The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-10-21

written articles for the press, on the climate,
advantages and resources Of Minnesota.
There were largo appropriations needed for
various purposes, and these could be secured
only by persuasive appeals to the members,
by tact and vigilance, and patient urging, SO
that Mr. Sibley was enabled to secure for
the territory more generous appropriations
and liberal legislation than could have been
obtained by any one possessing less of the
esteem and respect of his fellow members
since nearly every thing was secured by per
sonal influence.
In 1856, Mr.. Sibley was elected member
Of the Minnesota legislature from Dakota
county, and, in 1857, served as member,
and president OF the Democratic swing" of
the constitutional convention. In the fall OF
the same year, he was elected first governor
Of the State. Owing to the delay in the adj
mission of Minnesota, he was not inaugural.
ed until May 81. 1858. His term expired Jan
uarY 1, 1860.
On August 10, 1862, he was appointed by
Gov. Ramsey commander of the millitar y
forces sent to quell the Sioux outbreak. BE
at once took active measures to meet and de-
feat the Indians, and release the captives, $50
in number, which they held, in both Of which
designs his tact and intimate knowledge OF
Indian character and mode OF warfare, enabled
him to fully succeed-also taking about 1900
Indian prisoners. Over 100 of these were tried
by court-matial and 303 condemned to death,
only SO Of whom, unfortunately were finally ex-
ecuted on September 80, 1862-President Lin.
coin having been persuaded by mistaken hui
manitarians to interfere in their behalf COL
sibley was commissioned Brigadier General
for gallant services, and, during the winter, re-
manned in com mand OF the military forces in
this State. Congress. IN sanwhile, reduced
the number Of bri2adiers general, but he was
reappointed by the President in March, 1863,
and accepted, at The request of a large num-
ber' eading citizens, who addressed him q
petit.ou to that effect. During the summer,
he organized and commanded an expedition
to Devils Lake and the Missouri River. for
the purpose of routing and driving off
the hostile Sioux lowering on the frontier.
The expedition was successful, and defeated
them in several battles and skirmishes, re-.
turning to Fort Smelling in September The
years 1854 and 1866 were employed in secur-
ing the defense of the frontier, and with the
single exception Of the Gardner family, no
murders or depredations by Indians took
place in the State. On November 90, 1865.
Gen. Sibley was commissioned as Major Gen
eral ,"for efficient and meritorious services.'
He was relieved from the command of the
district of Minnesota in August, 1866, and
was detailed as member Of the commission
to negotiate treaties with the hostile Sioux
and other bands on the upper Missouri river
which was successfully carried out
In 1871, General Sibley served another
term In the legislature, from the Fifth ward
st. Paul, (of which he became resident it
| might be here noted, in 1862 He is at pres
emit QS76) a regent Of the State university
and president of the State Normal board, and
| was for few months, member Of the
| board Of Indian commissioners-wnic last
Office he was compelled to resign on account
| of the pressure of business. He has also
been, for several years, president of the Gas
| company, director of the First National
bank, a director of the Sioux City railroad,
| ETC., besides filing various trusts. such as
park commissioner, member Of the board of
! education and other bodies. Indeed, it is diff.
| hcult to see how, in the pressure of so much
business, and the exacting demands of socie.
ty, Gen. Sibley finds time to write the in.
terestlng papers which may be found
in the collections Of the Historical society, OF
| the early history of the State, from which so
many extracts are made in this volume.
The frequent references, necessarily so, on
account Of Gen. sibley's prominent and &C.
tive connection with our history for over forty
years, and the impossibillty of condensing in
| a few sentences what would require chapter
renders any further SKETCH in this shape, un.
necessary. 1t might simply.be added that nc
one in our State is more widely known and
more highly respected and honored than Gen.
Sibley. His name has been almost "house
hold word" for one entire generation; and
with his fine physique and unimpaired pow.
ers it is not too much to hope that even many
years Of useful and active life may yet await
him.