnesota, and events after its destruction," undated, as published in the Sacred Heart News, Sacred Heart, Minnesota (20 pages). It is accompanied by a cover letter submitting it to a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest (1933) and a typewritten article on Standing Buffalo, a Dakota (2 pages). Joseph R. Brown was a government agent at the Yellow Medicine Indian Agency, 1857‑1859.

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

Brunson, Ben W. (Benjamin Wetherill), 1823‑1898. Ben W. Brunson reminiscence, undated. 22 pages.

Scope and Contents: Typescript reminiscence details Benjamin Wetherill Brunson’s service as major in Company K, 8th Minnesota Infantry Regiment, including a detail to the Otter Tail City (Minnesota) land office, service at Fort Ripley and on Sully's 1864 expedition during the U.S.-Dakota War, and Civil War action.

Accession Number: None

Digital version

Busch, John. John Busch letter, June 9, 1864. 3 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Written to his parents from Camp Wood Lake (Minnesota), describing his service with the 8th Minnesota Infantry Regiment, Company K, particularly travel from Fort Ridgely to Wood Lake and camp life. Photocopy of original, accompanied by typed transcript.

Location of Originals: Original loaned for copying by Veloura Busch Peterson, Osakis, Minnesota.

Accession Number: 11113

Digital version

Satterlee, Marion P. The story of Minnie (Wilhelma) Busse, 1933. 3 pages.

Scope and Contents: Typescript description of the Dakota Indians' capture of Busse and two siblings at Middle Creek (near Redwood Falls, Minnesota), the death of their parents and two infant siblings, experiences in the Dakota camp, and release at Camp Release. Submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933.

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

Carver, Henry Ladd, 1830‑1893. Henry Ladd Carver letter, July 15, 1863. 7 pages.

Scope and Contents: Written to his wife in Livingston (New York) while on the Sibley Expedition during the U.S.-Dakota War, particularly near camps Smith and Atkinson, Dakota Territory. Original and typed copy.

Bibliography: Published in North Dakota Historical Quarterly 2, no. 2 (January 1928): 124‑126.

Accession Number: 2008

Digital version

Champlin, Ezra T., 1839‑1928. My reccollections [sic] of the Battle of Wood Lake and the part taken in it by the 3rd Regt., Minn. Vol. Inf'ty, Sept. 23, 1862, September 1, 1886. 10 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Handwritten reminiscence detailing the 3rd Minnesota Infantry Regiment's actions during the battle. Read by Ezra T. Champlin, who served in Company D, at the regiment's 1886 reunion.

Accession Number: None

Digital version

Collins, Loren Warren, 1838‑1912. Memorandum of Sibley's expedition, 1863. 2 items.

Scope and Contents: Diary (June 16‑September 11) kept by Collins while on march with the Sibley Expedition as part of the 7th Minnesota Infantry Regiment, Company F, during the U.S.-Dakota War. Details his daily experiences. Both the original (1 volume) and a typed transcript (18 leaves) are present.

Accession Number: 2273

Digital version

Collins, Loren Warren, 1838‑1912. Sketch of Sibley's expedition [of] 1863, April 4, 1888. 26 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Speech given before the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (Minnesota Commandery). Handwritten and photocopy.

Bibliography: Published as "The expedition against the Sioux Indians in 1863, under Gen. Henry H. Sibley," a pamphlet printed by the St. Cloud Journal‑Press, St. Cloud, Minnesota, 1895.

Accession Number: None

Digital version

Cornwall, Dan. The Indian murders of 62 in Blue Earth County, Minn., 1933. 4 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Article submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933.

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

Cox, E. St. Julien (Eugene St. Julien), 1835‑1898. General order no. 1, headquarters, Madelia Indian Expedition, September 16, 1862. 1 leaf.

Scope and Contents: Proclaims a state of martial law in Madelia (Minnesota) for the purpose of erecting a fortification during the U.S.-Dakota War, and lists the names of the men who are to report for work. Eugene St. Julien Cox was the expedition's captain and commander.

Accession Number: None

Digital version

Crooks, George W., circa 1856‑1947. George W. Crooks reminiscence, 1937. 5 pages.

Scope and Contents: Typed carbon copy of a reminiscent account by Crooks, a Dakota Indian who lived near Redwood Falls (Minnesota).

Location of Originals: Location of original unknown.

Accession Number: 8873

Digital version

Crowell, Mary. Mary Crowell letter, September 14, 1862. 2 pages.

Scope and Contents: Handwritten copy of a letter written to a friend from Anoka (Minnesota), describing events throughout the state and expressing fears of the Ojibwe joining the Dakota.

Location of Originals: Location of original unknown.

Accession Number: 3152

Digital version

Culver, Norman K., compiler. List of persons who sought refuge at Fort Ridgely on the outbreak of the Indian war, 1862. 5 pages.

Scope and Contents: The 238 entries (typed) list name, age, place of birth, residence, and remarks. Culver was a member of the 5th Minnesota Infantry Regiment, Company B.

Accession Number: 4392

Digital version

Currie, Neil, 1842‑1921, compiler. Information on victims of the Lake Shetek Massacre obtained by correspondence and personal testimony, 1894, 1946. 25 pages.

Scope and Contents: Typescript compilation of information supplied by survivors of this Murray County massacre during the war: Lillian Everett, Charles D. Hatch, William J. Duley, Mariah Koch, Aaron Myers, Thomas Ireland, and Ellen Nellie Hotaling. Also a photocopy of Ellen Hotaling's 1946 death certificate.

Related Material: See also Workman, Harper M. Early history of Lake Shetek country; cataloged separately.

Accession Number: 1928

Digital version

Currier, Electa, 1833‑1884. Electa Currier letter, September 12, 1862. 3 pages.

Scope and Contents: Typed copy of a letter to her brother‑in‑law, Henry Currier, from Eden Prairie (Minnesota), describing the family's flight from their home in Grandby Township and reporting atrocities committed in the area.

Location of Originals: Original loaned for copying by Mrs. L. W. Ostrem, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Accession Number: 8150

Digital version

Dearborn, Alva. Sibley's expedition against the Sioux Indians in 1863, August 1, 1863. 2 items.

Scope and Contents: Original and photocopy of a map of the expedition's route, with table of distances traveled and camp names. Kept by Dearborn while serving in the 7th Minnesota Infantry Regiment, Company B.

Accession Number: 6995

Digital version

Donaldson, James H., 1835‑. Abstract of provisions issued ... to the Minnesota volunteers stationed at Fort Ripley, Minn., January 1-31, 1862. 1 item.

Scope and Contents: Kept by Donaldson, 4th Minnesota Infantry, Company C.

Accession Number: 2710

Digital version

Dugas, Charles F. Charles F. Dugas letters, 1864. 3 items.

Scope and Contents: Photocopies of three letters (June 3, July 1, September 10) written to his parents while serving as a scout with Sully's expedition in Dakota Territory.

Location of Originals: South Dakota Historical Society; Pierre, South Dakota.

Accession Number: 4509

Digital version

Duley, William J., 1819‑1898. Notes on Sioux massacre of 1862, 1885. 5 pages.

Scope and Contents: Typed copy of notes by Duley, a survivor of the Lake Shetek massacre. Includes a letter and notes on a monument for the Lake Shetek victims, including a list of those buried at the site (1885), and comments on his experience as the person who cut the rope at the hanging of the Dakota convicted of murder following the U.S.-Dakota War.

Location of Originals: Original loaned for copying by Henry Paul, Currie, Minnesota.

Accession Number: 4546

Digital version

Elmen, Paul H. Tomahawks are red, 1933. 4 pages.

Scope and Contents: Details the deaths (June 29, 1863) of Jeanette Dustin, her son Amos, and his son Robert, and the escape of Amos' wife Kate and two children while en route from Marysville to Moors Prairie (Minnesota). Typescript, submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933. Also includes an anonymous handwritten version of the massacre (2 pages, undated).

Accession Numbers: 3767; 7073

Digital version

Earle, Ezmon W. Ezmon W. Earle reminiscences, 1907. 3 items.

Scope and Contents: Two accounts of his family's flight from their Renville County (Minnesota) farm and his participation in the battles at Fort Ridgely and Birch Coulee as a member of the Cullen Guard during the U.S.-Dakota War. Also gives data on the settlers in the Beaver Creek area just before the war. With cover letter to the Minnesota Historical Society.

Accession Numbers: 9234; 1778E2

Digital version

Eastlick, L. (Lavina), 1833‑1923. The Lake Shetek Indian massacre in 1862, 1890. 25 leaves.

Scope and Contents: In this typescript, Mrs. John Eastlick recounts in great detail the Lake Shetek (Murray County, Minnesota) massacre, including witnessing the deaths of her husband and several of her children; her escape; the recovery of her son, Morton, an eleven year old boy who had carried his young brother fifty miles to safety; the survivors' escort by soldiers to Mankato; and subsequent events in her life. She also discusses the escape of Mariah Koch.

Accession Number: 6868

Digital version

Eastman, E. M. E. M. Eastman letter, June 18, 1923. 2 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typed letter to the Minnesota Historical Society, describing the experiences at the Yellow Medicine Indian Agency during the outbreak of the U.S.-Dakota War.

Accession Number: None

Digital version

First National Bank of Willmar (Minnesota). Historical tour of sites figuring in the Sioux Uprising in and near Kandiyohi County, 1962. 5 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Photocopy of an automobile tour guide compiled for the U.S.-Dakota War centennial, comprising a map of the sites and a short sketch of each site's significance.

Accession Number: 9435

Digital version

Flandrau, Charles E. (Charles Eugene), 1828‑1903. Charles E. Flandrau letter, September 20, 1897. 5 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typed letter to E. M. Tebbets, New York City, from St. Paul (Minnesota), with reference to the condition of the missions in and about the Redwood and Yellow Medicine Indian agencies at the time of the U.S.-Dakota War.

Accession Number: 1769B7

Digital version

Flandrau, Charles E. (Charles Eugene), 1828‑1903. The Indian War of 1862 in Minnesota, circa 1889. 99 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Handwritten account of the U.S.-Dakota War, written under the legislative act (April 16, 1889) that provided for the preparation and publication of a history of Minnesota in the Civil and Indian wars [Laws 1889 c278].

Bibliography: Published in Minnesota in the Civil and Indian Wars, 1861-1865. 2nd ed. St. Paul, Minn.: Pioneer Press Co., 1891-1899. Volume 1: 727-753.

Accession Number: 1777A20

Digital version

Fogg, C. W. C. W. Fogg letter, December 7, 1883. 6 leaves.

Scope and Contents: To the St. Paul Pioneer Press, from Fogg, of Chicago (Illinois), describing Sully's expedition and the "Battle of White Stone Hills" (North Dakota) (September 3, 1863). Original and typed copy.

Accession Number: None

Digital version

Fryer, Edwin L. Edwin L. Fryer reminiscence, undated. 3 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typescript reminiscence of Fryer, regimental quartermaster clerk of the 6th Minnesota Infantry, Company G, during the U.S.-Dakota War. It primarily discusses a battle of September 21, 1862.

Accession Number: 2352

Digital version

[Fullerton, William]. Letter, circa 1888. 10 pages.

Scope and Contents: William Fullerton, of Central City (Colorado), writes to Thomas J. Little (Perley, Wisconsin), giving an account of the experiences of five members of Company A, Hatch's Battalion, who were caught in a blizzard while delivering goods from Fort Abercrombie to Fort Wadsworth, Dakota Territory, in the winter of 1864. The letter is unsigned, but internal evidence indicates that it was written by Fullerton, a member of the group.

Accession Number: 3670

Digital version

Gauthier, Frank N. Frank N. Gauthier note, December 15, 1862. 1 leaf.

Scope and Contents: From Gauthier, of Captain Mark Hendrick's Battery of Light Artillery, to General Henry H. Sibley, offering his services to hang the Dakota Indians convicted of murder following the u.S.-Dakota War.

Accession Number: None

Digital version

Gervais, Harry L. Harry L. Gervais letter, April 1, 1927. 2 items.

Scope and Contents: To Walter E. Spokesfield, of Jamestown (North Dakota), describing his grandfather Isaiah Gervais' 1862 journey as a government scout from Fort Abercrombie to St. Paul to secure reinforcements. With cover letter, Spokesfield to the Minnesota Historical Society (July 20, 1927).

Accession Number: 2771A

Digital version

Meagher, John Ford, 1863‑1897. John Ford Meagher letter, December 26, 1887. 8 leaves.

Scope and Contents: To the Minnesota Historical Society, regarding the murder of George Gleason, clerk to the Dakota agent at the Redwood and Yellow Medicine Indian agencies, during the U.S.-Dakota War, and the hanging of his murderer, Chaska Don (Chaskay‑etay), at Mankato (December 26, 1862). Original and typed copy.

Accession Number: 1757U

Digital version

West, Harry B., 1884‑ A lad's version of Chief Little Crow, July 29, 1933. 6 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Recounts the capture of August Gluth, a twelve year old from Milford Township (Brown County), while herding cattle near Beaver Falls, and his experiences in Little Crow's camp during the U.S.-Dakota War. Submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933. Typescript; 2 copies.

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

Paine, Clarence S., compiler. Biographical data on Joseph Godfrey (Atokte), 1907. 2 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typescript notes on the life of Godfrey (Dakota name Atokte), an African American former slave married to a Dakota woman who was convicted of murder for his role in the U.S.-Dakota War but whose sentence was commuted by turning state's evidence. Includes a statement of the murder charges and a list of witnesses.

Accession Number: 1778E6

Digital version

Goodell, B. H. Personal recollections of the Sioux Massacre of 1862, Fort Ridgely, Birch Coulie [sic], etc., April 10, 1895. 52 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Recounts his service with the Renville Rangers during the battle of Fort Ridgely and with Colonel Sam McPhail on the detail to recover the dead at Birch Coulee during the U.S.-Dakota War.

Accession Number: 1767G9

Digital version

Greenleaf, Moses. Biographical data on Moses Greenleaf, 1862‑1865. 10 items.

Scope and Contents: Eight letters (October 15, 1862‑June 28, 1863) from Greenleaf at Fort Ridgely to his family in Scott County (Minnesota), describe life in the 9th Minnesota Infantry, Company I, particularly everyday camp activities, illnesses and death among the troops, and courts martial. Also included are a letter from his sister, Clara Greenleaf of Shakopee, Minnesota (1863) and his commission as captain of Company I (1865).

Accession Number: 8853

Digital version

Griswold, Franklin Clinton, 1838‑1921. Biographical data on Franklin C. Griswold, 1860‑1921. 11 items.

Scope and Contents: Nine letters (1862‑1865) from Griswold to various family members describe his move to Minnesota and his service in the Cullen Guards, the 1st Regiment Mounted Rangers, and the 2d Regiment Minnesota Cavalry (Company M), during the U.S.-Dakota War, especially at the Yellow Medicine Agency, on the Sibley Expedition (1863), and at Princeton Station (Minnesota). Also included are a letter to Griswold from his sister "Gussie" (1860), and a 1921 memorial to him containing family data.

Accession Numbers: 8437; 9349

Digital version

Kuske, Dorothy. Account of Sioux Uprising experiences, undated. 9 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typescript description of the capture of Wilhelmina (Mrs. Frederick) Grose by the Dakota near the Redwood Indian Agency during the U.S.-Dakota War, her experiences in the Dakota camp, and her release at Camp Release.

Accession Number: 5400

Digital version

Location

Reel

M582

2

Hagadorn, Henry J., 1832‑1903. Henry J. Hagadorn diary, 1863. 37 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typed, bound copy of his diary (January 11‑August 31), written while serving with the 7th Minnesota Infantry, Company H, on the Sibley Expedition, particularly at Camps Pope and Atchison, Dakota Territory.

Location of Originals: Original loaned for copying by Dorothy Fisher, Brainerd, Minnesota. See Minnesota history, 6:293 and 7:328 335 for further information on provenance.

Bibliography: Published as "Notes and Documents on the March with Sibley in 1863: The Diary of Private Henry J. Hagadorn." Edited by John Perry Pritchett. North Dakota Historical Quarterly, 5, no. 2 (January 1931): 102‑129.

Accession Number: 2420

Digital version

Persons, Irene, interviewer. Notes of interview with Margareta Holl Hahn, March 24, 1937. 4 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Persons records information from Mrs. Peter Hahn on the flight of the Frank Holl family from their farm to New Ulm during the U.S.-Dakota War, and their activities during that city's siege.

Accession Number: None

Digital version

Hallock, Mary Anna Marston, 1849-. Mary Hallock reminiscence, undated. 16 pages.

Scope and Contents: Account of U.S.-Dakota War activities in the Garden City, Blue Earth County area as seen through her eyes as a thirteen year old girl, particularly the flight of more than 800 persons onto the Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) Reservation. Typed carbon copy.

Location of Originals: Location of original unknown.

Accession Number: 10485

Digital version

Hart, James R., 1845‑1927. Historical reminiscences of services in Dakota and Minnesota, undated. 8 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Details his service (1862‑1865) in the 10th Minnesota Infantry, Company D, during the U.S.-Dakota War, including wagon train guard duty between St. Paul and Fort Abercrombie (October 1862), stockade construction at Fort Goodhue (Sibley County, Minnesota), and experiences on the Sibley Expedition. Typed copy.

Accession Number: 4233

Digital version

Minnesota Cavalry. Hastings Rangers. Hastings Rangers muster roll, 1862. 1 item.

Scope and Contents: Muster roll of mounted citizen soldiers organized in Dakota and Washington counties on August 21‑22, 1862, for service during the U.S.-Dakota War. Lists 44 men under the command of Captain G. W. Taylor, with muster‑in dates and number of days served.

Accession Number: None

Digital version

Hatch, Charles D., 1837‑1907. Narrative of Charles D. Hatch's experiences in the Indian war in Minnesota in 1862, undated. 4 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Describes the Lake Shetek (Murray County, Minnesota) massacre during the U.S.-Dakota War, including the actions in notifying neighbors and his flight with a party of settlers to Mankato. Also contains biographical data.

Biographical Note: Hatch later served in the Civil War and then settled in Martin County, Minnesota.

Related material: This manuscript is similar to another unpublished article written by Charles D. Hatch in the Minnesota Historical Society library: Narratives of Charles D. Hatch's experience in the Indian War in Minnesota, 1862, [circa 1895].

Accession Number: 7817

Digital version

Hayden, William G. An account of the relief expedition sent from St. Peter to New Ulm, August 22, 1862, and the subsequent siege of New Ulm by the Indians, 1897. 16 leaves.

Scope and Contents: A member of the St. Peter Frontier Guards under Captain Charles E. Flandrau, Hayden describes in detail the siege of New Ulm and its eventual abandonment during the U.S.-Dakota War. Handwritten.

Related Material: A photocopy is found in the papers of William Watts Folwell, also located at the Minnesota Historical Society.

Accession Number: 1833

Digital version

Hazen, Joseph M., 1838-1864. Joseph M. Hazen letter, December 28, 1862. 4 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Photocopy of a letter from Hazen, of Tivoli (Blue Earth County, Minnesota), to his sister, Sarah Jane Warren, describing the hanging of the 38 Dakota Indians convicted of murder in the U.S.-Dakota War, as well as various military activities. Hazen was a member of the 7th Minnesota Infantry, Company B.

Location of Originals: Original loaned for copying by Minniejane Drey, Evanston, Illinois.

Accession Number: 10602

Digital version

Hazzard, W. H., 1841-. Autobiographical sketch of Sioux Uprising experiences, 1897. 10 leaves.

Scope and Contents: This Henderson (Minnesota) resident describes his role in the siege of New Ulm (August 1862) during the U.S.-Dakota War, and the subsequent rescue and burial party into the surrounding area. Typed copy.

Location of Originals: Original loaned for copying by Mrs. William O. Timerman, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Accession Number: 1798A6

Digital version

Patten, F. J. (Floyd J.) The ordeal of Hinhankaga : as told by Clem Felix, Hinhankaga's grandson, circa 1962. 17 pages.

Scope and Contents: Typescript account describes the flight by the family of Hinhankaga, a man of mixed French and Dakota heritage known to the whites as Joseph Coursolle, from the Redwood Indian Agency to Fort Ridgely during the U.S.-Dakota War, the Dakotas' capture of his two daughters, and his enlistment as corporal in the Cullen Guards. Includes descriptions of the siege of Fort Ridgely, battle of Birch Coulee, and Camp Release.

Accession Number: 9903

Digital version

Holmquist, Ingar Johnson. Ingar J. Holmquist reminiscence, 1920. 2 items.

Scope and Contents: Reminiscence of the August 23, 1862 Dakota Indian attack on New Sweden Township (Nicollet County, Minnesota). Holmquist, a young girl, was captured, witnessed the murder of her mother, went into shock and was left for dead, and was later rescued by her father. With cover letter from her grandson, H. O. Johnson, to the Minnesota Historical Society (1925).

Accession Number: 2540

Digital version

Huftelen, John, 1826‑1894. John Huftelen letter, October 16, 1862. 4 pages.

Scope and Contents: Photocopy of a letter from Huftelen, with the 6th Minnesota Infantry, Company D, at Yellow Medicine (Minnesota) to his wife Jane, at Cannon City (Minnesota), describing the Dakota Indians under guard at Camp Release.

Location of Originals: Original loaned for copying by Stacia Gibson, Loves Park, Illinois.

Accession Number: 9617

Digital version

Huggan, Nancy McClure, 1836‑1927. Nancy McClure Huggan letter, May 1894. 12 pages.

Scope and Contents: Written to Minnesota Governor William R. Marshall, describing her capture during the U.S.-Dakota War; experiences in Little Crow's and Shakopee's camps; rescue by her uncle, Rdayamani, a Dakota; and her stay at Camp Release.

Bibliography: The substance of the letter is published as "The Story of Nancy McClure: Captivity Among the Sioux," Collections of the Minnesota Historical Society 6 (1894): 438‑460.

Accession Number: 1767H2

Digital version

Hughes, Thomas J., 1854‑1934, collector. Collected statements on the Sioux Outbreak of 1862 in Butternut Valley Township, Blue Earth County, Minn., undated. 12 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typed copies of reminiscences of survivors of the September 10, 1862 Dakota Indian attack in Butter Nut Valley Township. Contains statements of David J. Davis, Thomas Y. Davis, Andrew Friend, William J. Jones, William P. Jones, James Morgan, William W. Pattock, David Price, Solomon Taylor, David Thomas, and Mrs. Stephen Edward Walters. Also includes statements concerning Judge Martin Severance's support of Thomas Galbraith for Redwood Indian Agency agent, and concerning the work of Reverend Artemus Ehnamani, a Dakota who took part in the war and was converted to Christianity while a captive in Mankato in 1862‑1863.

Location of Originals: Originals loaned for copying by Thomas J. Hughes, Mankato, Minnesota.

Accession Number: 2026A

Digital version

Humphrey, James D. Account of Sioux Uprising 50th anniversary visit to southern Minnesota, August 18, 1912. 9 pages.

Scope and Contents: Describes the deaths of several family members of his uncle, Dr. Philander P. Humphrey, near Morton, Minnesota, during the U.S.-Dakota War, with the escape of one son, John. Details a tour of war sites at St. Peter, Kasota, Traverse des Sioux, Morton, and the Redwood Indian Agency.

Accession Number: 1781H

Digital version

Hunt, Thomas Jefferson, 1819‑1922. Observations of T. J. Hunt in the Civil War : a narrative of the military life of T. J. Hunt in the Sioux Indian and Civil wars of 1862‑1865, undated. 49 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typescript narrative detailing the activities of this Ellington (Dodge County) farmer during the siege of New Ulm, his service with the 10th Minnesota Infantry, Company B, at the Winnebago Indian Agency and as commander of a platoon of skirmishers on the Sibley Expedition, and his Civil War experiences. Also includes his obituary.

Related Material: See Minnesota history bulletin, 4:452 for information on provenance.

Accession Number: 2040

Digital version

Huntington, Henry M., 1837‑. Henry M. Huntington letter, September 9, 1862. 4 pages.

Scope and Contents: Written to his father from Fort Ridgely. Describes service in the 6th Minnesota Infantry, Company D, particularly their participation in the rescue of troops at Birch Coulee.

Accession Number: 12767

Digital version

Johnson, Norman C. Norman C. Johnson letter, October 14, 1862. 1 leaf.

Scope and Contents: Typed copy of a letter written to "Mrs. Merrill" from Camp Lincoln, near Mankato (Minnesota). Refers to his service in the 7th Minnesota Infantry, Company F, during the U.S.-Dakota War, particularly guarding Dakota prisoners.

Location of Originals: University of Minnesota Library.

Accession Number: 3205

Digital version

Merritt, Wallace, Mrs. Sioux massacre of 1862, 1933. 2 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Details the flight of the William and Margaret Jones family from their farm in Cambria Township (Blue Earth County, Minnesota) to Mankato during the U.S.-Dakota War; written by their granddaughter. Submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933.

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

Kennedy, Duncan R. Duncan R. Kennedy letters, 1929, 1936. 2 items.

Scope and Contents: Letters to General William C. Brown, the first (1929) describing his father Duncan's relaying of dispatches from Fort Ridgely to General Sibley during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, and the second (1936) describing Duncan's trip on foot from St. Paul to Traverse des Sioux in the 1850s.

Biographical Note: Duncan Kennedy arrived in Minnesota in 1849 as an American Fur Company employee at Traverse des Sioux.

Accession Numbers: 3011; 4423

Digital version

King, Josias Ridgate, 1832‑1916. Biographical data on Josias Ridgate King, 1863‑1916. 31 items.

Scope and Contents: Military and miscellaneous papers of King, who served in the 1st Minnesota Infantry, the 2nd United States Infantry, and as an aide‑de‑camp on Sully's 1863 expedition following the U.S.-Dakota War.

They include a biographical sketch (undated); invitation to the White House (1863); discharge papers; U.S. Volunteers, 2nd Regiment muster‑in roll (1865); promotions; letters from him to the St. Paul Pioneer Press (1883) and the North Dakota Historical Society (1914) about the Sully Expedition, particularly the battle of White Stone Hills; appointment as brigadier general of the Minnesota National Guard (1885); and 14 clippings (1908‑1916) containing biographical sketches and obituaries.

Related Material: See Minnesota history bulletin, 3:143 for information on provenance.

Accession Numbers: 1835; 7071; 13,403

Digital version

King, Josias Ridgate, 1832‑1916. Josias King military commissions, 1861‑1868. 6 items.

Scope and Contents: King's commissions as second lieutenant (1861), first lieutenant (1862), and captain (1863) in the 1st Minnesota Infantry; as lieutenant colonel in the 2nd Regiment, U.S. Volunteers (1865); and as second lieutenant (1866) and first lieutenant (1868) in the 2nd U.S. Infantry.

Accession Number: 1835

Digital version

Satterlee, Marion P. The massacre at Sacred Heart, July 21, 1933. 2 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Describes the August 19, 1862 massacre of German settlers near Sacred Heart, Renville County (Minnesota) during the U.S.-Dakota War, particularly the death of Paul Kitzman. Submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933.

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

Schrepel, Charles, 1883‑. An Indian massacre, 1901. 46 pages.

Scope and Contents: Handwritten narrative (pages 10‑24, 26‑42) based on stories told by Schrepel's mother, Henrietta Kreigher, and grandmother, Justina Kreigher, detailing their activities during and after the August 19, 1862 massacre of German settlers near Sacred Heart, Renville County (Minnesota) during the U.S.-Dakota War. Henrietta was captured by the Dakota and held until the general liberation at Camp Release. Pages 1‑9, 25, and 43‑46 contain handwritten poems.

Accession Number: 10071

Digital version

Davidson, A. A. Narrative from the Indian Outbreak of 1862, 1933. 6 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Describing the August 19, 1862 massacre of German settlers near Sacred Heart, Renville County (Minnesota) during the U.S.-Dakota War. It deals mainly with the survival of Justina Kreigher, who was left for dead, wandered for ten days, was rescued by the Cullen Guards, and lay semiconscious in a wagon through the battle at Birch Coulee. Submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933.

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

Langguth, H. A. Sioux Uprising of 1862, 1933. 2 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Notes on the Dakota Indians' trading for goods, particularly ammunition, with traders J. and C. M. Dailey Pratt & Co., at Big Stone Lake (Big Stone County, Minnesota) during 1861 and 1862. Submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933.

Related Material: The J. and C. M. Dailey Pratt & Co. Account book from which these notes were taken is also available at the Minnesota Historical Society (cataloged separately; finding aid number P1814).

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

Larson, Ole, 1835‑. Ole Larson biographical memorabilia, 1860‑1903. 12 items.

Scope and Contents: Deeds, abstracts of title, affidavits, and correspondence relating to the claim of Larson, a Meeker County (Minnesota) farmer, against the United States government for timber that was removed from his land by the 2nd Minnesota Cavalry to construct a fort during the U.S.-Dakota War, an act that he claimed rendered the land useless. Also includes Larson's citizenship paper (1866).

Accession Number: 8667

Digital version

Linn, Rachel A. Maservey, 1855‑. Account of building a block house at Maine Prairie, Minn. during the uprising, 1932. 1 leaf.

Scope and Contents: Typed description of the building's construction in Stearns County during the U.S.-Dakota War; does not specify a date.

Related Material: See Minnesota history, 13:322 for information about provenance.

Accession Number: 3561

Digital version

Little, B. A., Mrs. Mrs. B. A. Little letter, September 26, 1862. 4 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Photocopy of a letter from this Kasota (Minnesota) resident to Mrs. Silas Hinckley Rankin in Springfield (Massachusetts), describing the U.S.-Dakota War threat to Kasota, her husband's absence at Fort Snelling, and the deaths in Dr. Humphrey's family.

Location of Originals: Original loaned for copying by Arthur B. Fowler, Hartford, Connecticut.

Related Material: See Minnesota history, 14:331 for information about provenance.

Accession Number: 3709

Digital version

Lobdell, Julia E. Farnsworth. Julia E. Lobdell reminiscence, July 24, 1933. 4 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Describes her flight during the U.S.-Dakota War, with her mother, Rosanna Love Farnsworth, and her brother from their farm north of Mankato into the nearby deep woods, where they subsisted for 21 days on milk from the family cow and on wild fruits. With cover letter (August 31). Submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933.

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

Lovell, William R., 1845‑1945. William R. Lovell reminiscence, 1937, 1945. 16 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Handwritten reminiscence detailing his service from enlistment (August 1862) through discharge (August 1865), including U.S.-Dakota War duty at Glencoe, Forest City, Acton, and Hutchinson; skirmishes with the Dakota near Acton and Hutchinson; and Civil War duty in the South, particularly several months as a prisoner in Andersonville. Also a photocopy of Lovell's 1945 obituary. Lovell was a resident of Sherburne County (Minnesota).

Related Material: See Minnesota history, 18:210 for information on provenance.

Accession Number: 4440

Digital version

MacAlmond, Rebecca. Rebecca MacAlmond diary, 1862. 3 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typed copy of a diary (August 18‑September 24) of this Hutchinson, Minnesota resident, describing Dakota attacks on the city, erection of a fort, and the names of both refugees to the city and people in the area who were killed.

Location of Originals: Original loaned for copying by Mrs. Mary Benson, Wayzata, Minnesota.

Accession Number: 9370

Digital version

McColley, Charles E. An Indian Pentecost, undated. 6 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typed story of the conversion to Christianity of the Dakota Indians held prisoner near Mankato following the U.S.-Dakota War.

Accession Number: 5896

Digital version

McFall, Orlando, 1839‑1915. Narrative of the Sioux Indian massacre in 1862, 1909. 84 leaves.

Scope and Contents: McFall, a member of the 5th Minnesota Infantry, Company C, describes the company's movements during the U.S.-Dakota War, including guarding the Yellow Medicine Agency warehouse when annuity payments were late, the eventual dispensing of its contents to the Dakota, and the company's participation in the protection of Fort Ridgely during the siege. He frequently mentions Lieutenant Timothy J. Sheehan and Sergeant John Jones.

Accession Number: 7019

Digital version

MacKenzie, John H., 1831‑. Biographical data on John H. MacKenzie, undated and 1906, 1912. 4 items.

Scope and Contents: MacKenzie settled in Hutchinson, Minnesota, in 1850 and served as a scout and guide for Hatch's Battalion during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. The collection consists of a letter from MacKenzie to the Minnesota Historical Society (1906; original and typed copy) detailing a trip, unarmed and alone, from Georgetown to Fort Abercrombie for reinforcements; a clipping (undated) and a letter from MacKenzie to E. Southworth (1912) describing his role in the 1865 capture of Little Six and Medicine Bottle; and a pamphlet (undated) from his Tulsa (Indian Territory) Experimental Poultry Station.

Accession Numbers: 1977B; 1781G3

Digital version

Marston, C. S. Reminiscences [of] the Indian massacre of 1862, August 24, 1933. 4 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typescript account of the Samuel Marston family's flight toward Mankato (Minnesota) from their Winnebago City farm during the U.S.-Dakota War, the news they received en route of soldiers stationed in Mankato, and the family's return to their farm after being assured that it was now in a protected area. Written by Marston's grandson and submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933.

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

Bennett, Edgar M. Martell : a pioneer gone, December 29, 1904. 7 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Obituary of Oliver Martell, based on data contributed by Martell's granddaughter, Muzzette Lissack. It includes details on Martell's operation of the Minnesota River ferry at the Redwood Indian Agency during the 1862 U.S.-Dakota War; his August 18 ride to Fort Ridgely; and his participation during the siege of the fort. Also contains biographical notes on Martell and his wife Jane.

Accession Number: 13113

Digital version

Little Paul, -1885. A personal narrative of Paul Mazakootamane : a loyal Dakota, March 1, 1869. 2 items.

Scope and Contents: Account by Little Paul (also known as Mazakootamane or Mazakutemani), a Christian Dakota, of his participation in the return of the Spirit Lake (Iowa) massacre captives and the release of the white captives at Camp Release (Minnesota). Both the Dakota‑language original (32 pages) and Riggs' translation (19 leaves) are present.

Bibliography: Published as: "Narrative of Paul Mazakootemane," translated by Rev. S.R. Riggs, Collections of the Minnesota Historical Society, 3 (1880): 82‑90.

Accession Number: 1731E2

Digital version

Minnesota. Commission on the Wood Lake Battlefield. Report on the Battle of Wood Lake, circa 1907. 10 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typescript report of a commission established by the Minnesota Legislature to locate the battlefield and purchase a part thereof for state use. It consisted of three Wood Lake battle veterans: Ezra T. Champlin, Loren W. Collins, and Mathias Holl.

The report recounts the historical background and early events of the U.S.-Dakota War and describes the battle (September 23, 1862) in detail. It also corrects several errors in Minnesota in the Civil and Indian Wars regarding the battle.

Related Material: See also Minnesota. Commission on the Wood Lake Battlefield. Map of the battlefield and camp at Wood Lake…, also at the Minnesota Historical Society (cataloged separately).

Accession Number: 11233

Digital version

Statistics concerning the Sioux Massacre : collected by town assessors for the county auditor to be filed with the Minnesota Historical Society, in accordance with the law passed March 7, 1881, undated. 27 items.

Scope and Contents: Forms used to record the number, names, and ages of white persons killed and wounded by the Dakota; the amount of property destroyed in each township; names and number of Indians engaged in the war and which were wounded or killed; time and place of the above; and any incidents of interest.

Accession Number: None

Digital version

United States. Army. Minnesota Infantry Regiment, 5th (1861‑1865). Company B. Daily record of the guard mount and countersign at Fort Ridgely, May‑September 1862. 1 volume.

Scope and Contents: Records the daily guard mount, countersign, guards and prisoners, and carries the signatures of the officer of the day and the commander of the guard. Twelve days (August 18, 20‑30) are omitted due to Dakota attacks.

Related Material: See Minnesota in the Civil and Indian wars, 2:171‑173; 1:243, 250‑255.

Accession Number: 1778B9

Digital version

United States. Army. Minnesota Infantry Regiment, 6th (1862‑1865). Company B. Quartermaster accounts, 1862‑1863. 7 items.

Scope and Contents: Accounts of clothing issued to the members of Company B during service in Minnesota and on the 1863 Sibley Expedition. One account (June 13, 1863), dated from "Camp Pope," lists clothing issued and payment made to Francis F. Mitchell, wagoner.

Accession Number: 10124

Digital version

Montgomery, Sarah Ann Purnell. Some recollections of the Indian outbreak of 1862, 1933. 7 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typescript account by a then 15‑year‑old South Bend (Minnesota) girl detailing the family's flight to Mankato, the movement of Dakota prisoners through South Bend, and the hanging of the 38 convicted Dakota in Mankato. Submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933.

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

Mosher, Orville Watson. Account of experiences in Civil War and Sioux Outbreak in Minnesota, September 14, 1951. 6 leaves.

Scope and Contents: The account includes genealogical notes on the Obadiah Mosher family of Waseca (Minnesota); descriptions of the Civil War service of brothers Asa, Hiram, Jim, and Rob; and Asa's experiences in New Ulm and with the Sully and Sibley expeditions in Dakota Territory. Typed carbon copy. The author was Asa Mosher's grand‑nephew. With enclosed letter from Nell J. Young, a niece, to Orville Mosher (1936).

Accession Number: 7039

Digital version

Myers, Aaron, 1825‑1906. Aaron Myers reminiscence and biographical data, 1900, 1906. 3 items.

Scope and Contents: Photocopies of an undated reminiscence of a Lake Shetek (Minnesota) resident recounting his experiences during the Dakota sieges of New Ulm and St. Peter (13 leaves, typed; 2 copies), a clipping concerning it (February 1900), and a typed copy of his obituary (1906).

Accession Number: 2048

Digital version

Location

Reel

M582

3

Nairn, John, 1828‑1894. Biographical data on John Nairn, circa 1862‑1932. 15 items.

Scope and Contents: Recollections of Nairn, government carpenter at the Lower Sioux Agency, of events leading up to the war (undated, 2 typed copies); a partial letter from Nairn to his sister in Scotland describing the family's flight to Ft. Ridgely (circa 1862, typed copy); photocopies of his daughter Margaret's obituary (1926) and articles about Nairn (circa 1930, 1932); genealogical data; and photographs of Nairn, his wife Magdalene, and their children (1860s, copies).

Accession Number: 14107

Digital version

Nasmith, S. Miscellaneous Dakota Conflict information, 1862. 6 items.

Scope and Contents: Letters (October—November) written from Sauk Centre by Nasmith to his wife concerning the troops under his command and their part in the U.S.-Dakota War; a letter from Captain Richard Strout (Hutchinson, Minnesota) about the 9th Minnesota Infantry, Company B (October 23); a photographic copy of a sketch of the temporary stockade at Sauk Centre in 1862; and a letter to Nasmith from a Civil War soldier in Maryland (September 24).

Accession Numbers: 4825; 4962

Digital version

Nelson, C. C. History of the early pioneers of this neighborhood in the western part of the town of New Sweden, Nicollet County, Minnesota, and of the Indian massacre in this neighborhood in 1862, April 13, 1926. 8 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typescript description of his experiences as a young boy during the August 23, 1862 Dakota attack on New Sweden Township (Nicollet County), including his escape to St. Peter and the later construction of a sod stockade by New Sweden residents. With cover letter (1926) from Nelson to H. O. Johnson, commenting on Ingar Holmquist's account of the incident.

Accession Number: 2583

Digital version

Petition for pension by men of New Ulm, Brown County, for wounds received during the Sioux Massacre, September 30, 1864. 5 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Lists the wounded, widows, and orphans considered entitled to a pension. Sent to Oscar Malmros, adjutant general, State of Minnesota.

Accession Number: None

Digital version

Odden, Alfred. Alfred Odden letter, August 21, 1965. 3 pages.

Scope and Contents: Written to Larry Jung (Echo, Minnesota), discussing the September 23, 1862 battle at Wood Lake, Yellow Medicine County. Includes a map of the battle site.

Accession Number: 10109

Digital version

Quist, Peter P., 1854‑. Mrs. Pernilla Ofelt's account of the Sioux uprising, 1862, undated. 2 pages.

Scope and Contents: Recounts the experiences of Pernilla Manson Ofelt fleeing from Grove City to Forest City (Minnesota), and the three‑week siege of that city before the arrival of troops. Also mentions the Panic of 1857. Typescript.

Accession Number: 2820

Digital version

Orkney, W. G. W. G. Orkney letter, September 1862. 6 pages.

Scope and Contents: A letter from W. G. Orkney, of Quebec, Canada, to W. H. Temple of St. Paul (September 5 and 22), regarding the fate of his brother, John, reportedly killed at the Redwood Indian Agency.

Accession Number: 3081

Digital version

Owen, Julius, 1848‑. The hanging of thirty eight Sioux Indians at Mankato, 1933. 3 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typescript recollection of the execution as seen by a 14‑year‑old Geneva (Freeborn County) boy. Submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933.

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

Truax, Evelyn B. An incident of the Sioux Indian outbreak, undated. 2 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Handwritten account describing the flight of Charles F. Parker, his wife Alice Adelia (neé Blandin), her sister Flavilla Blandin (later Clark), and Flavilla's fiancé, Will Maybee (or Mabie), from the Parkers' Forest City (Meeker County) farm to Monticello, and the death of Maybee during a return trip to gather livestock and belongings. Written by Alice and Flavilla's niece.

Accession Number: 5175

Digital version

Paulson, O. (Ole), 1832‑1907. General Sibley's expedition, 1907. 17 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typescript translation, by Theodore C. Blegen (1891-1969).

Describes Paulson's experiences as captain in the 9th Minnesota Infantry, Company H, while on march with the 1863 Sibley Expedition, including the daily tedium, extreme heat, and a battle with the Dakota (July 24).

Location of Originals: Originally published in Norwegian as chapter 16 (pages 176‑196) of Paulson's book, Erindinger (Free Church Book Concern, Minneapolis, 1907).

Accession Number: 2912

Digital version

Pettibone, John Nelson, circa 1829‑1864. Biographical data on John N. Pettibone, 1863‑1864. 4 items.

Scope and Contents: Diary (9 pages, typed copy) and three letters (photocopies) detailing Pettibone's service in the 6th Minnesota Infantry, Company F.

The diary (May 6‑September 12), kept while on march with the Sibley Expedition, details miles covered daily, topography, camp routine, and battles at Big Hills, Dakota Territory (July 24, and 26) and near the Missouri River (July 29‑31). It includes a muster roll of Company F.

The letters (1864), from Captain Horace B. Wilson, Camp Buford (Helena, Arkansas), to Mary Pettibone of Redford, Michigan, describes her husband's death from dysentery, the visit of John's brother Heman to the camp, and actions Mary should take to obtain John's pension and back pay.

Location of Originals: Originals loaned for copying by John N. Wortman, Northville, Michigan.

Accession Number: 8706

Digital version

Pike, Marcia Doughty. I saw them hang thirty‑eight Indians..., November 17, 1940. 4 pages.

Scope and Contents: Photocopy of Pike's reminiscence as told to Mary Evelyn Young, describing the siege of New Ulm during the U.S.-Dakota War and the execution of the Dakota prisoners at Mankato, events which took place when Pike was a ten-year-old girl living in New Ulm.

Location of Originals: Originally published in The Sunday Oregonian, November 17, 1940.

Accession Number: 9234

Digital version

Plumly, George W. Report of the names of the persons comprising the company of mounted infantry organized in Rochester, Olmsted County, Minnesota, November 10, 1862. 2 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typed copy, giving time of service and amount owed to each. Includes a list of supplies received from the state of Minnesota. Known as the "Malmros Guard," the company was organized August 29, 1862, and served approximately one month. Plumly was orderly sergeant.

Location of Originals: Original loaned for copying by Gladwin Mitchell Van Strum, Minto, North Dakota.

Accession Number: 5434

Digital version

Satterlee, Marion P. A faithful servant, 1933. 4 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Handwritten account of the August 14, 1862 meeting between Philander Prescott, Redwood Indian Agency interpreter; Thomas J. Galbraith, agent; several Dakota Indians; and three white traders concerning the sale of supplies to the Indians prior to the arrival of their overdue annuity money. Prescott was killed at the agency during the U.S.-Dakota War. Submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933.

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

Priestley, Thomas. Thomas Priestley diary and biographical data, 1864. 2 items.

Scope and Contents: Diary (June 12‑October 20; 9 leaves, typed copy) kept by Priestley, of the 30th Wisconsin Infantry, while on march through Minnesota and Dakota Territory with Sully's expedition. He records daily experiences, especially camp activities. Also a letter (July 18; 2 leaves, photocopy) from a comrade who had remained in the Fort Ridgely hospital, mainly commenting on his illness and the poor condition of the hospital.

Location of Originals: State Historical Society of Wisconsin; Madison, Wisconsin.

Related Material: See Minnesota history, 17:98 for information on provenance.

Accession Number: 4124

Digital version

Renville, James. James Renville letter, January 24, 1949. 7 pages.

Scope and Contents: To the Minnesota Historical Society, concerning a possible pension due his father, Chief Gabriel Renville (Tiwakan), for his scouting service on the Sibley Expedition and his aid in obtaining peace with the White Earth Reservation Ojibwe in 1878.

Accession Number: 8049

Digital version

Riehle, John. Bloodshed at Birch Coulee, circa 1960. 10 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Historical sketch of the battle of Birch Coulee, written by Riehle for a history class at Our Lady of the Ozarks [School], Carthage, Missouri.

Bibliography: Published in History Teachers Club Bulletin (Notre Dame, Indiana) 15 (1960): 12.

Accession Number: 8860

Digital version

Satterlee, Marion P. The Riggs missionary party, February 9, 1916. 2 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typescript describing the August 18, 1862, flight of Riggs and his associates from the Hazelwood Mission, located six miles up the Minnesota River from the Yellow Medicine Agency during the U.S.-Dakota War. Includes a postcard copy of a photograph, supposedly taken by a member of the party during their flight.

Accession Number: 10836

Digital version

Robertson, Thomas A. Thomas A. Robertson reminiscence, 1918. 47 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Robertson (Zi‑tka‑na‑ho‑wa‑ste), of mixed Dakota and European heritage, lived at Kaposia and the Redwood and Yellow Medicine Indian agencies and served as a messenger between Little Crow and General Sibley at Camp Release during the U.S.-Dakota War, and later as a scout for troops in Dakota Territory. His reminiscence includes some genealogical data, but mainly details his actions in 1862 to try to protect and free the white captives in Little Crow's camp. He also describes like efforts by Little Paul, a full‑blood Christian Dakota. Typed copy.

Location of Originals: Original loaned for copying by the author.

Accession Number: 2050

Digital version

Robinson, John E., 1837‑1916. John E. Robinson biographical memorabilia, 1859‑1865. 3 items.

Scope and Contents: New York state bar admission certificate (1859); letter (typed copy) describing his experiences with the 2nd Minnesota Cavalry, Company B, during Sully's expedition through Dakota, Montana, and Idaho (1864, 6 pages); and his discharge paper (1865).

Accession Number: 4425

Digital version

Rust, George H., 1839‑1908. George H. Rust military papers, 1863‑1865. 19 items.

Scope and Contents: Correspondence, general orders, receipts, and similar papers, documenting the activities of Rust as chief clerk, Subsistence Department, during the Sully expeditions. They include special orders from Sully (1863‑1864); correspondence and orders from J. J. Palmer, captain of commissary and subsistence on the 1864 expedition; Rust's report on the Midwest pork market to the commissary general, A. B. Eaton (December 1864); and a portion of his statement on the moral character and military conduct of Sully during the expeditions.

Accession Number: 7450

Digital version

Seelye, W. E., 1845‑. Narrative of the past and experiences and adventures of which the writer, W. E. Seelye, took part, October 22, 1937. 12 pages.

Scope and Contents: Typescript reminiscence, mainly detailing his experiences as a member of the 8th Minnesota Infantry, Company A, particularly on march to Fort Ripley during the U.S.-Dakota War, on Sully's expedition, and as relief for Colonel James L. Fisk's expedition into the Badlands.

Accession Number: 4600

Digital version

Seifert, Alexander, 1891‑1955, compiler. Notes of committee selecting historical data from New Ulm, Minnesota, undated. 23 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typescript notes on a trip by six New Ulm residents to the Wood Lake battle site, Camp Release, and Montevideo. They include notes on interviews with George Olds, whose farm was then (1924) on the Yellow Medicine Agency site, and with Celia Campbell Stay, whose father, Joseph Campbell, was the Redwood Agency interpreter in 1862. She relates the family's captivity by the Dakota, their release at Camp Release, and her father's role as intermediary between the Dakota camp and General Sibley.

Accession Number: 2286

Digital version

Sheardown, Samuel B., 1826‑1889. Samuel B. Sheardown letter, January 2, 1863. 4 leaves.

Scope and Contents: From Sheardown, 10th Minnesota Infantry surgeon, at hospital headquarters in Le Sueur (Minnesota), to his brother and sister in Pennsylvania, describing the atrocities he saw during the U.S.-Dakota War and his medical assistance at the hanging of the Dakota prisoners in Mankato. Photocopy.

Accession Number: 7850

Digital version

Shotwell, James A., 1838‑. James A. Shotwell letter, January 15, 1898. 5 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Written to his son James, describing his role in a march to Fort Abercrombie with the 9th Minnesota Infantry, Company C, in 1862. Shotwell served in the 9th Regiment, 1862‑1864, and then joined the colored service. Original and typed copy.

Accession Number: 2576

Digital version

Sidwell, Aaron M., compiler. Selected extracts from The soldier's gazette, 1863. 1 volume.

Scope and Contents: A volume containing 56 handwritten pages of extracts from a newspaper published by members of the 8th Minnesota Infantry, Company F, during winter encampment at Fort Ripley. Includes a detailed history of the company, which organized in Dakota County as the "Dakota Rifles" on August 13, 1862, served as the New Ulm guard (August 18‑November 12, 1862) during the U.S.-Dakota War, and was mustered into federal service as Company F in November 1862.

Accession Number: 3319A

Digital version

Silvis, William L. William L. Silvis diary, 1864. 15 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typed copy of a diary (January 1‑November 4) kept by Captain Silvis, 8th Minnesota Infantry, Company I, while on march with Sully's expedition. It details the march, particularly daily activities and camps, company personnel and horses, supplies, and encounters with the Dakota. Also contains notations on expenditures and cash transactions.

Location of Originals: Original (1 volume) loaned for copying by Mrs. Benjamin C. Trevett, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Accession Number: 5275

Digital version

Stay, Celia M. Campbell, 1848‑. Celia Stay reminiscence and biographical data, 1925‑1940. 4 items.

Scope and Contents: An undated manuscript, "Camp Relief in 1862," written by Stay, daughter of Joseph Campbell, the United States interpreter at the Redwood Indian Agency in 1862, details her family's captivity by the Dakota and her father's role as intermediary between the Dakota and General Sibley at Camp Release. It is accompanied by letters from Stay (1925) and E. L. Bourke (1940) to the Minnesota Historical Society, and an undated clipping containing Campbell family genealogical data. Typed and photocopies.

Location of Originals: Minnesota Historical Society Institutional Archives; St. Paul, Minnesota.

Accession Number: 5023

Digital version

Strong, John Henry, 1821‑1905. A journal of the northwestern Indian expedition under General Sully, 1864‑1865. 2 items.

Scope and Contents: Diary (May 22‑November 5, 1864) written while serving with the 8th Minnesota Infantry, Company A. There is both an original (71 pages) and a typed transcript (66 pages.)

Pages 1 through 63 (original) cover the company's march from Sauk Centre into the Badlands of western Dakota Territory and back to Fort Snelling (May 22-October 17), particularly detailing the countryside; forts and trading posts; escorting an emigrant train from Camp Pope to Yellowstone; rescuing the James L. Fisk emigrant train (September 9-11); Indian encounters, including the battle of Killdeer Mountain in western Dakota Territory (July 28-29); and desertions, hardships, and buffalo hunts. Pages 64 through 71 cover their journey by barge, train, and on foot to Chicago, Louisville, Kentucky, and Nashville and Murfreesboro, Tennessee (October 18-November 5). There is a partial letter written in Nashville (May 7, 1865).

Accession Numbers: 8991; 14,107

Digital version

Sturgis, Rosanna. Rosanna Sturgis letter, October 8, [1869?]. 3 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typed copy of a letter from Rosanna (Steele) Sturgis, in Elk City, Minnesota to her husband William in Bannack, Montana, describing nearby Dakota Indian activity and the family's move into Little Falls for safety. Although the letter appears to be dated 1869, it describes 1862 events as occurring in the present, therefore the correct date of the letter may be 1862. There is also one sheet of biographical data.

Location of Originals: Montana Historical Society; Helena, Montana.

Accession Number: 7646

Digital version

Sutherland, Peter, 1832‑. Peter Sutherland letter, July 9, 1908. 7 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Sutherland, a Leech Lake (Minnesota) trader in 1862, writes to the Minnesota Historical Society describing his 1862 captivity at Leech Lake, where he and several other whites were held by the Ojibwe chief Big Dog until exchanged for Indian prisoners from Fort Ripley. He also discusses his friendship with Bishop Henry B. Whipple.

Accession Number: None

Digital version

Eliza. Letter concerning Dakota Conflict, August 29, 1862. 3 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typed copy of a letter from Eliza [Quigg?] in Faribault (Minnesota) to her sister, Laura Guigg [Quigg] Swett, describing the effects of the nearby U.S.-Dakota War in Faribault.

Location of Originals: Original loaned for copying by heirs of David Davis, Bloomington, Illinois.

Accession Number: 5668

Digital version

Buffalo Child Long Lance, Chief, 1890‑1932. White Indian of plains solves birth mystery, February 13, 1926. 1 item.

Scope and Contents: Story of Ross Tanner, a white child saved by a Dakota woman during the 1862 Dakota attack on the Redwood Indian Agency, and raised as an Indian. Photocopy of newspaper clipping.

Location of Originals: Originally published in The Vancouver sun, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Accession Number: 2793

Digital version

Taylor, Oscar, 1832‑1905. Oscar Taylor military papers, 1859-1863. 6 items.

Scope and Contents: His commissions as colonel, 22d Minnesota Volunteer Militia (1859), first lieutenant, Volunteer State Militia (September 1862), and captain, 1st Minnesota Mounted Rangers (October 1862); muster‑out roll for the mounted rangers (August 1863); and an undated diagram of the Sauk Centre (Minnesota) military post. Taylor was a resident of Stearns County.

Related Material: See Minnesota history, 12:318 for information on provenance.

Accession Number: 3383

Digital version

Thorne, Julia Rachel. George A. Thorne family in the massacre of 1862, 1933. 2 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Recounts the George A. Thorne family's 1855 settlement in Henderson, Minnesota; Thorne's service as a volunteer Indian fighter during the U.S.-Dakota War; the family's flight to St. Peter; and the return of his wife Delia and their small daughter Mary to deserted Henderson to gather supplies. Written by Thorne's daughter. Submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933.

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

Urbach, Jacob. Jacob Urbach letter, December 3, 1864. 2 items.

Scope and Contents: Letter in German, with translation into English, from Urbach of Salt Lake City (Utah) to his family, describing his experiences traveling with the Thomas Holmes emigrant train across Dakota Territory, including meeting Sully's expedition, skirmishes with the Dakota Indians, and stops at Fort Benton, Milk River, and Virginia City, Montana. Photocopies.

Accession Number: 10878

Digital version

McNulty, Agnes, compiler. Biographical data on William H. Van Ness, 1933. 3 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Describes the actions of Van Ness, a Forest City (Meeker County, Minnesota) farmer, during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933.

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

Wadsworth, Henry, 1832‑. Henry Wadsworth reminiscence, circa 1902. 5 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Reminiscence of a Glencoe (Minnesota) hardware dealer during the 1862 U.S.-Dakota War, detailing the erection of a sod and timber stockade, the organization of a home guard company, a Dakota attack, and the stationing of two infantry companies in the City. Includes a plan of the stockade.

Accession Number: 1775B14

Digital version

Wakefield, John L., circa 1832-1874. John L. Wakefield biographical memorabilia, 1862‑circa 1901. 4 items.

Scope and Contents: Claim by Wakefield, the Yellow Medicine Indian Agency physician in 1862, against the federal government for his losses in the U.S.-Dakota War, with an inventory of lost items (1862‑1863). Accompanied by a plot deed in the Valley Cemetery, Shakopee Cemetery Association (1874), and by Wakefield's (1874) and Mrs. Wakefield's obituaries (circa 1899).

John L. Wakefield and family photographs are found in the Collections not Microfilmed series.

Biographical Note: John L. Wakefield was born April 25, 1823 in Connecticut. Trained as a doctor, he located in Shakopee in 1854. In 1856 he married Sarah F. Butts, who was born 1830 in Rhode Island. Dr. Wakefield was appointed Indian physician at the Yellow Medicine Agency; Mrs. Wakefield was taken prisoner during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 and held for six weeks. Dr. Wakefield died February 17, 1874 at Shakopee. Mrs. Wakefield moved to Saint Paul, where she died May 27, 1899.

Accession Number: 10950

Digital version

Wall, Oscar Garrett, 1841-1911. Diary of the Indian expedition of 1863, 1863. 79 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Typed transcriptions of a diary (May 9‑September 29) kept by Wall, of the 1st Mounted Rangers, Company F, detailing his service on the Sibley Expedition, particularly miles covered daily, campsites, travel conditions, and skirmishes with the Dakota.

Location of Originals: Original (1 volume) loaned for copying by Dana Wright, Jamestown, North Dakota.

Related Material: See Minnesota history bulletin, 4:69 for information on provenance.

Accession Number: 1904

Digital version

Walter, Ransom, 1840‑1920. Ransom Walter diary, 1862‑1865. 1 volume.

Scope and Contents: Pocket diary (circa August 29, 1862-August 1865; 78 pages) detailing Walter's service with the 7th Minnesota Infantry, Company E, in Minnesota and Dakota Territory (1862‑1863) and in the South (1864‑1865). Entries describe living conditions and distances travelled, and give camp names, names of men killed and wounded, and cash accounts.

Accession Number: 11361

Digital version

Ward, Chester C., 1844‑. Chester C. Ward letter, August 27, 1865. 2 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Photocopy of a letter from Ward, at Forth Wadsworth (Dakota Territory) to his mother, describing camp life as a member of the 2nd Minnesota Cavalry, Company D.

Location of Originals: State Historical Society of Wisconsin; Madison, Wisconsin.

Accession Number: 3614

Digital version

Watson, Amos B. Reminiscences of the Sioux outbreak, undated. 6 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Details his service in the 7th Minnesota Infantry, Company B, including participation in holding Fort Ridgely and in the battle of Birch Coulee, the battle of Wood Lake, liberation of the hostages at Camp Release, escort of the Dakota prisoners to Mankato, and guard duty at their execution. Typed copy.

Location of Originals: Location of original unknown.

Accession Number: 8894

Digital version

Vogel, Anna May Wearer, compiler. Biographical data on H. L. and Ida Wearer, August 7, 1933. 12 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Vogel describes her parents' activities during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, near Concord, Dodge County (Minnesota). Submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933.

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

Persons, Irene. Notes of interview with Elizabeth Whitcomb, June 11, 1937. 6 leaves.

Scope and Contents: Whitcomb discusses her family's move to Minnesota from New York in 1856; their 1858 move to a Meeker County farm near Forest City; her father, George C. Whitcomb's, organization of a citizens' protection group, the Sibley Guards, during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862; the family's flight to Forest City; and the Dakota attack on that city.

Accession Number: None

Digital version

Whitcomb, George F., 1850-1936. George F. Whitcomb letter, July 18, 1933. 11 leaves.

Scope and Contents: To George Bradley, St. Paul, detailing the activities of his Meeker County family, particularly his father George C., during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Original and typed copy. Submitted for a Minnesota Tourism Bureau contest in 1933.

Accession Number: 3767

Digital version

White, Albert Smith, 1803-1864. Sioux Claims Commission data, 1863-1864. 4 items.

Scope and Contents: White, of Stockwell, Indiana, served as chairman of the Sioux Claims Commission, a body formed to settle claims brought against the United States government by white settlers for losses incurred during the U.S.-Dakota War. This collection consists of two letters from White to his wife (1863), describing the battle areas he visited and discussing the commission's work; a letter from Cyrus Aldrich, in Washington, D.C. (1864), urging White to draft a bill for added relief to war survivors; and handwritten excerpts from an unidentified congressional document concerning the commission's work and from White's obituary.

Accession Numbers: 6407; 10,127

Digital version

Wood, Sally S. Drake. Sally Wood letters, 1862-1863. 5 items.

Scope and Contents: Four letters are from Wood, in St. Cloud and Elm Island (Minnesota), to her brother, Plumer Drake, and to her niece (1862, 1863), discussing construction of a fortification at St. Cloud, general events of the U.S.-Dakota War, and the fear of an Ojibwe uprising. One is from her son, William H., to his uncle, Nathanial Drake (1862), announcing their return to their farm from St. Cloud. Photocopies and typed transcripts.

Location of Originals: Originals loaned for copying by Mrs. Altah Moore, Jackson, Michigan.

Accession Number: 6118

Digital version

Location

Reel

M582

4

Workman, Harper M., 1855-. Early history of Lake Shetek country, undated and 1924-1930. 1 volume and 8 items.

Scope and Contents: The volume (197 leaves; undated) contains Workman's history of the Lake Shetek (Murray County, Minnesota) area, including a list of settlers living there at the time of a Dakota attack (August 20, 1862), biographical sketches of many of the settlers, particularly detailing their war experiences, and a map of the area showing the location of various war sites. It is accompanied by letters (1924‑1930) to Workman and to Neil Currie, a Lake Shetek area resident, from and about various area settlers. Many of these are reproduced in the volume.

Biographical Note: Workman was a physician in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.

Accession Number: 3470

Digital version

Sibley, Henry Hastings, 1811‑1891. Recommendation of Wounded Man (Ta‑o‑pe), October 4, 1862. 1 item.

Scope and Contents: States that Ta‑o‑pe is a civilized Dakota who aided the whites during the U.S.-Dakota War.

Accession Number: 3190

Digital version

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RESTRICTED.

Location

Box

P1369

5

Jackson, Richard Mott, 1835- . Rescue of white girl captives from Indians: An incident of the Minnesota massacre in 1862, circa 1903. 3 pages, typewritten.

Scope and Contents: Account by Jackson, a volunteer member of Colonel Henry H. Sibley's command, describing the September 26, 1862 rescue of over 100 white captives at Camp Release, move of Dakota prisoners to Mankato, and the December 26 hanging of 38 Dakota at Mankato. The original account was in an envelope dated October 10, 1903. Biographical data about Jackson was added to the typescript in 1993.

Location of Originals: Original held by Norman Mott Shannahan, St. Michaels, Missouri.

Accession Number: 15,040

Digital version

Location

Reserve 158

Marsh, John S. John S. Marsh military papers, 1862, 1961. 4 items in 1 folder.

Scope and Contents: These materials include an August 5, 1862 message from Lieutenant Timothy J. Sheehan, commander of the guard at the agency, to his superior officer Captain John S. Marsh, at Fort Ridgely, requesting he come to the agency immediately or recall the men to the post, and two August 5th letters from U. S. Indian Agent Thomas Galbraith, one to Marsh, also requesting his presence at the agency, the other to Sheehan, stating his lack of trust in the military's interpreter, Peter Quinn, and requesting he have no further contact with the Dakota under Galbraith's jurisdiction.

There is also a photocopy of a 1961 letter from William R. Marsh, great nephew of Captain John S. Marsh, detailing the Civil War service of Marsh and his brother, Josiah, and remarking on John's August 18, 1862 death at the Lower Sioux Indian Agency ferry site. The original was loaned by R. B. Dunsworth, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Historical Note: In July 1862, U. S. Indian Agent Thomas J. Galbraith, Upper Sioux Indian Agency (Yellow Medicine Indian Agency) was awaiting the monetary portion of the Dakota Indian's annual annuity, the goods and provisions portion having already arrived and been stored in the agency's warehouse. Custom was to make payment of the provisions, goods, and money all at the same time, so Galbraith had made no distribution. On July 14th, approximately 5000 Dakota assembled at the agency requesting food. Galbraith doled out just enough of the provisions to keep the Dakota alive.

It was also customary for a guard of soldiers to be present at the annual payment. The 1862 guard consisted of parts of two companies of the Fifth Minnesota Volunteers, approximately 100 men, commanded by Lieutenant Timothy J. Sheehan. On August 4th, 500 Dakota, mounted and on foot, surrounded the soldiers' camp. At the same time, other Dakota broke open the warehouse door and began removing sacks of flour. Sheehan's men trained a loaded howitzer at the warehouse door while Sheehan, a sergeant, and sixteen men moved past the Dakota to the warehouse. Following discussion with Galbraith, the Dakota were given pork and flour and the leaders agreed to a council meeting.

On August 5th, Agent Galbraith sent a letter to Sheehan stating his lack of trust in the military's interpreter, Peter Quinn, and requesting his removal from the reservation and delivery to Captain John S. Marsh, Sheehan's superior officer at Fort Ridgely. Sheehan instructed Lieutenant Thomas P. Gere to proceed at once to Fort Ridgely with Quinn and request Marsh to come immediately to the agency. Gere left the agency at four that afternoon, reaching the fort at three the morning of the sixth. Marsh reached the agency at 1:30 that afternoon.

Following a meeting with the Dakota on August 7th, it was agreed to release all goods and provisions and to recall the Dakota when the annuity money arrived. Over the next three days, the goods and provisions were distributed and the Dakota left the area. On the eleventh, the detachment returned to Fort Ridgely.

Seven days later, on August 18th Captain Marsh was drowned and Interpreter Quinn killed at the Lower Sioux Indian Agency (Redwood Indian Agency) ferry site during the first day of fighting in the Dakota Conflict.

Accession Numbers: 9145; 15,265

Digital version

Location

Box

P1369

5

Randall, Benjamin Hoyt, 1823-1913. Biographical data on B. H. Randall and the Randall family, 1954-1902. 7 items in 1 folder.

Scope and Contents: The materials include a marriage announcement, Randall to Wilhelmina H. Lange (1854), and four letters: Wilhelmina to Randall (1863), C. R. Davis to Randall (1899), concerning land in St. Peter, and Randall to the Minnesota Historical Society (1894, 1902). The latter detail his experiences at Fort Snelling and Fort Ridgely, as St. Peter mayor and territorial and state legislator, and during the U.S.-Dakota War. He also describes visiting Washington, D.C. immediately following President Lincoln's assassination and accompanying Robert T. Lincoln while on his way to Springfield for the funeral. There is also an 1874 notation cut from a diagram of government buildings at Fort Ridgely and a typescript of Randall's "Fort Ridgely and Its Defense," a description of events during 1862 (circa 1892).

Biographical Note: B.H. Randall, born in Vermont in 1823, arrived in the Minnesota Territory in September 1849 to serve as sutler's clerk at Fort Snelling. In 1853, he was appointed sutler at Fort Ridgely, a position he retained until the fort's 1867 abandonment. During the Dakota Uprising, he was appointed to organize and arm the citizen refugees in defense of Fort Ridgely. From 1863 to 1888, he was involved in the manufacture of boots in St. Peter. He moved to Winona in 1888. Randall served in the territorial legislature, the state legislature (1883), and as mayor of St. Peter. He died in 1913.

Related Material: Published accounts of Randall's experiences at Fort Ridgely (1853-1867) can be found in the Society's library collection as "A Brief Sketch and History of Fort Ridgely," by Benjamin Hoyt Randall (1896) and "The Siege of Fort Ridgely, Aug. 1862, written for the Winona Republican" (1892) by Maj. Benj. H. Randall.

Accession Numbers: 8700; 10,215; 15,129

Digital version

Wakefield, John L., circa 1832-1874:

Scope and Contents: One album of carte de visite photographs and one folder of seven photographs of members of the Wakefield, Brown, Adams, Wilder, Phelps, Paull, Sheridan, and related families. The majority of the images in the album are identified. The seven items in the folder are not identified.

John L. Wakefield biographical memorabilia is found in the Microfilmed Papers series.

Accession Number: 17,232

Wakefield family photographs, undated. 7 items.

Digital version

Carte de visite photograph album, 1860s-1890s. 1 volume.

Digital version

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RESTRICTED.

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This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the Minnesota Historical Society. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons or places should search the catalog using these headings.

Topics:

Dakota Indians -- Agencies.

Dakota Indians -- Biography.

Dakota Indians -- Wars, 1862-1865.

Places:

Dakota Territory -- Description and travel.

Minnesota -- Defenses.

United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.

Document Types:

Diaries.

Microforms.

Photographs.

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