Northern Slave, Black Dakota: The Life and Times of Joseph Godfrey

by Walt Bachman, Walt Bachman

Separated from his mother when their master sold her, Joseph Godfrey grew up in bondage serving Minnesota's fur-trade elite. Escaping his masters' beatings, Godfrey sought refuge among the Dakota Indians who had befriended him as a child slave. Conscripted to join Dakota warriors in the U.S. Dakota War of 1862, Godfrey became the first of hundreds of men tried by a military court when the six-week war ended. Commander Henry Sibley, who created the court, was one of Godfrey's former masters. Sibley approved the death sentences of Godfrey and 302 Dakota soldiers. In this riveting biography, historian and retired trial lawyer Walt Bachman untangles the thorny questions that tangle Godfrey's How was he enslaved in free territory? Did his testimony send 38 Dakota men, including his father in law, to the gallows? Bachman argues that the 1862 Dakota War trials that ended with the largest mass execution in U.S. history, were both more just, and more unfair, than we've ever guessed.

Genres: History

438 pages, Hardcover

First published March 12, 2013

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The many citations and conclusions drawn from those citations feed my soul for accuracy and descriptiveness when discussing this topic. Minnesota's citizens cite this event as if they know what occurred and use if indiscriminately to substantiate their historical perspective. Instead, they need to read this book, ruminate and understand outcomes are not without bias nor always straightforward. Recommending it to all my friend readers, especially those interested in the application of law, legal precedence and the bias in the process.

[Matt Pekuri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The quality of scholarly research is excellent. The book details the history of slavery in Minnesota, and examines the Dakota War from a third party, outsider perspective.

[Claude Peck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific history book, very well researched and written (by a friend!). Anyone interested in the Dakota conflict, Minnesota's early history or the story behind Godfrey's remarkable life will be interested.