"Alfred Riggs was a twenty-five year old son of a missionary who found himself helplessly intertwined in the real life actions, events, and people of a harrowing conflict in the history of Minnesota. Alfred grew up among the Dakota Indians of Minnesota and he developed a profound respect for their people and established a near kinship tie to their leader, Little Crow. When war broke out, Alfred was torn between the safety of his family and friends, and his deep understanding and respect for the grievances and traditions of his Indian neighbors. As death and vengeance unfolded before him, he was motivated by valor and a brazen ambition for peace that nearly led to his death and alienated him from his father." -- Page [4] cover.