Gossip on the their particular and you can Chaska’s relationships incited prejudiced opinions
Lieutenant Thomas P. Gere grew up in 1842 in Wellsburg, New york. The guy enrolled on 5th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment at the ages 19, mustering for the toward January 17, 1862. He had been promoted to basic sergeant into February 5 of this 12 months then in order to second lieutenant into e earliest lieutenant and you will adjutant. He had been nineteen yrs old and you can founded at Fort Ridgely inside 1862 in the event the U.S.-Dakota Combat bankrupt away. To the morning regarding August 18, he had been in charge on fort whenever Capt. John Marsh left to see from the account coming from the Straight down Sioux Agency from the Dakota attacksmanding twenty-five troops, and taking care of countless horror-ridden refugees fleeing episodes, Gere Gov. Ramsey and Fort Snelling requesting reinforcements. Tossing their troops and some refugees to set up to possess assault, he awaited assist. He was ultimately joined by the Sheehan and his soldiers, as well as Indian Agent Galbraith as well as the Renville Rangers, and the fort held out for the next ten months.
Gere afterwards battled regarding the Municipal War. He was issued the newest Medal regarding Prize in 1865 to possess their tips on Battle from Nashville from inside the 1864. He mustered outside of the military inside 1865 and you may began really works in the railroad providers. The guy died in the 1912 and you will try hidden when you look at the Arlington National Cemetery from inside the Virginia.
For the August of 1862, in the beginning of the U.S.-Dakota Combat, Chaska, otherwise Wechankawastadonpe, good Dakota guy, with his campanion, Hapan, fulfilled Sarah Wakefield fleeing for the a keen acquaintance’s wagon on Straight down Sioux Service. Deciding to spare Wakefield after Hapan slain Mr. Gleason–new truck manager–Chaska took their and her children under his cover from the six-weeks out of fights. Moving them when you look at the along with his relatives, the guy reported he wanted to wed Wakefield to keep their own safer away from any imagined harm. At the end of the war, Chaska put-out Wakefield at the Camp Discharge. Wakefield recommended Chaska and his relatives to keep, comforting them that they would-be treated fairly. Throughout the his security she told you, « Whether it wasn’t to possess Chaska my bones carry out today feel lightening into the prairie ».
Despite their unique states safeguarding Chaska, made in public places and you can in the ensuing trials out of Dakota men in it throughout the battle, Chaska is imprisoned and you will initially sentenced getting hanged.
Immediately after that have his sentence commuted to help you a jail identity, Chaska however is one of many 38 hanged from inside the Mankato. There can be dispute more than whether or not it was accidental otherwise purposeful. Stephen Riggs mentioned that the newest error happened when Chaska’s term is actually named and then he endured upwards rather than the intended man, Chaskadon. Wakefield debated this point and you will told you, « I’m able to never accept that all in authority at the Mankato got lost what Chaska is destined getting, and i am yes, within my attention, it was done purposefully. »
Immediately after his death thaicupid, Chaska’s body is actually hastily tucked with the most other sufferers. It absolutely was then exhumed because of the doctors to be used getting dissection.
During the one point, Standard Sibley labeled Chaska as the Wakefield’s spouse
Reactions following the dangling allude toward flurry off view surrounding brand new « scandal » between Chaska and Wakefield. For the a letter so you can J. Fletcher Williams, secretary of the Minnesota Historic Society, J. K. Arnold described just how the guy came into arms of good noose off the fresh Mankato hangings.
Precious “Fletch,” Your own bill rec’d “Okay.” Many thanks. Only if your upcoming fulfilling comes out-of have the solution acknowledging acknowledgment of the file be manufactured into “Seventh Regiment, Minn Infty thro’ J. K. Arnold Adjutant __.” I fw’d to day the fresh new line, new which have knot and you will noose exactly as it actually was taken off off Chaska’s direct. It’s got never been untied, which can be, because was obtained from their shoulder. I stole they. Col. Miller would post them all (38) so you’re able to Washington, however, I wanted this option hence installed Chaska. We grabbed it well their shoulder hid they less than my personal coat, went to my personal room. Hid it under my blankets (bed) and slept inside before thrill try more on the forgotten line, while i sent it family because of the Express, as that we has cautiously managed they. “Old Steph” produced a terrible fool around regarding it curious what might have end up being of it, the guy __ cannot see to this day one his Adjutant met with the same. Sufficiently. Accept it, from the pal. And-one-word significantly more. People issue-Relics-Analytics or wh____ you desire I will give. Telephone call through to Your own Friend (I’m hoping) J. K Arnold It is a photograph out-of Lincoln’s Delivery List, 1862.