The Infamous Dakota War Trials of 1862 - by John A Haymond (Paperback)

About the Book

"This book examines the Dakota War trials from the perspective of 19th century military law. The author discusses the causes and far-reaching consequences of the war, claims of widespread atrocities, the modern debate over the role of culture in lawful warfare and how the war has been depicted by historians"--

Book Synopsis

The U.S.-Dakota War, the bloodiest Indian war of the 19th century, erupted in southwestern Minnesota during the summer of 1862. In the war's aftermath, a hastily convened commission of five army officers conducted trials of 391 Indians charged with murder and massacre. In 36 days, 303 Dakota men were sentenced to death. In the largest simultaneous execution in American history, 38 were hanged on a single gallows on December 26, 1862--an incident now widely considered an act of revenge rather than judicial punishment.

Providing fresh insight into this controversial event, this book examines the Dakota War trials from the perspective of 19th century military law. The author discusses the causes and far-reaching consequences of the war, the claims of widespread atrocities, the modern debate over the role of culture in lawful warfare and how the war has been depicted by historians.

Review Quotes

"this excellent, well-researched book is an illuminating study, ripe for discussion in both historical and legal settings. Highly recommended"-Choice; "deftly examines the Dakota War trials from the perspective of 19th century military law. Impressively researched and notably well written, organized, and presented...an exceptional work of historical scholarship and very strongly recommended"-Midwest Book Review; "the author examines the trials in detail regarding how the war has been portrayed over the years"-Civil War News; "brings a new perspective to the historical discussion on the Dakota War trials"-The Journal of Military History; "the quality of Haymond's research is unquestionable, in that it appears that every trial transcript, regardless of the length or amount of detail, was acquired and examined carefully"-American Nineteenth Century History.

About the Author

John A. Haymond is a conflict historian; his research focuses on the history of the U.S. Army, the laws of war and the impact of war on society. He retired from the army in 2009 and resides in Yelm, Washington.