History of the War between the United States and the Sac and Fox Nations of Indians, and Parts of Other Disaffected Tribes of Indians, in the Years Eighteen Hundred and Twenty-Seven, Thirty-One, and Thirty-Two

Chapter I
The Winnebagoes attack Captain Lindsey's Keel Boats in 1827 -- lose two men killed and several wounded -- General alarm in the mining country -- Gov. Cass takes measures to punish them -- he corresponds with Gov. Edwards -- Gov. Edwards sends a Regiment from the northern counties to the Mines, under Col. Neale -- the people of the Mines form themselves into a corps of mounted volunteers -- elect Gen. H. Dodge their Commander -- Gov. Cass moves against the Indians to the portage of the Wisconsin river -- they sue for peace -- treaty entered into -- the Indians give up the Red Bird as a hostage for the good behaviour of the rest of the nation -- he dies in Jail -- The Sac and Fox Indians next, wage war -- Gen. Games applies to Gov. Reynolds for mounted volunteers -- they rendezvous at Beardstown -- Gen. Duncan appointed by Gov. Reynolds, to take the command -- they march to Rock Island -- the Indians sue for peace -- treaty entered into.
THE author, in giving a history of the late war between the United States and the Sac and Fox nations of Indians, thinks it would be doing the subject injustice, not to give an outline of the difficulties that took place between the United States and the Winnebagoes, in the year eighteen hundred and twenty-seven, which he has observed in his preface, was the first disturbance of any kind that took place between

the Government of the United States and the Winnebagoes since the last war with Great Britain. But the author, in giving a small outline of this disturbance, has to depend upon his memory alone; as, at that time, it had never entered his head that he would be the biographer of this small disturbance that took place between the Government and those Indians.

But, in attempting to give the public the causes and particulars of the war betwixt the Government and the Sac and Fox nations of Indians, he thinks that it would not be amiss to take a passing notice of the transactions that took place on this occasion.

Captain Allen Lindsey, a gentleman of the first respectability in our country, was running a couple of keel boats on the Upper Mississippi, in the summer of eighteen hundred and twenty-seven; when within a few miles of Prairie du Chien, was visited by a number of Winnebago Indians, some of them came aboard of his boats and showed signs of hostility to him, such as preyed upon his mind so much that, before he returned, he provided himself with a few fire arms, so that, in case of an attack by them, he might be able to defend himself.

He was at this time on his way up to St. Peters. He made his trip, and accordingly on his return, when within a few miles of Prairie du Chien, he was again visited by those same Indians. He had to pass down the river close to their towns and habitation for several miles; for that is the way these wretched beings live, in small bark wigwams, along some water course, where they can paddle their canoes.

But agreeably to Capt. Lindsey's expectations, he was not permitted to pass by their dwellings in peace. -- Very late in the evening, a number of those blood thirsty savages made their appearance to him in a menacing manner, by opening a heavy fire upon his

boats; and by the help of their canoes attempted to board them. But Capt. Lindsey, had fortunately for him, anticipated that they did not intend to let him pass without firing him a salute of this description. He was prepared for them, although he had but few men aboard of his boats, but what he had proved to be soldiers. The Indians opened a heavy fire upon him, which was returned by him and his boat's crew with double interest. There were a large number of Indians, who charged upon him in their canoes, thinking to board his boats, but he prevented them by the hardest kind of fighting. They came so near boarding him, that, a number of them lashed their canoes to his boats; but he gave them a quietus in the act, and they bequeathed their canoes to him in return, and became bait for the fish of the Mississippi. At this, each one made shift for himself. The Indians paddled their canoes in one direction, and Captain Lindsey rowed his boats the other.

Captain Lindsey lost two fine men in the action, and a number wounded; but how many I do not recollect at this time. If this officer had not anticipated mischief from those wretched beings, there is no doubt but that he and his whole crew would have been massacred by those inhuman barbarians; for it is generally supposed that it was plunder, or, in other words, the cargo that the boats contained, they were after.

Captain Lindsey ran his boats down as soon as possible, to Galena, a small town on Fever river, six miles above where it empties itself into the Mississippi, which is now the county seat of Jo Daviess county, in the north-west corner of the State of Illinois.

When Captain Lindsey arrived at that point, and gave the news, it created great fear and alarm; to such a degree, that expresses were sent in different directions to inform the citizens of the Mines to move into

Galena, and prepare for war. The people of the Mines took the alarm, so that in two days' time there were not less than three thousand men, women and children, who fled to this place for safety. Those Indians had made many threats against the miners, and had at different times ordered them off, and told them to quit the diggings, saying that the ground they were digging on was theirs. This news, coming at this time, when they were apprehensive of mischief, gave them an alarm, and caused them to fly to Galena for safety. They forsook their rude habitations, and assembled at that place, in order to assist in defending each other. There were a few forts built in the more thickly settled parts of the Mines, and some of the most fearless citizens occupied them.

There was a committee of safety appointed in Galena, who corresponded with all parts of the Mines, and adopted measures for the safety and preservation of all; and in the mean time had some strong block houses built at Galena. The people likewise, who were able and willing to bear arms, volunteered and formed themselves into companies, and chose their own officers; ranged the country, and kept a good lookout, for fear the Indians would steal upon them, and take them by surprise.

Governor Cass, in the mean time, was not inactive, but corresponded with Governor Edwards, then Governor of Illinois. Governor Edwards immediately raised one regiment of mounted volunteers in the northern counties, and sent them on to the relief of the mining country, and to go against those Indians. They elected Thomas M. Neale their commander. The people of the Mines formed themselves into another corps, and elected General Dodge their commander -- a man well qualified to command, and who had some experience in the same.


Col. Neale marched his regiment to the Mines, but no further. Gen. Dodge, assisted by Gov. Cass, marched on a force of near one thousand men, to the portage of the Wisconsin and Fox rivers, where the Indians sued for peace. A treaty was then made with them. They gave up their commander, who had been the principal cause of the war, whom they called the Red Bird. He was put in prison at Prairie du Chien, and was to have been kept as a hostage for the good behavior of the rest of his nation, but he soon died.

After this treaty, the forts were again forsaken, and the citizens returned to their respective habitations, and peace and safety seemed to be felt by all, until the hostile movement of the Sacs and Foxes, in the spring of eighteen hundred and thirty-one; when they invaded the State of Illinois, by leaving their own side of the Mississippi, crossing over, and attempting to claim the land they had sold to the General Government, in the neighborhood of Rock Island. Here this terrible and warlike nation of Indians committed all kinds of outrage on the citizens near this place. The citizens had purchased the land they lived upon from the General Government, and had opened good farms, built houses, and had been living in peace and quietness for nearly three years, when these wretched monsters in human shape attempted to drive them from their homes, and take possession of them themselves; which in fact they did. But this was not all those savage monsters did. They turned their horses into their wheat fields, killed their stock, and laid waste whole farms.

It was time now for those citizens to ask for assistance from their countrymen. They did so. Petition after petition was sent to the Governor of Illinois, laying before him their grievances. Governor

Reynolds hesitated not a moment, but addressed the proper officers on this important subject. He addressed letters to Generals Clark and Gaines on this subject, and tried every means that lay in his power to dissuade those unhappy people to desist from their designs, and return back to their own side of the Mississippi to their own land. But to this they turned a deaf ear too, as well as to all kind of entreaty that could be made through their agents, or Gen. Gaines or any other person. They bid defiance to General Gaines, and bantered him to fight them with his regulars. This was enough. Gen. Gaines saw now that there was no way of settling this business, only by a resort to arms. He accordingly made a call upon Governor Reynolds for seven hundred mounted volunteers to co-operate with him in driving them from the State.

Governor Reynolds immediately obeyed the call, and issued his proclamation to the citizens of the northern counties of Illinois, who turned out to the number of fifteen hundred strong, and rendezvoused at Beardstown, on the Illinois river; and between the first and tenth days of June were organized into a brigade, under the command of Gen. Joseph Duncan.

This brigade was officered in the following manner, viz: James D. Henry, of Sangamon county. Colonel of the first regiment; Jacob Fry, Lieutenant Colonel; John T. Stuart, Major; Thomas Collins, Adjutant; Edward Jones, Quarter Master; and Thomas M. Neale, Paymaster. The Captains were as follows: Adam Smith, William F. Elkin, A. Morris, Thomas Carlin, Samuel Smith, John Lorton, and Samuel C. Pierce.

The second Regiment was commanded by Colonel Daniel Leib, of Morgan County; --------------, Lieutenant Colonel; Nathaniel Butler, Major; Captains H. Mathews, John Haines, George Bristow, William

Gilham, Kincade, Alexander Wells, William Weatherford, and W. Jordan, Quarter Master.

There was one odd battalion, which was officered in the following manner: Nathaniel Buckmaster, Major; James Semple, Adjutant; Joseph Gillespie, Paymaster; David Wright, Quarter Master; Richard Roman, Surgeon ; Captains William Moore, John Loramie, Loraine and Solomon Miller.

The spy battalion, next, was officered in the following manner: Samuel Whiteside, Major; Samuel F. Kendle, Adjutant; John S. Greathouse, Quarter Master; P. H. Winchester, Pay Master; Captains Erastus Wheeler, William B. Whiteside, William Miller, and Solomon Prewitt.

Those were the officers that composed the brigade under Gen. Joseph Duncan, with a few exceptions. The name of the Lieutenant Colonel in Col. Leib's regiment, I have not been fortunate enough to get in possession of, and I have not been able to get all the staff officers belonging to it; for I have no public record to resort to. Therefore, I hope no gentleman will think hard of me, or feel himself slighted in not having his name inserted in this history.

General Duncan, after his brigade was organized, took the line of march for the seat of war, or where the savage rebels were assembled and bidding defiance to General Gaines and his regulars, at or near Rock Island.

When General Duncan arrived at Rock River, he had to cross this stream near an island; and for fear of an ambuscade. General Gaines had it raked with a six pounder, so that if the enemy were concealed in this hiding place, he might drive them from it until his men could cross. -- He fired his six pounder a number of times into this Island, but the enemy had taken the alarm, and crossed over the Mississippi; but still kept embodied for action. They did not much like the sound of the six pounder.

Some of them afterwards came over to Rock Island, where General Duncan had arrived with his men, and joined General Gaines, who took command of all the forces then in the field. They held a white flag in their hands. They now sued for peace. The Black Hawk was not one of the company. General Gaines demanded of them to bring him. They at first refused, but he told them that he would march his forces across the river and cut them off, if they did not produce him. They then returned and brought the wretched Hawk, who had caused so much trouble to them and our own Government.

They then entered into capitulations of a treaty; the articles of which they violated in a few weeks afterwards by the most daring outrage. It was stipulated in the articles, that they were to remain on the west side of the Mississippi, and never to cross the river, and come into the State of Illinois, without the permission of the President of the United States or the Governor of Illinois. But they soon forgot this agreement. They crossed over in a few weeks, went within a few hundred yards of Prairie du Chien, in the dead hour of night, fell upon a camp of Menominie Indians, slaughtered and killed twenty-five of them; and that too, within gun-shot of a garrison of regulars. Those Menominie Indians never have been at war with the Government of the United States. They have ever looked to it for protection. -- They had been that day in an Indian frolic, and were nearly all drunk. It is a well known thing, that, when Indians get into one of those drunken frolics, they are dangerous, one to another, and the squaws invariably make it a rule to hide their arms until they get sober. This was the case at this time. Those Menominies had just been gorging with this hydra monster of all evil, and were lying in their wigwams, lost in sleep; never dreaming or thinking that there was the least danger of being butchered by those hideous monsters, that were of the same species of human beings with themselves. But the deadly tomahawk and spear were buried in them when in their helpless situation. The Menominies, it is said, succeeded in killing four of these savage monsters, who deserved to die the worst of deaths.

The Menominies immediately informed Gen. Street of the massacre. He repaired immediately to the battle ground. They appeared to be in great distress for the loss of their friends. They had killed a number of squaws and children. The Menominies made heavy complaints to Gen. Street, saying, you have told us that you would protect us, and see that the Sacs and Foxes would let us alone. Gen. Street told them that they would be punished for what they had done. He accordingly sent a communication to Governor Reynolds, informing him of their movements, and the slaughter of the Menominies; and at the same time, took measures to demand the murderers; the particulars of which I am not able to lay before the public. But instead of the Sacs and Foxes delivering up the murderers, they, early in the spring following, crossed over to the State of Illinois, armed and equipped for war, and passed by, almost in sight of Fort Armstrong, bidding defiance to General Atkinson, the commander of the fort. Gen. Atkinson then communicated to Governor Reynolds, by express, their movements. Governor Reynolds then lost no time in issuing his proclamation to the citizens of Illinois, calling for volunteers.

Chapter II
Extract of a letter from General Hughes, sub Indian Agent, to General Atkinson dated,
"Rock Island, April 13th, 1832.

"My opinion is, that the squaws and old men have gone to the Prophet's town, on Rock river -- and the warriors are now only a few miles below the mouth of Rock river, within the limits of the State of Illinois. That those Indians are hostile to the whites there is no doubt. That they have invaded the State of Illinois, to the great injury of her citizens, is equally true. Hence it is, that the public good requires that strong as well as speedy measures should be taken against Black Hawk and his followers.

"Respectfully I have, the honor to be,

"Your obedient servant.

"ANDREW S. HUGHES."

(Signed.)

"To Brig. Gen. Atkinson."


Extract of a letter from George Davenport, Esq. to Brigadier General Atkinson, dated,

"Rock Island, April 13th, 1832.

"Dear Sir: In reply to your enquiries of this morning, respecting the Indians, I have to state, that I have been informed by the man I have wintering with the Indians, that the British band of Sac Indians are determined to make war upon the frontier settlements. The British band of Sac Indians did rendezvous at old fort Madison, and induced a great many of the young men to join them on their arrival at the Yellow Banks. They crossed about five hundred head of horses into the State of Illinois, and sent about seventy horses through the country toward Rock river. The remainder, some on horseback, the others in canoes, in a fighting order, advanced up the Mississippi, and were encamped yesterday five or six miles below Rock river, and will no doubt endeavor to reach their strong hold in the Rock river swamps, if they are not intercepted. From every information that I have received, I am of opinion, that the intention of the British band of Sac Indians, is to commit depredations on the inhabitants of the frontier.

"Respectfully your ob't. serv't.
"GEO. DAVENPORT."

(Signed.)

"To Brig. Gen. Atkinson."

Extract of a letter from Gen. Atkinson to his Excellency, Governor Reynolds, dated,

"Fort Armstrong, April 13th, 1832.

Dear Sir: The band of Sacs under Black Hawk, joined by about one hundred Kickapoos, and a few Pottawatamies, amounting in all to about five hundred men have assumed a Hostile attitude. They crossed the river at the Yellow Banks on the sixth instant, and are now moving up on the east side of Rock river towards the Prophet's village.

"The regular force under my command, is too small to justify me in pursuing the hostile party. To make an unsuccessful attempt to coerce them would only irritate them to acts of hostility on the frontier, sooner than they probably contemplate.

"Your own knowledge of the character of these Indians, with the information herewith submitted, will enable you to judge of the course proper to be pursued. I think the frontier is in great danger, and will use all the means at my disposal to co-operate with you, in its protection and defence.

"With great respect,

"Your most ob't. serv't.

"H. ATKINSON, Brigadier

"GeneraI of the U. S. Army.

"His Excellency, Gov. Reynolds, Belleville, ILL.

I will next give the reader Governor Reynolds's Proclamation to the militia of Illinois, and his concluding remarks; and of the necessity of those that were able to bear arms, turning out in defence of their country's rights.

"To the Militia of the Northwestern section of Illinois:

"FELLOW CITIZENS: Your country requires your services. The Indians have assumed a hostile attitude, and have invaded the State, in violation of the treaty of last summer.

"The British band of Sacs, and other hostile Indians, headed by the Black Hawk, are in possession of the Rock river country, to the great terror of the frontier inhabitants.

"I consider the settlers on the frontiers in imminent danger. I am in possession of the above information from gentlemen of respectable standing, and from Gen. Atkinson, whose character stands so high in all classes.

"In possession of the foregoing facts and information, I hesitate not as to the course I should pursue. No citizen ought to remain quiet when his country is invaded, and the helpless part of the community is in danger. I have called out a strong detachment of militia, to rendezvous at Beards-town, on the 22d instant; provision for the men, and corn for the horses will be furnished in abundance. I hope my countrymen will realize my expectations, and offer their services, as heretofore, with promptitude and cheerfulness, in defence of their country.

"JOHN REYNOLDS,

"Commander in Chief" I will next refer the reader to a visit made to the hostile Indians by Henry Gratiot, Esq.

On the 16th day of April, Mr. Gratiot, Indian Agent for the Rock river band of Winnebagoes, received a letter from Gen. Atkinson, informing him of the movements of Black Hawk's band of hostile Indians, and requesting him, if possible, to ascertain the disposition of them. On the receipt of this information, Mr. Gratiot proceeded down Rock river, and on the 19th arrived at the Turtle Village of Winnebagoes -- found them at the exercise of their religious ceremonies, and consequently could not have a hearing with them until the 22d. He then held a talk with them, and learned from them that the Sacs had, at three different times, sent them the wampum, and that the last was painted red, thereby indicating war. The last wampum was not returned. They also informed Mr. Gratiot, that it was their determination not to join the hostile Sacs -- that there were some Winnebagoes living at the Prophet's Village who were friendly to the whites -- and that they requested them to leave it and come to their village to reside until all the difficulties were settled.

In order to accomplish this object, Mr. Gratlot took twenty four men of the Turtle Village to accompany him to the Prophet's Town, at which place they arrived on the 25th, and hoisted his flag of truce. He was received with much attention by the Winnebagoes, who made him a large lodge, eighty feet long, for himself and their visiting brethren. In this village he found between two and three hundred men, women and children, belonging to the Prophet's band. These Indians manifested no hostile disposition, but severally remonstrated against the conduct of the Prophet, who was at that time with the hostile band of Sacs, a few miles below, leading them on to his village. Mr. Gratiot advised these Indians to go up Rock river on their own lands, and make a village, where they might rest in peace. This they promised to do.

On the 26th, Mr. Gratiot saw at a distance, about two miles down Rock river, the army of the celebrated Black Hawk, consisting of about five hundred Sacs, well armed, and mounted on fine horses, moving in a line of battle. -- Their appearance was terrible in the extreme. Their bodies were painted with white clay, with an occasional impression of their hands about their bodies, colored black. Around their ankles and bodies they wore wreaths of straw, which always indicate a disposition for blood. They moved on with great regularity, performing many evolutions; wheeling every few minutes, and firing towards Fort Armstrong; turning, flanking, and then forming into solid columns, from which they would form their line of march. In that way they marched to the beating of a drum till they came to the village.

They marched up to Gratiot's lodge, where was flying the neutral flag; formed a circle around it; took down his flag, and tauntingly hoisted the British colors in its place. They then fired into the air toward his lodge, sounded the war-whoop around it, and made several motions toward attacking Mr. Gratiot and the friendly Winnebagoes. They afterward dismounted, entered his lodge, shook hands with Mr. Gratiot and Mr. Cubbage, a gentleman who accompanied him. They then formed a circle within his lodge, holding their spears and other implements of war, and evincing, by their actions and countenances, an unfriendly feeling. After holding a consultation among themselves, a friendly Winnebago Chief, ("White Crow,") who went with Mr. Gratiot from the Turtle Village, arose, went to his blanket, took out two plugs of tobacco, and gave them to the war-chief of the hostile band; after which the war party left the lodge leaving only Black Hawk.

This Chief (Black Hawk) then told Mr. Gratiot that he had received a letter from General Atkinson, but refused to let him read it at the time, but said that he would show it to him when he got to the end of his march, which was about sixty miles above. Mr. Gratiot replied, that he was not going that way; but he was answered by Black Hawk, that he would let him know about it on the next day. So it appeared that Mr. Gratiot was then considered their prisoner of war; which the development of other facts that afterwards occurred, conclusively proved. Black Hawk shortly afterwards left Mr. Gratiot, under a promise to visit him again the next morning.

The hostile band were all night engaged in holding a council among them selves. On the following morning, the Prophet, at the head of about forty warriors, came into Mr. Gratiot's lodge, presented General Atkinson's letter, and told him, he might take the letter back to General Atkinson. Mr. Gratiot insisted on reading the letter to them; upon which request. Black Hawk and Na-a-pope were sent for, and the letter read. The substance of which was, to advise the hostile Chiefs to desist from their evil designs -- recross the Mississippi river, settle down in peace, and plant their corn, &c. In reply to which, they requested Mr. Gratiot to hand back the letter, and inform General Atkinson, that their hearts were bad, and that they would not return; but to the contrary, that if he brought his troops among them they would fight. Mr. Gartiot immediately went to Rock Island and delivered the message. Thus, the reader, these documents go to show the great necessity that Governor Reynolds had, for making the call for mounted volunteers, to defend the rights of our country, and drive from our State those merciless savages, that wished to imbrue their hands in the blood of its citizens.

Agreeably to his proclamation, the citizens of Illinois, quit their peaceful fire-sides and homes, and volunteered to defend our dear and sacred rights, which had been purchased for us by our ancestors, at the price of much blood. There was a sufficient number turned out without drafting; the people at once saw the great danger our frontier was in; and their patriotic feelings would not suffer them to stay at home, when they knew their services were wanted in the field. Accordingly, at the appointed time, the mounted volunteers from the different counties, that were called upon, rendezvoused at Beardstown, on the Illinois river, where we were met by Gov. Reynolds.

Upon our being organized into a Brigade, Governor Reynolds appointed Brigadier General Samuel Whiteside commander of the Brigade, who, for his courage and bravery, as an officer in the last war with Great Britain, stood pre-eminent. -- He at that time had the command of a company of rangers, and was by all acknowledged to be an excellent Indian fighter.

The Brigade consisted of about sixteen hundred liorsemen and two hundred footmen, who were organized into four regiments, and an odd spy battalion.

Colonel Dewitt, commanded the first regiment; Colonel Fry, the second; Colonel Thomas, (of St. Clair,) the third; and Colonel Thompson, the fourth. Colonel James D. Henry, of Sangamon county, commanded the spy battalion.


On the twenty-seventh day of April, the troops got in motion, and took up the line of march, under the command of General Whiteside, accompanied by Governor Reynolds, the Commander-in-chief. After crossing the Illinois river, we directed our course to the Yellow Banks, on the Mississippi river, at which place, we arrived on the third day of May. Nothing very interesting occurred on our march to the Yellow Banks.

In crossing Henderson's river, we lost several head of horses, the river being very high, and not having any ferry boat to cross in; but very fortunately the men all got over safe. We had to take the point of the Yellow Banks, in order to draw provision, as a steam boat with supplies was to meet us there. It is worthy of remark, that when we got to this place, we found the citizens quietly remaining at their homes, and not in the least alarmed.

The next day after we arrived at this place, the old principal Chief (Ke-o-kuck,) crossed the river, with fifty or sixty of his warriors, and a few Squaws, to our encampment, -- held a war dance, and stated, that it was not their intention to raise arms against the United States, -- at the same time signifying a willingness to assist in fighting the Black Hawk. On the third day after our arrival at the Yellow Banks, the steam boat arrived with a sufficient supply of pro vision, which enabled us to take the line of march for Rock river, at which place we arrived on the following day (the seventh) On May 8th we were mustered into the service of the United States by Brigadier General Atkinson.

On the evening after having been received by General Atkinson, Colonel John Ewing and myself were sent by Governor Reynolds as secret spies, with directions to keep in front of the army; he also sent a gentleman by the name of Kinney with us as a pilot.


Our instructions were, to proceed as near the direction as we could, according to our judgment, form, of the course Black Hawk and his army had taken; and if possible, for us to ascertain where the encampment of the enemy was. According to our instructions, we proceeded up Rock river, as near the direction that Black Hawk had taken, as our pilot judged to be the course. On the second day after we started, we discovered several signs of Indians, who appeared to be going different directions, which led us to suppose, that they were sent by Black Hawk to ascertain whether or not we were following them.

On that night, we encamped in sight of the old Prophet's Village; next morning we went through the Town, and saw where Black Hawk had encamped with his whole army. His encampment was laid off in a manner showing great skill in warfare. No American General could have laid it out in a more military style; from the appearance of the encampment, we were induced to believe that they remained there a week; from which place we proceeded, confining ourselves to Rock river, which we were going up. We had not proceeded more than five miles from this place, before we discovered two Indians coming in the direction to meet us. Col. Ewing and myself made up to them in great haste; on our meeting them, we demanded of them to know their business there; on their not being able to understand us, we directed Mr. Kinney to enquire of them what they were doing there? Their answer was, that they had lost their horses, and were hunting them ; that they belonged to Ke-o-kuck's band. We directed the interpreter to ask them, if they knew where Black Hawk was? They signified that they did not know, and appeared to be much alarmed. I observed in the course of the conversation, that we ought to take them as prisoners -- to which Col. Ewing made no reply, but appeared to be reflecting on the course to take, until they started and had got a short distance from us; he then came to the conclusion to take them; we immediately gave chase, they had four horses that appeared to be fresh and good, on account of which they gained distance on us, shaping their course for the river. During the chase, we discovered another Indian on our left, after consulting for a moment, we concluded to endeavor to take him prisoner; accordingly we all pursued him, until we came up with him; he told us he was a Pottawattomie; he had two horses; we directed Mr. Kinney to take his gun ; he appeared unwilling to surrender it, and showed a disposition to shoot him. Upon which Colonel Ewing drew his rifle to his face, to make ready to fire on him, if he did not give it up: upon which he gave it to Mr. Kinney. We directed Mr. Kinney to mount his horse, and take the rope that was around the neck of the Indian's horse, and lead him; the Indian made signs to us, that there were some of his people close by, and wished to see them, and then he would go with us; to which proposition, we had no desire to accede, but forced him on. We travelled at a rapid rate. As we were in the midst of Indians, we concluded that it was our better policy, to make our way back to the camp as quick as possible. We at this time had been three days from the army, and could not know what distance we had separated ourselves from it. We calculated that we would not be able to reach it until the following day; but we were very agreeably disappointed, as we met the army after going about ten miles; it had taken the line of march the next day after we left it, and marched a much higher way than our pilot took us. We delivered up our prisoner, who underwent an examination through an interpreter better acquainted with the Indian language than Mr. Kinney; he was found to be a Pottawattomie, -- and stated that Black Hawk with his army was at the Pawpaw Grove, two days' march up the river. We were now close to the old Prophet's Town, where General Atkinson had ordered General Whiteside to await the arrival of his boats and regulars, (as that was the way General Atkinson, with his regulars, and two hundred foot volunteers were marching;) unless General Whiteside, thought upon his arrival at the Prophet's Village, it would be actually necessary to pursue, in order to prevent the Indians from making their escape ; accordingly General Whiteside ordered a forced march that evening. The country we had to pass through was an almost continual swamp, -- no alternative being left for us, we put our horses to it, sometimes wading ourselves up to our waist, and not unfrequently getting mired; but by great exertions and perseverance, we succeeded in getting through without losing any men in the swamps. -- We this day marched until dark -- a number of the men did not get up until late in the night, and some of the baggage waggons not until next morning. This day (May 12th) we got to Dixon's ferry, on Rock river, where the great road crosses going to the Lead Mines.

Chapter III
Meet Maj. Stillman with a battalion from the northern counties -- Major Stillman takes his battalion, goes up Rock river, in order to ascertain the movements of the enemy -- Falls in with them -- has a battle, and is defeated -- Retreats back to General Whiteside -- Colonel Ewing, Robert Blackwell, Esq. and the Author sent as expresses for more troops -- General Whiteside marches his Brigade to the battle ground -- They bury the dead -- Return back to Dixon's -- Meet General Atkinson there with provision, five hundred regulars and two hundred foot militia -- They take up the line of march after the enemy -- March to Fox river -- The Indians kill three families before they get there -- They bury the persons killed -- Army become dissatisfied, and are discharged -- Three hundred volunteer to guard the frontier until the new levy of troops arrive.
On our arrival here (Dixon's Ferry) we found Major Stillman with a battalion of two hundred and seventy five men awaiting our arrival: they had been there for two days with a sufficient supply of ammunition and provisions; our provisions at this time being nearly exhausted.

Major Stillman considered that he had a kind of independent corps, and did not wish to be attached to General Whitehead's Brigade. He, the Major, on the next morning made a request of the Governor, that he might be permitted to take his corps, go out as a scouting party, and see if possible whether any discoveries could be made as to the situation of the enemy.

Accordingly, on the 12th day of May, Major Stillman and Major Bailey received orders from the Commander in Chief, to march with their respective battalions to the neighborhood of Old Man's Creek, to ascertain, if possible, the movements of the enemy. On the morning of the 13th, Major Stillman's battalion took up their line of march. Major Bailey followed in a short time after; and after having marched eight or ten miles, both battalions encamped. The day had been rainy, and other circumstances beyond the control of officers or men, had a tendency to retard their movements.

The battalions had no connection with each other whatever, previous to their meeting on their march to Dixon's, on Rock river. There they received orders to march, before they were organized into a regiment -- each battalion being independent of the other -- commanded by its own officers -- and three of those claiming the command of both -- and perhaps with equal justice.

In the result, however, the command for that expedition was conferred on Major Stillman, the choice of officers to be referred to the men on their return.

On the morning of the 14th, under the temporary organization of the corps, the march was continued in the line, secured by strong advance and flank guards. On this day's march several fresh trails were discovered during the forenoon ; and at 12 o'clock the commanding officer, was informed, that several Indian dogs had been seen by one of the flank guards, and shortly afterwards two Indians were seen.

With some difficulty occasioned by the almost impassable mires of the creeks which the corps had to cross, the march was continued until nearly sunset, when Col. Strode of the advanced guard, who had volunteered his services on this occasion, returned to the battalion with information of a suitable place for encampment, and conducted the corps to the point.


A large fresh trail was discovered, which directed its course to a point of timber, a short distance to the left of the encampment. Shortly after the battalion halted, and while busily engaged in preparing supper, several horsemen were discovered on a hill about half a mile in front. They were at first sight taken for a part of the enemy's advance guard. Some of the men mounted their horses, and rode toward them. They were discovered to be Indians, and two of them came to the camp, professing to be Pottawattomies and friends, but on the approach of our advance the Indians gave a whoop, unfurled a red flag and fell back at full speed. -- Our horsemen followed, and after a chase of four miles and a half, overtook them in a low marshy piece of ground, where a sharp firing took place. Three Indians were left dead, and several were dismounted; one of our men was wounded in a personal combat, and two were dismounted and lost their horses.

The Indians were driven into their encampment, where they rallied to the number of six or eight hundred, and cautiously awaited the approach of our main body. Our advance fell back, and joined the battalion on the margin of the low ground, where the firing first commenced.

An Indian approached and proposed a "talk" to an officer who was in advance. Major Stillman, with the field and staff officers together with Capt. Eads, as an interpreter, went forward while the troops were advancing by heads of companies through the marsh. Capt. Eads, who had been in front, suddenly wheeled and exclaimed that the line of Indians extended for more than a mile.

Major Stillman now discovered that the proposed "talk" was an expedient to obtain time, the more completely to execute their plan; for the enemy were now seen flanking him right and left in great numbers.


He immediately gave orders to countermarch and form on the high ground. But instead of countermarching, the men wheeled about in their places, which threw the officers all in the rear, and fell back. The foremost of them on reaching the hard ground first, were able to proceed with much greater rapidity than those who were yet in the swamp, and by the time the officers reached the solid ground the front was out of hearing. The order to halt and form was only heard by a part of each company, who immediately formed. But the enemy knew all the passes, and had already opened a heavy fire on both flanks, which was returned with spirit by those who had formed.

It was now found necessary to retire to prevent the enemy from entirely surrounding our men, which had now become practicable. The retreat was then kept up with occasional halting and firing, until our men reached the camp. There an attempt was made to maintain our ground. Capt. Barnes had nearly succeeded in forming his company, when orders were given to cross the creek in rear of the camp. This order was effected by sixty or seventy men, but not before the enemy had got possession of the camp. The enemy then set up a tremendous yell, which was returned by a volley of musquetry from those who had formed in the rear of the camp, -- this silenced the war-whoop in that quarter, but in a moment more two large parties of the enemy, who had crossed the creek above and below, attacked both flanks and the rear. The line was broken, and each man took his own course. One party broke off to the right where fell some of those who had formed at the creek. Another party took off to the left, where others fell, the flanking parties of the enemy pursuing them. Those of the men who took the middle course, escaped with the loss of two killed, and one wounded.


The enemy kept up the pursuit for twelve or fourteen miles. The men arrived at Dixon's ferry in detached squads, from one o'clock A. M. until the roll call at sunrise, when it was found that fifty-two were missing: these continued to arrive for the two succeeding days, until the number missing was reduced to eleven, which were afterward found most shockingly mangled.

Capt. Adams evinced the most undaunted bravery; he vehemently urged the men to maintain the ground. But the line was broken and he himself was slain.

Several personal rencounters took place. In one of them Joseph Farris and his brother David, were attacked and surrounded. David was mounted, and Joseph whose horse failed or was killed, urged him to save himself; but this he refused, until he saw him fall, fighting, and himself struck from his horse by a blow from the breech of a gun. He returned the blow which stiffened the savage on the ground, and then broke for a point of timber; he was nearly overtaken, when he called for assistance from the timber, which led the pursuers to fear that a force was then awaiting their approach. It was this presence of mind which saved his life; for the enemy immediately wheeled and retreated.

Mr. Samuel Hackelton had pursued an uniformed Indian, until he had outstripped his comrades, and had discharged his gun with effect, upon one who was dismounted immediately before him. When in the act of reloading, he saw a horseman pass, by the name of Maxfield, who discharged his piece, tumbled an Indian from his pony, and kept on without reloading. He entered the marsh where it was with difficulty that his horse could proceed -- an Indian charged upon him. Hackelton seeing this, flew to his relief, and by a blow from his gun parried the spear, just as it was on the point of entering his (Maxfield's) back. The red warrior wheeled to plunge the spear into the breast of Hackelton, which he avoided by springing from his horse, who passed from between him and his antagonist, when he again met the spear by darting at his enemy, which caused it to pass between his left arm and side, wounding his hand as he attempted to parry the blow. He then seized the spear, both held, eyeing each other for a moment, when the Indian being in the act of seizing his tomahawk, Hackelton grasped him by the throat and belt (the blanket being thrown from the Indian's shoulder) and now a deadly struggle ensued. The Indian was large and muscular, but after a severe struggle, fell before his more active foe, and broke his hold to regain his feet. Hackelton improved the movement to draw his steel, which he plunged into the breast of the savage, -- and again they fell locked in deadly embrace. Maxfield, whose horse had taken fright at the yell of the Indian, ran for a considerable distance, nearly throwing his rider, readily returned to repay that service which had so generously and timely been rendered him, and with his bayonet pinned the bleeding savage to the ground.

Hackelton having lost his horse, it was with much difficulty that he halted a horseman to take him from the ground; indeed he rode with him but a few rods, whilst in leaping a pool or branch, the horse fell, and Hackelton, who was wounded in both hands, was thrown into the water; -- and there the horseman left him to shift for himself. He effected his escape by running two or three miles, when he was relieved by Doctor Donaldson, who generously lent him his horse, whilst he went on foot, for the distance of two miles further, where Hackelton succeeded in getting a pony, on which he arrived in camp without further injury.

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