Almost 400 Indians faced military trials, which often lasted just a few minutes and 303 were sentenced to death. President Abraham Lincoln, alarmed by the number of planned executions, got involved and demanded the death sentence only be carried out for those Dakota who had raped or killed settlers.
This reduced the number of those to be hanged to 38, but still, many of these cases had evidence that was sketchy at best.
St. Cloud State University historian Mary Wingerd said she understands why the Dakota fought, but couldn't condone the brutal killings of settlers. "We have to understand it as a huge tragedy with victims on both sides."
War Is Always Unfortunate. --Old Secesh
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