July 26, 1863---The Battle of Dead Buffalo Lake; The Death of Sam Houston

JULY 26, 1863:          

The Battle of Dead Buffalo Lake, Dakota Territory (now North Dakota). 

Union General Henry Hastings Sibley attacks retreating Sioux near Dead Buffalo Lake. When the Sioux withdraw without putting up more than token resistance, Sibley’s forces continue to pursue them (Henry Hastings Sibley U.S.A. should not be confused with Henry Hopkins Sibley C.S.A..  The two men were cousins.)

On this same day, Virginia-born Sam Houston (1793-1863), former Governor of Tennessee, adopted Cherokee, President, Governor and “Father of Texas,” and unwavering Unionist, dies in Huntsville, Texas in internal exile. Houston had been removed from the Governorship of Texas by pro-Confederate politicians after he refused to break faith with the United States.  Houston, though a slave owner, had opposed the expansion of slavery and opposed the establishment of the Confederacy. Given his role in establishing Texas, his treatment at the hands of Texas’ leaders was shameful.

July 25, 1863---Through the eyes of Robert E. Lee...

JULY 25, 1863:           

From the field via letter, General Robert E. Lee submits his report on the Battle of Gettysburg and its aftermath to Confederate President Jefferson Davis. It is the first detailed documentation of the battle ever written.

July 24, 1863---The Battle of Big Mound; Mr. Minde takes up arms

JULY 24, 1863:          

The Battle of Big Mound, Dakota Territory (now North Dakota). 

Sioux warriors call for a parley with United States forces in the Dakota Territory. As the parley begins, a Sioux brave, angered at what appears to be the impending surrender of his people, kills the Union interpreter, sparking a battle between some 1,500 Sioux and 2,000 U.S. troops. After a small handful of men on both sides are killed, the battle ends as the Sioux retreat. Total casualties are less than 20. 

Mathias Johnson Minde is among the Union troops fighting the Sioux on the western frontier.  His name is variously spelled "Minde" and "Mindy" in the records, though his signature clearly has an "e."

July 23, 1863---The Battle of Manassas Gap

JULY 23, 1863: 

The Battle of Manassas Gap, Virginia. 

Meade’s following force, having harassed Lee since leaving Gettysburg tries to block the Army of Northern Virginia’s passage into the Shenandoah Valley. Despite outnumbering Lee’s rearguard, Meade’s forces are delayed long enough to allow the greater body of the Army of Northern Virginia to escape.