Another little-known fact about Lincoln. He personally authorized the largest mass hanging in American history. In 1862, Sioux Indians on the verge of starvation attacked white settlements in Minnesota, killing more than eight hundred men, women, and children. Union troops eventually subdued the Indians, tried them, and condemned 307 of them to hang. Alarmed by rumors that justice had been too swift, Lincoln personally reviewed all 307 convictions. All but 38 sentances were commuted. Four thousand spectators were on hand to watch the 38 hang on Dec. 26, 1862 in Mankato, Minnesota.