Lieutenant Thomas P. Gere grew up in 1842 for the Wellsburg, Ny. He signed up throughout the fifth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment in the age 19, mustering within the into January 17, 1862. He was promoted to help you first sergeant for the March 5 of that 12 months and to help you 2nd lieutenant with the e basic lieutenant and you may adjutant. He was nineteen years old and mainly based on Fort Ridgely when you look at the 1862 if U.S.-Dakota Combat broke aside. With the day out of August 18, he was responsible in the fort when Capt. John Marsh leftover to see on profile coming from the All the way down Sioux Agency throughout the Dakota attacksmanding twenty five soldiers, and you can handling a huge selection of scary-ridden refugees fleeing periods, Gere Gov. Ramsey and Fort Snelling requesting reinforcements. Tossing his soldiers and several refugees to prepare to own attack, the guy awaited help. He had been finally joined because of the Sheehan and his awesome soldiers, and Indian Broker Galbraith additionally the Renville Rangers, and the fort stored out for another 10 weeks.
Gere afterwards battled on the Civil Combat. He had been approved the Medal regarding Honor into the 1865 for his strategies at Battle from Nashville in the 1864. The guy mustered out of the armed forces when you look at the 1865 and began functions regarding railway company. The guy passed away into the 1912 and you can is buried when you look at the Arlington Federal Cemetery into the Virginia.
In August off 1862, in the Tyskland kvinnor very beginning of the U.S.-Dakota Conflict, Chaska, or Wechankawastadonpe, an excellent Dakota people, and his campanion, Hapan, found Sarah Wakefield fleeing inside a keen acquaintance’s wagon on the Straight down Sioux Company. Choosing to free Wakefield shortly after Hapan slain Mr. Gleason–the fresh truck proprietor–Chaska took their own and her students less than his protection in the six-weeks off fights. Moving them within the together with family, he stated the guy desired to get married Wakefield to store their secure off one thought harm. After the battle, Chaska released Wakefield from the Go camping Release. Wakefield advised Chaska with his loved ones to remain, comforting them which they could be addressed very. In the their security she told you, “Whether or not it wasn’t for Chaska my skeleton perform today feel lightening towards prairie”.
Despite their unique states defending Chaska, generated publicly and you will in resulting samples of Dakota men with it on the war, Chaska are imprisoned and you can initially sentenced getting hanged.
Once which have his sentence commuted so you’re able to a prison title, Chaska nevertheless was among 38 hanged when you look at the Mankato. You will find argument over if or not this was accidental otherwise meaningful. Stephen Riggs mentioned that the newest error occured when Chaska’s title are called in which he stood up as opposed to the required people, Chaskadon. Wakefield debated this aspect and you can told you, “I am able to never ever believe that all-in expert in the Mankato got missing just what Chaska are doomed having, and i am sure, in my own brain, it was done purposefully.”
Within one point, General Sibley known Chaska since the Wakefield’s partner
Shortly after his death, Chaska’s human anatomy try hastily buried on almost every other sufferers. It was upcoming exhumed of the medical professionals for usage getting dissection.
Responses following the clinging allude for the flurry out-of opinion surrounding brand new “scandal” between Chaska and you may Wakefield. During the a letter to J. Fletcher Williams, secretary of Minnesota Historical Area, J. K. Arnold demonstrated exactly how he arrived to palms from good noose out of the new Mankato hangings.
Rumors regarding the her and Chaska’s relationship incited prejudiced views
Beloved “Fletch,” Their acknowledgment rec’d “Okay.” Many thanks. Only if your next appointment appear from have the quality recognizing bill of the document be produced on “7th Routine, Minn Infty thro’ J. K. Arnold Adjutant __.” We fw’d to-day the newest line, original that have knot and you can noose just as it was taken from away from Chaska’s head. It’s never been untied, which is, because it are extracted from their shoulder. We stole it. Col. Miller would post them all (38) so you’re able to Washington, however, I needed this 1 hence strung Chaska. I got it well their shoulder hid they lower than my coating, visited my place. Hid it under my personal covers (bed) and you will slept in it before the adventure is over towards destroyed line, once i shipped it house from the Display, just like the that i provides very carefully managed it. “Old Steph” made a bad play around about it thinking just what may have become from it, he __ does not learn to this day you to definitely his Adjutant met with the same. Well enough. Believe it, from your own pal. And-one-word even more. People question-Relics-Statistics otherwise wh____ you want I’m able to furnish. Phone call abreast of Your Pal (I’m hoping) J. K Arnold It is a photo from Lincoln’s Delivery Number, 1862.