Henry's son Milton, at the age of 19, volunteered to fight in the Civil War, but an uprising by the Dakota Indians in southern Minnesota diverted some troops to fight the Indians. The Dakota who had been promised food and supplies for moving to reservations rebelled when the supplies were not provided and they were going hungry. The conflict began in August, 1862. Some 500 white Minnesota settlers and soldiers were killed and an unknown number of Dakota died. In September, 1862 some 38 Dakota Indians were executed at Mankato, Minnesota. The Dakota were driven westward into South Dakota and Montana. In 1876 the Dakota defeated Lt. Col. George Custer at Little Big Horn. The 28 year conflict ended in 1890 with the Wounded Knee massacre of the Dakota by the Army.
The following is Milton's account of the Indian War that has been taken from Roger Avery Stubbs' book on Milton and Elizabeth Turnham Stubbs:
Milton, only 19, volunteered for service in the Civil War against the Confederate States, he arrived at Fort Snelling on August 21, 1862 and was enrolled for three years in the 9th Regiment, Company B under Captain Richard Strout, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. However, at that time the Dakota Indians living in Minnesota began an uprising and Milton's Company was assigned to fight the Indians. The following is his account of the Indian War in Minnesota:
"At the earnest request of our captain he was ordered to take his company and proceed to the frontier (Indian) at Minneapolis, about 25 of the citizens joined their fortunes with ours; we thought we presented a very formidable array as we marched away from Minneapolis. Every man was determined to help avenge the wrongs of murdered women and children. At this time the government was much embarrassed to get plenty of muskets to arm the volunteer soldiers as fast as they were enlisted. We were furnished with Austrian (another report says Belgian) rifles which would throw a bullet a long distance but were not accurately sighted. We passed through Brooklyn Center, Dayton, Monticello, Clearwater, and at noon of the third day's march, while at Fairhaven, we went out for target practice.
We learned that the cartridges of American make would not fit the rifles which were of the same calibre but of foreign manufacture. We immediately went to work -- hammered and moulded a lot ready for use. We were bothered all through that campaign by having the balls and powder separate. Some teams has already been pressed into service and others as needed so as to hurry the expedition forward as fast as possible as murders were being committed daily all along the frontier; (we) stopped one night at Forest City (now Litchfield) where we found a stockade erected to protect the citizens from attack of the Indians. Next day started from Glencoe by way of Hutchinson, found the country deserted. People had hurriedly left their homes and in some instances left their food on the table untouched, so great was the fear of the dreaded Indians. We arrived in Hutchinson in the evening, had a dance in the high school building which was situated a short distance north of the villages. Of course ladies were not present but we thought we had a good time just the same.
The next day marched to Glencoe where we stopped over Sunday; had religious services at the church which some of us attended and as the Indians were not making much of a disturbance in that vicinity on Monday morning we started northwest for Kandiyohi Lake by way of Hutchinson, Cedar Mills and At the Post Office at Hutchinson we secured the services of Andrew Hopper, Sen. and Al. DeLong to act as scouts for the trip. At the outlet of Evanson's Lake a very soft place in the road made it necessary to corduroy for a short distance. We did not know at that time how well it would serve us next day. This was on the second of September and as we were coming close to the timber Scout Hopper said that judging by the tracks made by ponies in the road there were Indians in the vicinity which remark suited us very well as that is what we were looking for; just at that time we passed the Baker place (and saw five graves of that slain family near by).
First saw where Dr. Baker and Mr. Jones has been shooting at a mark and when the white men's guns were empty the Indians shot them down and went about half mile farther and came to the Jones place where was kept the Acton Post Office (the preceding year). We stood in the doorway and saw the dark stains where the blood had streamed from the wounds of their victims and coursed its way across the floor. The house had been ransacked and everything turned upside down. There were strong indications that Indians had been in and around the place very recently. We heard one shot fired away toward the southwest. We thought it might be from some small party of Indians. We pitched our tents in the road, ate our supper, placed proper guards around camp and as night closed around us, lay down to rest and sleep. What we had seen left an impression that tended toward sadness; or can it be that to some men the coming events cast their shadows before one of our comrades, Mr. Stone (a civilian?) from Minneapolis, had a presentiment that this was his last day on earth and he spent the night in preparation for the event which was fulfilled the following day.
About eleven o'clock we were awakened by the barking of a dog at the Baker place. Soon after, someone was challenged by the guard and admitted to the camp. The party proved to be J. V. Branhan, Thomas Holmes and Albert H. Sperry, a word here in explanation. On the second of September, Captain George Whitcolm of Forest City had sent a few men southwest of that place to reconoiter for Indians when they were close to what is now Grove City and while watching Indians near the Acton Timber they were suddenly fired upon by Indians who were concealed in the grass. Two or three of the party were wounded. They returned the fire and hurriedly retreated toward Forest City at running flight which was kept up for several miles.
In the meantime, a scout had gone from Hutchinson to Forest City and told Captain Whitcolm that Richard Strouts would be likely to camp at the Acton Timber. That night Whitcolm immediately realized the danger to Strout's Company as he estimated that there were about 300 Indians in the vicinity. He called for volunteers to carry word to Strout and the three men who came to our camp that night were those three (mentioned above). Dear reader, can you imagine anything more courageous or unselfish than a ride of 25 miles through the enemy country to warn friends of their danger? (This question written by Milton shows his gratitude to their friends.) No doubt (but) that the Indians saw these three men and would have shot them but thought it would be better to take us all together. Next day when those men gave their dispatch to the captain they called a council of officers and scouts after deliberating a while they came to the conclusion that we would stay where we were until daylight and then make our way to Forest City.
The men were called out and ordered to prepare an additional amount of admonition to have our equipment and guns ready in case of attack. At daybreak the men were called up and ate a hastily prepared breakfast and at the rising of the sun were ready to march. The company was formed into four squads or platoons -- about 15 or 16 men in each squad. One-half marched in front of the wagon train and the balance of the company on the flanks and rear of train. (No doubt Little Crow intended to attack but seeing the scouts and overhearing the command of the captain, waited until morning -- this note from a story printed in Minneapolis Tribune years later.) And so morning came and we started out toward Hutchinson with Branham (and) five or six other horsemen taking the lead. We had passed all timber and were on open prarie when at a distance of 60 rods in front and in a wheat field we noticed the glistening of gun barrels. Some of the boys made the remark that they were reinforcements sent to us.
That illusion was soon dispelled by a shot from a Springfield rifle. The bullet passing uncomfortably close to our heads. This was followed by waving blankets and yelling and as we continued to advance the ball (firing) soon opened in earnest. Little Crow had about 100 Indians (stripped to the cloth around their hips - Tribune) well mounted and hideously painted (not only face but most of their body - Tribune 4/26/1888) and commanded by a French halfbreed Campbell. On looking back to the rear we saw this body of Indians come tearing out of the woods like a cyclone.
Alva Getchell fell, a bullet piercing his brain. Very soon after (George W. ?) Gideon who was in the first platoon and at my left fell, shot through the heart; several others were wounded about the same time. Ezra G. Carr's arm was shattered. Levi Merret now living in Minneapolis shot through the thigh. At this time the captain ordered a charge which was made. The Indians in front gave way. We found that we could drive them at any point but as they were more swift on foot and many of them mounted, they could run and fight at the same time. They had circled our command.
The teamsters, who were not armed, became restless and tired of dodging bullets and made a start to break through the lines of Indians. The captain stopped them for a short time (warning that he would not protect them -- they were civilian? -- Tribune) but (as) our ammunition was about gone a retreat was ordered and well started before I was aware of it. (So we began to retreat toward Hutchinson -- Tribune). I found Mr. Wolverton, Mr. Laraway, (John or William) Reema and myself were rear guard as we were making good time toward Hutchinson a bullet put a crease in Mr. Wolverton's right cheek but did not disable him. A bullet hit Mr. Laraway on top of (his) head cutting scalp and stunning him so that he fell; he has just regained his feet when another bullet struck him and made a wound parallel with the first, stunning him so that he crawled along several feet before he was able to arise; his face presented a horrible sight to behold. (Later Milton told George Turnham that the injured man pleaded for aid which alas they could not give.) And right here Mr. Stone fell; his premonitions of the previous night were fulfilled; he was shot seemingly near the heart and could just move as I passed him.
Soon after this a pony with a saddle, bridle, knife and tomahawk, all equipment of an Indian, and whose owner I suppose had been converted into (one of) Mark Twain's good Indians (are all dead ones) came galloping into the column. I took hold of the bridle and thought of getting on its back but realized it had so recently been in such bad and treacherous company I hesitated; and one of my comrades took it and it proved to be quite valuable. We had now retreated about one mile. A short halt was made until the command had gotten together. (Now here Milton was wounded in the right heel by gunshot from an Indian for which he received a $4.00 a month pension after 1887, of which the following is a copy:
Notice of Issue, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pension April 15, 1889. Sir, you are hereby notified that a certificate No. 427,786 for original pension has this day been issued in favor of Milton A. Stubbs, Long Lake, Hennepin County, Minnesota, and that the pension is payable by the pension agent at Milwaukee, no fee; rate of pension four ($4.00) per month from December 3, 1887. Gunshot wound of right foot. Very respectfully, James Tannet, Commissioner by P. W. Seele, St. Paul, Minnesota
As I reached the end wagon and had just taken hold of the end gate, Mr. Winter a Jaquins, who now lives at Robbinsdale, was sitting on the wagon, near my right shoulder, when a bullet passed through his thigh and into the body of Mr. Marshall who was sitting just ahead of him. The Indians were forcing their presence very close and as I had gotten into the wagon, the thought occurred to me that they might be hungry. As we had plenty of provisions in that wagon to last that campaign, I threw out part of a barrel of sugar and some biscuit (and camp provisions, in fact all the loose property the wagon contained -- Minneapolis Tribune 4/26/1888). I was pleased to see that I had guessed rightly as upon their coming to it a large number scrambled and tumbled over each other to get to it.
We had already lost one team, the horses having been wounded. We made good time for 5 or 6 miles, with Indians to the right of us and Indians to the left of us, and Indians at the rear of us. (We) battled and thundered (until we were now) at the outlet of Evansons Lake which is about 5 miles from where the fight commenced. One wagon got off the corduroy and got stuck in the mud and as the teams were hurrying along, the last wagon locked wheels (in fact 2 others also -- Minneapolis Tribune 4/26/1888) and had to be abandoned. One of the teams was very valuable and belonged to Neill McNeill of Hennepin County. As I passed him he was cutting the harness. As he mounted to ride away the Indians came over a knoll a few steps away and shot him through the arm. I believe -- he saved his team and still lives at Dayton. The fight practically ended here. They had calculated to take us in at that place. Three or four ambitious ones followed us a little further and fired once more at us; as I had a musket ready I had the satisfaction of firing them a parting salute. Branham had been shot through the lungs. A. M. Rowe, in the hip. In all we lost 3 killed, 18 wounded (practically all had bullet holes through their clothes -- the Indians admitted they lost 12 -- Minneapolis Tribune 4/12/1888).
We brought all our wounded with us in the wagons and now made our way leisurely toward Hutchinson which place was surrounded early the next morning and a number of the settlers killed.
Following is the story of one of the Indians printed in the Farmers Minneapolis Tribune on October 11, 1862 and quoted by one of the soldiers. They had planned to lead attack on us that night had we not been forewarned.
We were in the house when the soldiers came in sight, ten of us. We went back into the thick woods. I knew Crow wanted to fight Strout. I rode a good horse. I sent four men on horses to wave blankets on the high hills which would tell all Indians to come quick. We shoot fire in air.
Make it go towards Jones place that the Indians know which way to come. I go then to tell Crow, then we come very place. Shoot 5 times in the air signifies shooting fiery arrow which in its flight ignites sparks which increase as the altitude becomes great much like a Roman Candle. Little Crow and messenger reached the Acton Timber about 10 o'clock in the evening. On the arrival of the messenger at Crow's camp that chief at once sent ponies (?) in hot haste to all the groves within reaching distance where the roving bands were wont to congregate to sleep to summon them to the Acton Timber where the anticipated victims would be sleeping soundly.
Crow stationed himself about half a mile to the northwest of Strout's with his trusty Lieutenants around him. Red Dog who was to lead the attack on the north was a tall savage 30 or 35 years old and straight as an Indian's arrow and was wearing a lean and hungry look. He belonged to the Lower Sisseton Tribe and to the Lower Agency of the Minnesota River. Muc-an-po-e-ta was a brother-in-law of Little Six. He never aspired to be chief but was ever foremost in the raids against the Chippewas and was looked upon by his people as a warrior of great courage and power whose indignation none of the men cared to arouse. He was to lead the attack from the south and was a minor chief from Standing Buffalo Band. This young chief has seen some 25 summers at the time to which I refer. These 4 were selected with the special reference to their fitness of their diabolical business. Their chief had in mind to be (done) executed that night.
Strout's men had eaten their supper which was enjoyed as only tired and hungry men can partake of food. The guard had been posted with indefinite instructions and every man was soon asleep beside his fire, the faint glimmer of which was fast expiring. Muc-an-f-u-e-t-a had been to every post with 21 of his men and was in high expectations of the result when he took the notion at guard post No. 6 near 4 the entrance to the enclosure. The Indians approached so near the fire that the leader was able to note the time as indicated by the fine gold repeater he had taken as a trophy from a murdered trader at the agency. It was 12 o'clock and verily all was still and with them all was well at this hour or shortly before 300 warriors had arrived by actual count and still they were coming. The 22 Indians were standing in the road about 6 rods from the sleeping guard when the barking of dogs at the Baker house just down the road told that they were disturbed. Soon the tread of iron shod horses coming up the road was heard and in a moment three mounted men rode into the yard. The 22 Indians fell back some twenty feet -- eleven on each side to allow them to pass and not see them. They were the messengers sent from Forest City to warn of our danger. Branham, Holmes, and Sperry, three true and brave men. The captain was called up from his quiet slumber. The men were (hastily) called out. (During the Acton battle Captain Stevens was fortifying Glencoe and trying unsuccessfully to come to the aid of Strout and his men.)
WINTERING AT HUTCHINSON
Now apparently Milton Stubbs was stationed at Hutchinson that winter. A United States army General by the name of Pope was dispatched to the Minnesota Valley and except for a few skirmishes the Indians did not bother much more that winter. The small group of men under Strout remained in Hutchinson to protect that district. (There is a monument at Acton now to the heroic men that fought there.)
Meanwhile the Emancipation-Proclamation was issued to be effective January 1, 1863 and the Civil War was on in earnest. Now according to one history of Hennepin County the population of the county in 1862 was only 8,811 males including boys. Of these 1,698 went to war; "Who bravely fought, who nobly fell,before the storm of shot and shell and those who starved in prison cells from home and friends afar."
A LETTER HOME
Now in February rumors began to spread that the Sioux were planning another uprising in the spring and to prevent another panic such as the fall before (1862) the Governor ordered Company B of the Ninth to proceed to St. Peter where they arrived April 22, 1863. Here is a letter sent home by Milton Stubbs:
Headquarters of the Ninth Minnesota Volunteers
St. Peter
April 30, 1863
Dear Parents:
I take my seat this morning to write you a few lines. I received one from father last night. It came all right. The mail comes from St. Paul to Mankato in one day - a distance of 100 miles. Since I wrote before, we had a big trip up the Minnesota River. There were twenty of our company detailed to guard a boat load of supplies for the troops near Yellow Medicine. We left here on the 22nd of April, 1863. The first day we met the favorite with the Indian prisoners from Mankato and saw the scaffold where the Indians were hung. We stopped that night two miles above South Bend.
The next day we went to New Ulm - went up to the town about half mile from the river. It is a fine situation for a town. They have two cannon and are making breastworks for the town. Just after we left the landing the next morning the boat was discovered to be on fire. The lower decks were covered with freight so that they could not find where the fire was. The commander was greatly excited; he began rolling freight overboard. While some were chopping holes in the deck at last they found it under the ashpan (of the woodburning steam engine). It had not much hold and was soon put out. There were two kegs of gunpowder in the magazine and at one time they said that the boat would blow up any minute. But everything was soon put right and in an hour we were on our way.
We passed Fort Ridgely that day. We went about ten miles above the fort. I saw an Indian that evening. I think that he was a spy. That night six of us stood guard at a time. The rest slept on their firearms and we were not disturbed. Next day we passed the lower Agency at noon and saw Birch Coulee Battleground. Also, the ferry where 30 or 40 of Colonel Mark's men were killed last fall while attempting to cross. The ferryboat we were on stopped that night about three miles below Redwood River. Next morning we went to the mouth of the river but could not get any further with all our load on account of the rocks in the river. There are three companies of the Sixth stationed at Camp Pope about a mile and a half above here.
They heard us and came down. We unloaded part of the load here and started on but did not go far until we stuck fast on a rock. We built a staging to the shore and unloaded the rest. Two boys went over the prairie and dug up two Indian graves. One old fellow had on an artilleryman's coat and he had been shot through the head. This is a garden of Eden. We were told that there were two Indians seen about a mile from camp. They were pursued but could not be caught. The prairies are full of farming utensils; ploughs, scythes, hoes, wagons and everything else that could be used on a farm.
Next day we started back. We had very bad luck coming back. Once while we were coming through some rapids the current carried the stern against the shore with such force that it made a great hole in the boat. Next day we ran against a snag and stove a hole in the bow of the boat. We stuffed bed quilts into it until they could get something better to stop it. The pumps were all set to work and by all hands pitching in we saved the old tub. That same evening we ran onto a sandbar opposite Mankato. Janette Roberts hitched to us and pulled everything to pieces she could hitch to so we were almost a wreck. We got on one more sandbar and it took three more hours to get off, but I have said enough.
Company D passed here. I saw Gil Brown, Coffin boys. They were all right. Bill Sutherland is in the guard house. He had his trial before I left but no decisions yet.
So I have a little namesake at home (Milton Talbert). I know he must be a fine little fellow. Well, I would like to see him. I will send my respects to him at present and if his name is really Milton, I must send him something else after a while.
We got home just a half hour before Muster yesterday. There were just six able ones of our company when we got here, as another crew has been detailed to guard the trail to Redwood. And there are 20 on court martial at the fort. The Colonel says we will be paid between now and May 10. Three of our company have gone into the battery: namely Sutton, Rogers and Aphers. Three were discharged; William is one and two theirs who were wounded.
If you please, you may send me the Herald of Progress here for, if we do move, it will come to us. But there is no certainty what we will do this summer; but it is possible that we will be stationed on the frontier somewhere. Well, I might write a good deal more, but this is enough such as it is and good enough what there is. I could give you the particulars at present of anything but it is about drill time I must quit.
Milton Stubbs
EX-SLAVES GOING WEST
On May 23 two people were killed by Indians at Madekia and there were a few scattered murders but no general outbreak. Milton was still stationed at St. Peter when he wrote to his folks at home ---
June 2, 1863
Well, I received your letter some time ago and have delayed writing because I have had nothing of interest to write. And I don't know as I have this morning but I am on guard today and have nothing to do this forenoon. I thought I might as well let you know what little events are transpiring in this part of the world.
Well, in the first place, I saw a part of the wagon train that is going on the expedition; 60 wagons in all; six mules to a team. A great many of the drivers were persons of color. It was funny to hear them run on each other. They seem to be very intelligent. I got to talking to one little fellow who could tell some very interesting stories. He had belonged to General Pillow (General Pillow and Burke were under Confederate General Floyd when they were captured by U. S. General Grant). But this slave was confiscated about a year ago, February 1862 Grant's victory on the Cumberland River. I asked him a great many questions, among the rest, if the slaves wanted to be free.
"Well", says he, "it am sumting lak dis, sposean if a livery stable am afire de folks will take de hosses out and lead them away but if dey can dey will break loose and run right into de fire and burn up. Dat is de way wid some ob de darkies. When de Union men get dem away from their master dey runs right back but dey don't know nuffin; I always knowed better!"
He said that they heard guns at Fort Donnelson (on Cumberland River NW Tennessee captured by Grant February 1862) and every time they heard one, one darky by the name of Mose would holler "Hurrah for Uncle Abe". This fellow I talked to heard that all the rest seem to be highly pleased with their freedom.
The wagon train has a lot of pontoon bridges along or rather, pontoon for a bridge. There was one of the Cavalry got into a drunken brawl at a saloon and was seriously wounded by a gunshot in the back of the neck fired by the saloonkeeper. He made a hasty retreat and has not been heard of since. If they would have caught him that night he would have been lynched for sure. The paymaster has not paid us though he passed through here on the way to Camp Pope but would not pay us until those that were going on the expedition were paid first. Uncle Sam owes us $60.00 today.
I got those papers that you sent and would like to have some more.
June 3, 1863
Today twenty of our company went to Henderson to stay this summer. The headquarters of the Ninth is there but the rest of our company will stay here. If you have time you might as well come up and pay us a visit. Rolla could come up on foot in two or three days; the cost would be but a trifle.
As I am done "babbling", I will wind up by saying that Ira Key Wakefield is in the guardhouse for insulting an officer. The Sargeant and he will have a trial soon. The Sargeant is a very overbearing fellow and all the boys hate him. It aint right to tell tales out of school, but as I have told you, you may as well not tell anyone else. Write soon and often.
Milton Stubbs
THE PICNIC
They were still at St. Peter when he wrote home June 25, 1863.
As I have nothing particular this evening, I have concluded to spend the time writing to you. In the first place, I will say that we have had an uncommon good time today. Our Colonel and a lot of officers that are in town and a lot of the "bigbugs" got up a picnic about three miles east of here on Lake Emily. Of course, we boys were invited. We bought a few knicknacks and took with us just for appearance. We has a notion of drawing a barrel of hard bread, and taking along but we did not do that. We paid a man 15 cents a piece for taking us over. We got there pretty early in the day and fixed up a table. It was not long before a crowd gathered and brought along plenty of the fat of the land. I have never eaten at a table where we have had so near everything. I expect mother would think it was all cake and pie because I ate so much but that is not the case. We had everything from pickle and a slice of cold ham to the daintiest dish that you can imagine. We got back at 4 o'clock much pleased with our trip.
I sent home $10.00 in a letter about a week ago. I don't know whether they got it or not. I also sent $25.00 with orderly Carr. He is discharged. He said that he would deposit it in the bank and take a certificate of deposit and sent to father unless he could see father in the course of a week or two. I want our folks to write if they get it. You did not say whether they got the letter with the money in it or not. I am afraid that some postmaster has gobbled it.
Our Quartermaster says that we will leave here on Tuesday or Monday next for a place six miles west of Madelia or fifteen miles south of New Ulm. We will have to build a stockade in town. It is reported that there were 100
Indians seen out there a few days ago. We don't know how true it is. I will try and write again if it is so before we leave. It is strange to me about Enos coming home. I had not heard that he was unwell. Tell him that I would like to hear from him.
I have read two books I intend to send home before we leave. It is a book called "Dread or Attack of the Dismal Swamp" in two volumes. The author is H. B. Stowe and of course it is a book of much interest to all who are laboring for the emancipation of the Africans.
There are some cases of smallpox at Fort Ridgeley. We were vaccinated the other day, but I don't think that it will take hold of my arm.
By the way, how is Miss Fleming and Coats making it? Are they going to get married? If you see her, give her my best respects. I go to meeting once in a while but I am afraid it don't benefit me much. I sometimes go to sleep for it is the same story over and over. They always ask the blessing of God to rest on His congregation.
Write often for I had rather get a letter than 5 cents any day.
Milton Stubbs
BUILDING A FORT
Now July 1, 2, and 3, 1863, General Lee was being beaten back at Gettysburg after his attempts to invade the North. On July 4, Vicksburg on the lower Mississippi fell to Union forces after long siege thus opening the lower river for the rest of the war.
Sure enough, Milton Stubbs was transferred to Fort Hanska when he wrote July 7, 1863:
I have concluded to write you a few lines this morning to let you know that we are prospering. I received your letter of June 27. McCain brought it from St. Peter. After this you can direct it to Madelia, Watonwan County, Minnesota. The mail comes tri-weekly to that place, and there is cavalry there and they send two scouts out every day to scout Indians for us. By this means we will still receive our mail regularly.
In a few days we expect to be joined by Captain Nix's cavalry to be stationed here all summer. There is a part of our company, the Ninth, stationed six miles southeast of this post. They are at work on another fortification. We expect Lieutenant Clark here tomorrow with the rest of our company. He will be stationed six or eight miles north of here. We have finished the earth part of our fortification today. The wall is about eight feet in height. I don't think that 500 Indians could whip us out of it now. Tomorrow we will finish the fort by putting timber all around the top of the earthward. We are in a first rate place to take everything into consideration. The lake is about 25 rods from the fort. We have plenty of fish by fishing. I tell you, we have fine times swimming. The lake is about eight miles in length and perhaps one-half mile in width. We are stationed on the north side of the east end of the lake (Hanska); north of us is a lake one and one-half miles in length.
This is an old Indian trail. We can see twelve or fifteen miles in most any direction. We don't hear anything of any Indians in this part of the country (Watonwan). I have noticed the people are not so afraid of Indians away out here as they are near St. Peter. One of the boys found a cutlass used by the Indians, also a pair of spurs.
I don't think I have ever seen better or deeper soil than is here. Right here on the top of the knob where we have been digging the soil is three feet deep. The only thing that will keep it from being the best part of the state is the timber is very scarce indeed. The mosquitoes are awful bad here. The only way that we can keep away from them is to go into our tents and keep them shut perfectly tight. Then the heat is very bad. We have no mosquito bars yet but we are going to send for them in a few days.
I sent my picture to grandmother (Rachel Huddlestone Eccles in Thorntown, on Sugar Creek, Boone County, Indiana) also a picture of the execution of the Indians and some of Little Crow and other "Dogs" photographs.
How did you spend the 4th of July? I suppose it was very different from last year. I know it was with me. We did not work any. We spent our time in various ways. Some were riding on the lake, others fishing, swimming, and some writing to their friends; and I have no doubt but that many were thinking of their friends and their old homes. I know that it was the case with me.
July 10, 1863
Our teamster is going to Mankato tomorrow so I will send this by him. We heard of the downfall of Vicksburg, Mississippi today, but think that it is too good to be true.
We have heard of the Indians killing people in Carver County but have not heard the particulars yet. The prairies all around us are on fire. We cannot see far on account of the smoke.
Milton Stubbs
On September 23, 1863 the Ninth Regiment, including Milton Stubbs, were given a furlough and told to report at Fort Snelling October 8, 1863, which they did, and left immediately on the steamer Chippewa Falls. They disembarked at LaCrosse and went on the train to St. Louis. The Regiment was scattered all along the Santa Fe Railroad from St. Louis west to the Kansas border. Company B was stationed that winter at Rolla in Phelps County under H. B. Straight including Milton Stubbs who was now a Corporal.
Milton went on to fight in the Civil War at this point.
