Then I returned to Mankato, and staid at Mr. Thayer’s. Called to see Mr. Everett at the hospital; he was now gaining fast. I met Mr. Tyner, who invited me to his house to dinner, and insisted on my staying there. Next day he sent a man, with a carriage, to take me to see the prisoners. The prison was in the midst, of Gen. Sibley’s camp. We found the prisoners seemingly enjoying life much better than they deserved; some sleeping, some smoking, some eating, and some playing cards. It made my blood boil, to see them so merry, after their hellish deeds. I felt as if I could see them butchered, one and all; and no one, who has suffered what we settlers have, from their ferocity, can entertain any milder feelings toward them. I returned to the house of a friend, named Wilcox, where I staid three days. I called on Mr. Buck, at his office, to ascertain what his charge was to be, for attending to my claim. His reply was, that he should demand twenty-five per cent. I mentioned the subject at the house of Mr. Wilcox, and was told that it was very little trouble to prosecute any of these claims; that the usual charge was ten per cent., and that Mr. Wilcox, who was an attorney, would attend to it for that, or that I might give him what I chose. Next day I again called on Buck, and got back the schedule of my property. He said he was glad I had taken it, for he could hardly afford to collect the claim for twenty-five per cent. as there would have to be an administrator appointed, and the expense would be heavy. I told him if he was satisfied, that I was much more so. I left the list with Mr. Wilcox, in whom I felt I could trust, for he and his lady had proved themselves to be my friends in time of need. Thus far, in prosecuting my claim he has given me good satisfaction. While I had been gone from Mankato, a party of men had been up to Lake Shetak, to bury the dead. They found and brought back my husband’s rifles, one of which was in good condition, and the other much broken to pieces. I went to the person who had them in charge, and claimed them. He delivered them up, as soon as convinced that I knew and owned them. The best one I lent to poor Uncle Tommy, but the broken one I took with me, as a memento of the departed, for it was my husband’s favorite weapon, and he loved it with feelings that every true hunter will appreciate.