Showing posts with label Yankton Indians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yankton Indians. Show all posts

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood to Edwin M. Stanton, September 8, 1862 – 12:30 p.m.

DES MOINES, September 8, 186212.30 p.m.
Hon. E. M. STANTON:

I have reliable information that Yankton Indians on our western border, north of the Missouri River, have joined with the hostile Indians in Minnesota, and threaten our whole northwestern frontier. The settlers are flying by hundreds. I have ordered out 500 mounted men. We lack arms and equipments, and must have them. I beg you will order General Harney to Sioux City to take command and put down this outbreak. There is a regiment of infantry at this place armed and equipped for United States service, except tents. They had better be sent to the border to operate there under Harney, but must have tents. The danger is imminent, and nothing but prompt action can stop the terrible massacre. General Harney is just the man we need for this service. Another regiment of infantry is organizing at Council Bluffs. This regiment could be mounted and armed at once; it would be better than to send the infantry. Something must be done at once.

SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD,
Governor.

SOURCES: Henry Warren Lathrop, The Life and Times of Samuel J. Kirkwood, Iowa's War Governor, p. 172-3; The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 13 (Serial No. 19), p. 620