HF 1062

1st Engrossment - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 03/13/2012 05:14pm

A resolution
urging the President of the United States to pardon We-Chank-Wash-ta-don-pee,
also known as Chaska.

WHEREAS, We-Chank-Wash-ta-don-pee, also known as Chaska, saved the life of Sarah
Wakefield and her children during the Minnesota-Dakota Conflict of 1862; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Stephen Riggs was assigned to interview those accused of crimes
after the conflict and that Dr. Riggs found "no testimony against the man (Chaska) of any
kind"; and

WHEREAS, Chaska was included in the list of 303 condemned to die after military
commission trial proceedings; and

WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln subsequently commuted the death sentence of
Chaska; and

WHEREAS, thirty-eight Dakota men, including Chaska, were hanged on December 26,
1862, for crimes in the Dakota Conflict; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota that it urges the President
of the United States to pardon Chaska for any alleged crimes stemming from the Dakota Conflict
of 1862.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota is
directed to prepare copies of this memorial and transmit them to the President of the United States.