CHAPTER II.

The Sac and Fox Indians cross over the Mississippi to the State of Illinois, in a warlike manner—Extract of a letter from General Hughes to General Atkinson — Extract of a letter from George Davenport to Gen. Atkinson—Extract of a letter from Gen. Atkinson to his Excellency Governor Reynolds — Proclamation of Governor Reynolds to the citizens of Illinois—Visit made to the hostile band by Henry Gratiot, Esq., sub Indian Agent for the Winnebagoes— Rendezvous of the Volunteers at Beardstown—Organized into a brigade under Gen. Whiteside — Mustered into the service of the United States at Rock Island— Col. John Ewing and the Author sent ahead to spy out the enemy's camp; take a prisoner and return— Meet the army— Arrival at Dixon's on Rock River

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. (Signed.) " Andrew S. Hughes." "To Brig. Gen. Atkinson." Wakefield 34

Wakefield 35 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. (Signed.) " Geo. Davenport." "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

Wakefield 36 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

Wakefield 37 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

Wakefield 38 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,

Wakefield 39 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

Wakefield 40 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 Dewit[t], 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.

Wakefield 41 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 the [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.

Wakefield 42 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

Wakefield 43 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 nigher way than our pilot took us. We delivered up our prisoner, who underwent an examination through an interpreter better acquainted with the Indian

Wakefield 44 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.

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