"One of the sentinels fired. The shot was followed by a heavy volley from the Indians, which...killed and wounded several of our men and the fight was on."
??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? Joseph Anderson
Early on the morning of September 2, a U.S. guard sensed movement in the grass and fired a warning shot. Dakota men immediately returned fire.
"I scrambled out of my tent on my hands and knees," Anderson recalled, "and at the top of my voice...shouted to the men to 'keep low'—grab their arms—get to the front line of the camp—and hold back the Indians."
Two Views of the Battle
Anderson reported that men under his command shielded themselves behind overturned wagons and dead horses during the battle. Grant's men, Anderson recalled, jumped to their feet when the battle started. Wamditanka saw them: "The white men stood up and exposed themselves at first, but at last they learned to keep quiet."
Some of the U.S. soldiers had seen action before, but many were new recruits. The force also included many civilian volunteers without battle experience.
Minnesota Historical Society
Birch Coulee Battlefield
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