Don Heinrich Tolzmann

Tolzmann's work consists of two longer accounts and four shorter. The longer accounts are those of Mary Schwandt and Wilhelmina Busse.

The book contains excellent notes and cross references, a thorough index, and useful introduction and conclusion by the editor.

Mary Schwandt was 14 years old at the time of the Sioux Uprising. She wrote of leaving home and taking up a job at a neighbor's home-then the events of August 18th happened:

"So at last we bade one another bood-bye, and I went away down the beautiful valley, never to see my good father nor my precious mother nor my lovely sister nor my two dear little brothers any more-any more in this life." (p. 11)

She was captured, violated, and made prisoner by Little Crow's warriors. There were a few Dakota who managed to shelter and save her from those who were caught up in the war fever.

These personal accounts coming from the survivors of this incident are all touching and painful to read. And they are invaluable for remembering what war does to children.… (mer)