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The Associated Press
Mankato, Minn.

Petition asks Obama to pardon Dakota 38

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A Mankato City Council member is seeking a presidential pardon for the 38 Dakota men hanged in a mass execution at the end of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.

Jack Consadine submitted a petition to the White House after he learned about the history of the hangings, KTOE-AM reported . His petition seeks a posthumous pardon for the "Dakota 38," plus two Dakota men who were hanged later.

The hangings represent a dark chapter in history. Originally, 303 men were sentenced to be hanged after the war. President Abraham Lincoln was aware of injustices in the men's trials, and he wrote a letter to Minnesota Gov. Alexander Ramsey listing 39 men who should be hanged, including one who was later given a reprieve.

Some Native Americans believe Lincoln was wrong to order any of the hangings and that several of the men were innocent.

Consadine said he learned of the history and felt compelled to submit his petition.