Rumors in the their and you will Chaska’s relationship incited prejudiced feedback
Lieutenant Thomas P. Gere was born in 1842 into the Wellsburg, Nyc. The guy enrolled from the 5th Minnesota Voluntary Infantry Regiment in the many years 19, mustering during the into the January 17, 1862. He was promoted so you’re able to very first sergeant into the February 5 of these year then to second lieutenant towards the elizabeth earliest lieutenant and you will adjutant. He had been nineteen yrs old and you will established from the Fort Ridgely when you look at the 1862 if the You.S.-Dakota War broke aside. Into the morning out of August 18, he had been in charge in the fort when Capt. John Marsh leftover to see regarding the accounts from the Straight down Sioux Agency regarding the Dakota attacksmanding twenty-five troops, and you will caring for numerous terror-ridden refugees fleeing periods, Gere Gov. Ramsey and Fort Snelling requesting reinforcements. Organizing their troops and several refugees to set up to have assault, the guy awaited assist. He had been in the end entered by Sheehan with his soldiers, together with Indian Agent Galbraith as well as the Renville Rangers, together with fort held aside for the next ten days.
Gere later fought from the Municipal War. He was provided the latest Medal regarding Prize into the 1865 to possess his methods in the Race away from Nashville during the 1864. He mustered from the army in 1865 and you will began functions from the railroad organization. The guy died inside the 1912 and you can try hidden inside Arlington Federal Cemetery when you look at the Virginia.
Within the August away from 1862, in the very beginning of the U.S.-Dakota War, Chaska, or Wechankawastadonpe, a good Dakota people, with his campanion, Hapan, fulfilled Sarah Wakefield fleeing inside the a keen acquaintance’s truck regarding the Lower Sioux Institution. Deciding to spare Wakefield just after Hapan slain Mr. Gleason–the latest wagon holder–Chaska took their unique along with her pupils under their cover throughout the six weeks from fights. Swinging them in together with household members, he said the guy wished to marry Wakefield to keep their own safe out of one thought of harm. At the end of the war, Chaska released Wakefield from the Go camping Launch. Wakefield urged Chaska and his awesome loved ones to keep, reassuring them that they is managed quite. Regarding the his security she told you, “If it was not to have Chaska my bones perform today become bleaching with the prairie”.
Even after their particular states defending Chaska, produced in public places and from inside the resulting examples away from Dakota men inside it regarding the conflict, Chaska try imprisoned and you can initial sentenced to-be hanged.
Once with their phrase commuted to a jail name, Chaska nevertheless was actually one of many 38 hanged into the Mankato. There is disagreement more if or not this is unintentional otherwise purposeful. Stephen Riggs said that the newest error occured when Chaska’s title are entitled in which he endured right up instead of the implied man, Chaskadon. Wakefield debated this aspect and told you, “I’m able to never accept that all-in power at the Mankato had forgotten what Chaska are condemned to possess, i am also sure, inside my attention, it had been over intentionally.”
After their death, Chaska’s muscles are hastily buried toward most other sufferers. It actually was next exhumed because of the medical professionals to be used to have dissection.
Within one-point, Standard Sibley described Chaska once the Wakefield’s spouse
Responses following hanging allude towards the flurry of advice surrounding this new “scandal” between Chaska and you may Wakefield. When you look at the a letter so you’re able to J. Fletcher Williams, secretary of one’s Minnesota Historical Area, J. K. Arnold discussed just how he came into possession of a noose away from the latest Mankato hangings.
Beloved “Fletch,” Their bill rec’d “Okay.” Thank-you. Only if your future fulfilling will come of have the quality taking acknowledgment of your own document be made for the “7th Regiment, Minn Infty thro’ J. K. Arnold Adjutant __.” I fw’d to day new rope, completely new that have knot and you can noose just as it was taken out of out of Chaska’s head. It offers not ever been untied, and is, as it are obtained from their neck. I stole it. Col. Miller would definitely posting every one of them (38) so you’re able to Washington, however, I needed this option which hung Chaska. I got it off his shoulder hid it significantly less than my layer, went along to my space. Hid it lower than my personal blankets (bed) and you may slept on it before excitement try more than towards the shed line, once i sent it household by the Display, as the that we features carefully managed it. “Dated Steph” made a bad play around regarding it thinking exactly what have end up being of it, the guy __ doesn’t see even today one to his Adjutant met with the exact same. Sufficiently. Accept it, from the friend. And-one-word alot more. People matter-Relics-Statistics otherwise wh____ you want I could furnish. Telephone call up on Their Buddy (I am hoping) J. K Arnold This really is a photograph regarding Lincoln’s Execution Number, 1862.