In response to the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, the United States Army enforced federal security policies by removing remaining noncombatant Dakota people, pursuing combatants, and protecting settled areas. In September 1862, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton placed Major General John M. Pope in command of the new Military District of Minnesota, which was responsible for implementing security. The Eighth Minnesota Infantry Regiment guarded and patrolled much of the Minnesota frontier from McLeod County to the Red River. On September 11, 1863, Captain Marcus Butterfield, Sergeant William Edwards, and another man from Company A left Paynesville for Manannah in place of the regular patrol from Company E. Dakota warriors ambushed the patrol and defeated it by shooting Sergeant Edwards from his horse. Captain Butterfield was struck by a bullet through his clothing and fled to Paynesville. Company E answered the skirmish with little effect, recovered Sergeant Edwards' body, and followed the Dakota trail until it was lost near Green Lake.