same place. After the arrangement had been made a letter came by express from from Gen. Atkinson, informing the governor that the hostile Indians had gone up Rock river, but the intelligence came too late. Had it been received one day earlier the provisions might have been ordered to Peoria in greater proximity to the enemy, and had the army marched to the same point it might have ended the contest without giving the Indians an opportunity to escape. Rains had recently prevailed and the progress of the troops was retarded by the muddy prairies and swollen streams. On arriving at Oquawka they hoped to find Colonel March and the supplies from St. Louis, but they had not made their appearance. The evening of the same day Captain Warren and two companies from Shelby county also arrived and were greeted with loud cheers for the energy which they exhibited in swimming streams and overcoming other formidable obstacles encountered in their route. Great anxiety was now felt for the safety of the supplies. A considerable advance had been made into the wilderness and any accident which prevented or prolonged the coming of the boat might necessitate the disbanding of the army. On the 5th day the provisions were exhausted, and murmuring being heard among the men, the Governor engaged three trusty persons to deliver a message to Gen. Atkinson informing him of the destitute condition of the army, and requesting relief. Although Rock Island was 50 miles distant, and it was necessary to swim several streams in traversing the intervening country, the journey was successfully accomplished and a boat load of provis ions arrived the next day. The succeeding morning the steamboat William Wallace from St. Louis, also came in and the army, which a short time before was in a suffering condition, had now a two-fold supply.

Immediately on the receipt of provisions rations were issued to the men and baggage wagons were loaded preparatory to moving to Dixon, where, according to the latest intelligence, the enemy was posted. Spies had previously been sent to obtain informa tion of the Indians, but instead of returning with proper dispatch they loitered with the officers of Fort Armstrong and finally returned on the boat which brought the supplies. When the army was ready to march, a letter was brought from Gen. Atkinson informing the governor that Black Hawk and his band had descended Rock river, and requesting him to march immediately with the troops to Fort Armstrong. Disappointment was felt at the reception of this news, and perhaps the request would have been disregarded, but according to the statement, the Indians had descended the river, and it was folly to move up it to find them. Instead, however, of going to the fort, the force was marched to the mouth of Rock river where they were received into the service of the United States, and General Atkinson assumed command. It was now as certained that the information in regard to the Indians was incorrect and the commanding general steamed up the river with an armament of cannon and 400 regulars accompanied by the brig ade, which rode through the swamps in the vicinity of the stream. As the expedition advanced, dogs immolated to appease the Great Spirit were frequently found at the various Indian encamp. ments. This relic of barbarism and superstition common among the oriental nations of antiquity, was employed by these Indians

when the nation was threatened with great calamity. The body of the animal, in these instances having the vitals removed, was fastened to a tree over a small fire with its head in the direction the Indians were traveling. Instead of rendering any assistance it only served to point out their trail to the pursuing foe.

On the 10th of May some spies sent in advance captured near Prophetstown, an Indian, from whom information was obtained that Black Hawk and his warriors were on Rock river above the town of Dixon. In accordance with this information the volunteers moved up to the town, where it was ascertained from scouts who had scoured the country, that the Indians had dispersed and it was determined to abandon the pursuit and await the arrival of Gen Atkinson with the steamboat and provisions. It was conjectured that Black Hawk and his band contemplated residing on the lands of the Potawattomies, and as a means of preventing the consumation of such a design, an embassy of five persons was sent to confer with the chiefs of that nation upon the subject. In consequence of cloudy weather the party became bewildered, and losing their way fell in with some of Black Hawk's band, who very adroitly endeavored to decoy them into the power of the principal Indian force. After much skillful maneuvering on horseback the savages retired and the Americans returned to Dixon greatly exhausted, having been without food or rest for two days.

Majors Stillman and Bailey, who had previously been ordered to protect the frontier were at Dixon when the army arrived at that place, and having done but little service, they besought the privilege of reconnoitering the country, and reporting the situation of the enemy. It was rumored that a small party of Black Hawk's force was encamped at the head of Old Man's creek 12 miles above Dixon, and in accordance with their request, the governor issued the following order: "Major Stillman: You will cause the troops under your immediate command, and the battalion under Major Bailey, to proceed without delay to the head of Old Man's creek, where it is supposed there are some hostile Indians, and coerce them into submission."

On the following morning, the Major with 275 men started on his mission, hoping to give a good account of himself when he returned. The expedition, after reaching Old Man's creek, although unauthorized to pass beyond it, continued their march 15 miles higher up the stream to Sycamore creek, where they dismounted for the purpose of spending the night.

Here they were within a few miles of the main lodgment of Black Hawk and a part of his braves, and while engaged in camp duties 3 unarmed Indians bearing a white flag made their appearance. The Indians giving themselves up, were taken into custody. Shortly 5 other Indians were descried on horseback upon rising ground about a mile distant. A party of Major Stillman's men immediately started in pursuit, and others followed as fast as they could mount; in a short time three-fourths of the whole detachment were scattered pell mell over the intervening prairie. In this irregular running fight, the troops at the camp knowing that blood had been shed, killed 1 of the 3 Indians who had been sent as envoys under the white flag, but the other 2 in the confusion escaped. The Americans having the fastest horses, overtook and killed 2 of the other party, and pursued the survivors to the edge

of the forest. At this juncture, Black Hawk and about 40 braves rose up from their ambush, and with a terrific yell, rushed on the assailants. Those who had just exhibited so much bravery in pursuit of the fleeing foe, now retreated with a corresponding swiftness. The frightful din attending the fugitives, who reached camp about dark, caused the remainder of the force to think that Black Hawk and his whole band were about to burst upon them like an avalanche. A panic ensued, and some with only a saddle or bridle, and others without either, mounted their horses and joined their comrads in the inglorious flight, leaving their wagons, ammunition and other property to the victors. Major Stillman ordered his men to retreat over the creek and rally on more elevated ground, but such was the consternation that no elevated ground was found till they reached the forces at Dixon. The principal resistance offered to the pursuing Indians, was at Old Man's creek, a small stream rising in Ogle county and falling into Rock river at the town of Bloomingville. It has since been called Stillman's Run, in commenoration of the battle, a result incident to the delay caused in crossing its muddy banks. After passing the stream, Major Perkins, Captain Adams and about 15 other daring men made a stand, and by their heroic conduct partially checked the career of the Indians and saved the lives of others, who must otherwise have fallen victims of savage vengeance. Captain Adams, however, in saving the lives of his friends, sacrificed his own, his body being found the next day, near the two Indians whom in a personal encounter he had slain. None of the parties lived to tell the story of the terrific struggle, but from the evidence left behind it must have been of the most determined character. Their guns were broken into fragments, and the ghastly wounds inflicted by rifle balls, spears, butcher knives and tomahawks were frightful proofs of the efforts that had been made. The Americans greatly lamented the death of Captain Adams, and even the Indians, as a mark of respect for his bravery, neither scalped nor otherwise mutilated his body. Near was dismounted Major Hackleton, who had a severe encounter with with an Indian, in which he killed his tawny antagonist, and afterward made his escape to the camp at Dixon. Some others, in the confused and precip itate fight, occasionally fired on the pursuing savages, and as the result of the conflict, about 11 whites and 7 Indians lost their lives. The fugitives commenced arriving at Dixon about 12 o'clock at night, and from that time till morning they continued to come in small squads of 4 to 5 each, telling the most tragic stories of the disaster. Every one seemed to be impressed with the idea that his own party was all that escaped, and while telling the death of a comrade he would arrive and contradict the account.

During the night of the battle, which fully inaugurated the war, Gov. Reynolds made out a requisition for 2000 men to be in readi ness for future operations, and orders were also prepared requir ing Col. March to forward supplies for the men, and Major Adams to procure provisions for the horses. Letters were also written to Geus. Atkinson and Dodge, apprising the former, who had not yet arrived, that the army was without proivsions, and the latter, that Stillman was defeated, and the frontiers of Wisconsin were in danger. When the news of the defeat reached the camp, the officers were summoned to meet at the tent of Gen. Whitesides,

and it was determined to march the next morning to the fatal field of the evening's disaster. Quartermaster Thomas anticipating the result of the council, obtained from John Dixon, then the only inhabitant in that part of the country, 8 or 10 oxen, as a temporary supply for the expedition. The animals were slaughtered and distributed among the men, who partaking of their flesh without bread or salt, started for the battle field. Arriving thither, the bodies of their fallen comrades were found frightfully mutilated, presenting a scene appalling to troops who had never before witnessed such a spectacle. Some were beheaded, some had their hands and feet cut off, while their hearts and other internal organs, were torn out and scattered over the prairie. The mangled fragments were gathered together, and buried in a common grave, over which a rude slab hewn from the trunk of a tree, was erected to mark the place. The troops encamped on the ground, and heavy guns being heard during the night, they were supposed to be signals for collecting the scattered warriors of Black Hawk. The men rested in their saddles, expecting every moment an attack, but the morning dawned without the enemy being seen. Major Henry and his battalion were then ordered to scour the surrounding country, but no traces of the foe being detected the whole detachment fell back to Dixon.

Perhaps no better material for an army could be found than Major Stillman and his men, and their defeat was not the lack of bravery, but the want of experience and discipline. No body of men under similar circumstances, would have acted more efficiently, yet for years afterward they were made the subjects of thoughtless merriment and ridicule, as undeserving as their expedition was disastrous.* Stillman's defeat spread consternation throughout the State and nation. The number of Indian warriors was greatly exaggerated, and the name of Black Hawk

NOTE.-"It is said that a big, tall Kentuckian, with a very loud voice, who was colonel of the militia, but private under Stillman, upon his arrival in camp gave to Gen. Whitesides and the wondering multitude the following glowing and bombastic accout of the battle: 'Sirs' said he, 'our detachment was encamped among some scattering timber on the north side of Old Man's creek, with the prairie on the north gently sloping down to our encampment. It was just after twilight, in the gloaming of the evening, when we discovered Black Hawk's army coming down upon us in solid column; they deployed in the form of a crescent upon the brow of the prairie, and such accuracy and precision of movements were never witnessed by man; they were equal to the best troops of Wellington, in Spain. I have said that the Indians came down in solid column, and deplayed in the form of a crescent; and what was most wonderful, there were large squares of cavalry resting upon the points of the curve, which squares were supported again by other columns 15 deep. extending back through the woods and over a swamp three-quarters of a mile, which again rested upon the main body of Black Hawk's army bivouached upon the banks of the Kiswakee. It was a terrible and glorious sight to see the tawny warriors as they rode along our flanks attempting to outflank us, with the glittering moonbeams glistening from their polished blades and burnished spears. It was a sight well calculated to strike consternation into the stoutest heart, and accordingly our men soon began to break in small squads, for tall timber. In a very little time the route became general; the Indians were upon our flanks and threatened the destruction of the entire detachment. About this time Major Stillman, Colonel Stephenson, Major Perkins, Capt. Adams, Mr. Hackleton, and myself with some others, threw ourselves into the rear to rally the fugitives and protect the retreat. But in a short time all my companions fell, bravely fighting hand to hand with the savage enemy, and I alone was left upon the field of battle. About this time I discovered not far to the left a corps of horsemen which seemed to be in tolerable order. I immediately deployed to the left, when leaning down and placing my body in a recumbent posture upon the mane of my horse, so as to bring the heads of the horsemen between my eye and the horizon, I discovered by the light of the moon that they were gentlemen who did not wear hats, by which token I knew they were no frinds of mine. I therefore made a retrograde movement and recovered my former position, where I remained some time meditating what further I could do in the service of my country, when a random ball came whistling by my ear and plainly whispered to me, 'Stranger. you have no further business here.' Upon hearing this, I followed the example of my companions in arms, and broke for tall timber, and the way I ran was not a little."* *Ford's History.

carried with it associations of great military talent, savage cunning and cruelty. Gen. Scott, with 1000 United States troops, was sent to the northwest to superintend the future operations of the campaign.

The new levies under the proclamation of Gov. Reynolds, were to meet, some on the 3d of June, again at Beardstown, and others on the 10th of the same month at Hennepin, and efficient messengers were sent to convey intelligence of the requisition to different parts of the State. The greatest dispatch was required to enable forces in the most distant counties to assemble and march more than a hundred miles to the places of rendezvous in so short a period of time. The previous organization of the volunteers, however, greatly facilitated the labor of bringing the present call

into the field.

The men in the service now asked to be discharged, urging that they had enlisted at a moment's warning, for the protection of the frontier, without providing clothes for themselves or food for their families at home, and both must suffer if the campaign was protracted. The term of enlistment being undefined, they had a right to return home, but the governor appealing to their patriotism, they agreed to remain 12 or 15 days longer. In the meantime, Gen. Atkinson arrived at Dixon with provisions, encamped on the northwest side of the river, and threw up embankments for the protection of his stores. The companies of Capts. Bailey and Stillman, were organized as a brigade under the command of Col. Johnson, and received into the service of the United States, and one part ordered to Ottawa for the defence of that place, while the other remained at Dixon to guard the stores. On the 19th of May, the whole army consisting of volunteers and regulars, under the command of Gen. Atkinson, marched up the river in pursuit of the enemy. Toward evening news was received that several white families had been murdered by the savages, on Indian creek, not far from Ottawa. The story of the massacre is but a repetition of the bloody tragedies which always characterize savage warfare. About 70 warriors made a descent on the settlement, and in broad daylight stealthily entered a house in which 3 families had assembled, and murdered 15 of the inmates.*

On the receipt of the news, Gen. Atkinson ordered Gen. Whitesides and Col. Taylor, afterwards president of the United States, to continue the pursuit of the Indians with the volunteers, while he with the regulars fell back to Dixon. After several days march, the trail of Black Hawk led the army to a village of the Potawattomies on Sycamore creek, where were discovered several relics of the tragedy on Indian creek, and the battle of Stillman's Run. The inhabitants had fled, and the trail separating led in different directions, a precaution doubtless taken to elude the pursuing force. It was the supposition that Black Hawk had visited the town to secure the co-opertion of the Potawattomies, who were perhaps deterred from rendering assistance by the overwhelming

*The fiends who perpetrated the butchery afterward related, with infernal glee, that the women squawked like geese, as they were pierced with spears.or felt the keen edge of the tomahawk entering their heads. The bodies of the victims were scalped and otherwise mutilated, the children were chopped to pieces with axes, and the women suspended by their feet to the walls of the houses, their clothes falling over their heads, leaving their persons exposed to the public gaze.