Reinforcements Arrive

Soldiers and civilian refugees feared another attack as the garrison dug entrenchments, built an earthen wall south of the fort, and strengthened barricades on all sides. During the fighting, all of the outbuildings except the guardhouse and magazines were destroyed, most livestock was captured, and their feed was burned, making it difficult for anyone to flee the post without animals to carry them. Relief arrived on August 27, 1862, when 175 mounted volunteer soldiers led by Colonel Samuel McPhail galloped down the road. The next day, 1,500 men led by Colonel Henry H. Sibley arrived. They loaded supply wagons with women and children who had taken refuge at the fort and sent them to St. Paul for safety, while Sibley also sent 150 men to bury those slain at the Lower Sioux Agency and Redwood Ferry and to rebuild the ferry.

Minnesota · United States