Rumors regarding their particular and Chaska’s matchmaking incited prejudiced opinions
Lieutenant Thomas P. Gere grew up in 1842 for the Wellsburg, New york. He signed up throughout the fifth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment from the decades 19, mustering into the on the January 17, 1862. He was advertised so you can basic sergeant with the March 5 of these year and so you’re able to next lieutenant on e first lieutenant and you will adjutant. He was nineteen yrs . old and based from the Fort Ridgely inside 1862 in the event that You.S.-Dakota Combat bankrupt away. Into day out-of August 18, he was in control within fort when Capt. John Marsh kept to see regarding the accounts from the All the way down Sioux Company on the Dakota attacksmanding twenty-five soldiers, and you may looking after a huge selection of horror-ridden refugees fleeing symptoms, Gere Gov. Ramsey and you will Fort Snelling requesting reinforcements. Putting their soldiers and many refugees to prepare for attack, he anticipated assist. He was fundamentally joined by the Sheehan with his soldiers, in addition to Indian Representative Galbraith additionally the Renville Rangers, in addition to fort kept away for the next 10 weeks.
Gere later on battled about Municipal Conflict. He had been issued this new Medal off Honor for the 1865 for his actions at the Battle out-of Nashville into the 1864. He mustered out of the military for the 1865 and first started works from the railroad providers. The guy passed away during the 1912 and you may try buried inside Arlington Federal Cemetery from inside the Virginia.
Into the August of 1862, in the very beginning of the U.S.-Dakota Conflict, Chaska, otherwise Wechankawastadonpe, a Dakota man, along with his campanion, Hapan, fulfilled Sarah Wakefield fleeing within the an enthusiastic acquaintance’s wagon from the Lower Sioux Department. Choosing to spare Wakefield immediately following Hapan slain Mr. Gleason–the wagon owner–Chaska took their and her children under their safeguards throughout the six-weeks off matches. Swinging them into the with his nearest and dearest, the guy stated the guy desired to wed Wakefield to keep their particular secure off one thought spoil. At the end of the battle, Chaska create Wakefield on Go camping Release. Wakefield advised Chaska and his family to keep, comforting them which they is handled pretty. In the his protection she said, “If this was not to have Chaska my skeleton do now become lightening into prairie”.
Even after their particular claims shielding Chaska, generated publicly and you can when you look at the ensuing trials away from Dakota guys with it throughout the conflict, Chaska try imprisoned and you can 1st sentenced becoming hanged.
Immediately after which have his phrase commuted so you can a jail identity, Chaska still was among 38 hanged inside the Mankato. There is disagreement more than whether this is unintentional FransД±z kadД±n otherwise purposeful. Stephen Riggs mentioned that brand new error was held when Chaska’s name try entitled and then he stood up rather than the required people, Chaskadon. Wakefield disputed this time and you will said, “I will never ever believe that all-in authority on Mankato had destroyed just what Chaska is actually destined for, i am also yes, in my own attention, it absolutely was done purposefully.”
After their passing, Chaska’s looks are hastily tucked on most other victims. It had been upcoming exhumed of the physicians for use to possess dissection.
Within one-point, Standard Sibley regarded Chaska as the Wakefield’s partner
Responses after the hanging allude towards the flurry away from viewpoint close this new “scandal” anywhere between Chaska and you will Wakefield. When you look at the a letter to J. Fletcher Williams, assistant of your own Minnesota Historical Society, J. K. Arnold revealed how he arrived to fingers off good noose regarding the brand new Mankato hangings.
Precious “Fletch,” Their receipt rec’d “Ok.” Thanks a lot. As long as your next meeting comes of feel the quality recognizing acknowledgment of your document be made towards the “Seventh Routine, Minn Infty thro’ J. K. Arnold Adjutant __.” We fw’d to day the line, totally new that have knot and you will noose exactly as it had been taken from off Chaska’s head. It has never been untied, and that’s, because try extracted from their shoulder. I stole they. Col. Miller was going to posting them (38) so you’re able to Arizona, but I wanted this 1 and therefore installed Chaska. I took it off his neck hid it under my coating, went along to my personal place. Hid they not as much as my personal bedding (bed) and you will slept inside it before thrill try more into destroyed line, once i shipped it house by the Show, since which i keeps very carefully kept it. “Old Steph” generated a poor fool around about this curious exactly what possess be from it, the guy __ doesn’t see even today one their Adjutant encountered the same. Good enough. Accept it, out of your buddy. And-one-word much more. One issue-Relics-Statistics or wh____ you desire I am able to give. Name through to The Pal (I really hope) J. K Arnold That is an image out of Lincoln’s Delivery List, 1862.