August 22, 1862
“‘We went down determined to take the fort,” said Wamditanka (Big Eagle). “If we could take it we would soon have the whole Minnesota valley.” The Dakota soldiers fight hard on this fourth day of the war, but the U.S. soldiers give as good as they get. The Dakota retreat and strategize: should they wage a third battle or attack New Ulm for plunder?” *
What shall I pray for this second day of battle, Lord? We, as human beings, have a long history of wanting “to take the fort.” We are discontent, we are offended, and we crave revenge. This day in history is an offense to Your majestic living masterpieces, whether of the Dakota tribe, or of the people of the state of Minnesota or the United States. Will You have mercy on our slaying precious lives You have created?
We have destroyed Your handiwork in another sense when we committed to this battle. We have desecrated Your lands also known as the Minnesota Valley and Fort Ridgely. We, human beings, are all squatters and temporary stewards of Your earth, but we continually claim it for ourselves?! Forgive our offenses against Your property, Lord of Minnesota. We harvest Your land, take our food, take Your game without price. Yet we want tribute from those who dare offend our kingdoms. Will You speak life and peace to every square foot of land defiled by our rebellion against You, and expressed in separation and bloodshed against our neighbors?
Under the authority of Jesus and as a co-inheritor of His mercy, Wamditanka, I announce His forgiveness to You and Your men for your attack on Minnesota and the United States. Will You forgive me and my forbearers’ our bloodguilt, sins and failures, bitter words and curses against you and your nation? Will you wipe away the memory of bitter vows and judgments we have made over you, and you over us? Holy Spirit, come and walk between us. Show the Dakotan and the Minnesotan how to be brothers. Will You change the atmosphere of our relationship! May You give us an heart to keep blessing each other until You return!
*P.T.H. cites timeline formerly at this URL: mnhs.org/about/dipity_timeline.htm
The Minnesota Historical Society Web site, http://www.mnhs.org , is fantastic! Check it out!
praythroughhistory 
Very creative framework you create to background these prayers. I had not fully understood this blog till now, sorry. But of course I had but read one post prior to this (excusing myself)
My observation is that everyday of human history contains moments of choice: if one is offended, will they respond with counter-offense? Mercy? Rage?
This blog is my combination of meditation and education. I believe information alone does not result in a heart change, but changing ones heart comes often spending time pondering information.
Thanks for your feedback man!
very welcome and thanks for the elaboration.
As a direct decendant of Wamditanka & hereditary chief of the Big Eagle Clan we thank you and we forgive you! Just as you have forgiven us. Mitakuya.
Beautiful! Thank you so much for giving me the honor of receiving your acknowledgement and forgiveness. May you be a forever blessed First Nation!
Ed, I’m going to use most of this material in a book about Minnesota. Is it ok if I use your comment and name in my book? Truly, your forgiveness is something that I will treasure always! Please let me know how you feel? Jimmy -PTH author