In April 1863—after the U.S. Dakota War of 1862; after the hanging of thirty-eight Dakota men in the largest mass execution in U.S. History— some 270 Dakota men were moved from Mankato; Minnesota; to a prison at camp McClellan in Davenport; Iowa. Separated from their wives; children; and elder relatives; with inadequate shelter; they lived there for three long; wretched years. More than 120 men died. Desperate to connect with their families; many of these prisoners of war learned to write. Their letters; mostly addressed to the missionaries Stephen R. Riggs and Thomas S. Williamson; asked for information; for assistance; and for help sending and receiving news of their loved ones.Dakota elders Clifford Canku and Michael Simon; fluent Dakota speakers; provide both the Dakota transcription and the first published English translation of fifty of these letters; culled from Riggs's papers at the Minnesota Historical Society. They are a precious resource for Dakota people learning about the travails their ancestors faced; important primary source documents for historians; and a vital tool for Dakota language learners and linguists.These haunting documents present a history that has long been unrecognized in this country; in the words of the Dakota people who lived it. The dedication written by the authors; both of whom are descenda"nts of Dakota prisoners of war; declares: "Our relatives are watching over us. / We are humbled as we honor our ancestors. / Woecon kin de unyakupi do / We accept this responsibility you gave us."
#1351067 in Books University Press of Colorado 2000-02-15 2000-02-15Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x .80 x 5.80l; .84 #File Name: 087081575X336 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy EliExcellent source showing that while race is a factor in remote regions everyone has to work together to prosper0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Chinaman's Chance: The Chinese on the Rocky Mountain Mining FrontierBy Inez J. AustinGreat little book specific to a region of Idaho but also touching on the rest of the west and a little on the eastern USA. Quite frank about how the Chinese were treated. I saw many photos that I had not seen before in my research. So much interesting information on Chinese history; mining; placer mining; food; disease;Idaho;California;excusion act;and the tax laws.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Well done.By TimJoAnn MartinGood information. A worthwhile read if you are into western history and mining. A forgotten chapter in American history. A+
