On September 28, 1862, two days after the Indians released their white prisoners to Col. Sibley, a military court began trying the Sioux braves. Five officers, with the Rev. Stephen Riggs as interpreter, were to decide which warriors were guilty of taking part in the uprising.
Various promises and threats were used to gain the surrender of the hundreds of Sioux in the area. Some were tricked into gathering at the upper agency for "an annuity payment"--- only to be disarmed and held for trial.
