Coming soon to the Minneapolis Institute of Art

Art of the Native Americans: The Thaw Collection

Coming Soon!

Sunday, October 24, 2010—Sunday, January 9, 2011
Target Gallery
Ticketed Exhibition (FREE for members!)

http://www.artsmia.org/index.php?section_id=2

It didn't start in Minnesota

The Dakota War of 1862 was not a singular event in American history.   Native-born Americans and European-descended settlers clashed over several centuries.

King Philip's War in Massachusetts in the 1670s resulted in more death and destruction than the Dakota War of 1862.  Suggested readings:  Jill Lepore, The Name of War  King Philip's War and the Origins of American Identity, New York:  Vintage Books, 1998;  Eric B. Schultz and Michael J. Tougias, King Philip's War  The History and Legacy of America's Forgotten Conflict, Woodstock VT: The Countryman Press, 1999;  Colin G. Calloway, The Shawnees and the War For America, New York:  The Penguin Library of American History [Viking Press], 2007.

Dakota War Anniversary - August 18, 2010

A group of Minnesota Historical Society people from the Twin Cities was welcomed by the Staff from the Lower Sioux Agency.  Thank you for the hospitality and the skilful interpretation of the sad events of the day and the era.

Dakota Conflict tour open to all

Join me on Wednesday for a tour of the major Dakota Conflict sites.   There is room for more people.  So far, three drivers have stepped forward.

Meet me at the Caribou Coffee in Edina at 7 AM August 18, 2010.  This coffee shop is located at Bren Road and Hwy 169, the first exit north of the 169-62 intersection.

Call me if you have any questions:  612-750-9101.

There is no charge for this tour.  Please note that you will not suffer social embarrassment if you offer to contribute to your driver's gasoline fund.

This is a tour of an important part of Minnesota history on the anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict.

The truth about the Dakota conflict

This painting by Frances J. Yellow demonstrates  soldiers herding  captive people away from their homes.  Double-click on the image for best viewing.

I took this photo at the Birch Coulee site earlier this summer.

The Dakota Conflict in Minnesota is just one sad chapter in the over-all history of the United States.  Conflict between the native people and white society began as early as the 17th century.  The Dakota Conflict in Minnesota was one of the last chapters in this terrible history.

Sibley reports again to Gov. Ramsey from St. Peter

"ST. PETER, Aug. 24, 1862 - 10:30 a.m.

"Governor RAMSEY,
St. Paul,

"DEAR SIR:  I refer you for details to my official communication to the adjutant general, and I trust my requisitions and recommendations will meet your approbation and be carried out in every particular  There is no use to disguise the fact that unless we can now and very effectually, crush this rising, the state is ruined, and some of its fairest portions will revert for years into the possession of these miserable wretches, who among all devils in human shape are among the most cruel and ferocious.  To appreciate this, one must see, as I have, the mutilated bodies of their victims.  My heart is steeled against them, and if I have the means, and can catch them, I will sweep them with the besom of death.

"Don't think there is exaggeration in the terrible pictures given by individuals.  They fall short of the dreadful reality.  This very moment the work of destruction is going on within ten miles, and yet we have not mounted force enough to spare for chasing and destroying the rascals.  A family was fired upon last night within four miles of here, and a boy killed.

"You will hear of stirring events very soon.  Cullen and Nelson will reach here to-day, and to-morrow we shall move toward the fort.  The trouble will be in keeping up our communications and guarding our rear, and the villages and people, and still retain men enough for active operations in the field.

"Please not to forget that we are without mail communications, and would like to have late papers occasionally by these special messengers.

"I have no word from my family since I left, except from some one indirectly, who saw Mrs. S. going straight to St. Paul to obtain a guard against the Indians, supposed to be lurking in the Mendota thickets.  Please send any letters there may be for me from her or others.

"Very truly yours,
H.H. SIBLEY

"I opened Flaundrau's dispatch to you, supposing it might contain something essential for me to know.  It is not of the latest.  Any letters for officers or men, send to me."

[source:  see the first post for today for the complete citation.  This dispatch found on p. 198-199 of that source]

From St. Peter, Sibley writes to Flandrau who is at New Ulm

"ST. PETER, Aug. 22, 1862.

"Hon. C.E. FLAUNDRAU,
New Ulm,

"DEAR SIR:  I have received your dispatch and that of Mr. Myrick's inclosed and have sent them to Governor Ramsey to-night.  I did not arrive with my command until after dark, the men being very much fatigued by their long march through the woods in execrable roads.  

"I send Lieutenant Cox (to whom I have issued 50 Austrian muskets) with 74 men and 48 under command of Lieutenant Buck to report to you.  My detachments from the north side have not arrived, but I hope they will be here to-morrow.  I will let you know to-morrow, if opportunity offers, should they come in, and we will act in concert in our operations.  I do not see that any advantage would be gained to the garrison in the fort by simply opening communication without the means of furnishing any supplies, but if you deem it necessary, we will make the attempt when my men all arrive.

"Captain Skaro reports that Governor Ramsey and Colonel Nelson are diligently employed in equipping 300 mounted men and 300 infantry for instant service, and that they will be here very soon.  I have no more guns to distribute.

"Write me if you need larger force to hold your position before the re-enforcements arrive.  I will act in any quarter where my small force can be effective, but it is evident that no formidable demonstration can be made until we are largely re-enforced.

"Yours very sincerely,
H.H. SIBLEY,
Colonel, Commanding."

[source:  see original post for this date, p. 197]