After march of 25 miles, camp is made on Crooked Creek, six miles northeast of Macomb.Elliott, Services of Illinois Soldiers, xvii; Diary of O. H. Browning, in Stevens, Black Hawk War, 117-18.

March of 20 miles is made. Volunteers camp on large prairie, two miles from timber or water, 18 miles south of Yellow Banks. Much dissatisfaction and murmuring is heard from troops about cold and dampness of ground.Diary of O. H. Browning, in Stevens, Black Hawk War, 117-18.

Henderson River is reached about noon, according to O. H. Browning.Diary of O. H. Browning, in Stevens, Black Hawk War, 117-18.

Gov. Reynolds and Madison County volunteer say they reached river in evening.John Reynolds, Reynolds' History of Illinois. My Own Times: Embracing also the History of My Life (Chicago: Chicago Historical Society, 1879), 226; Illinois Advocate, Vandalia, 8 May 1832.

Gov. Reynolds says river is 50 yards wide and running "like a milltail." By felling trees into river, volunteers cross, swimming their horses. March is resumed and camp made at Yellow Banks. Citizens are calm, and this spirit spreads through army. No guard is placed at night.Stevens, Black Hawk War, 117-18; Reynolds to Atkinson, 4 May 1832, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL; John H. Wakefield, Wakefield's History of the Black Hawk War (Chicago: Caxton Club, 1908).

Provisions are scarce and hogs on nearby farms are shot by undisciplined troops. Gov. Reynolds writes Gen. Atkinson that he must "have cartridges for 5 or 600 muskets."Reynolds Order and Letter Book, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL; Diary of O. H. Browning in Stevens, Black Hawk War, 117-18.

Gov. Reynolds dispatches three messengers to Fort Armstrong, 50 miles distant, for provisions. In 24 hours troops will be without food.Reynolds Order and Letter Book, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL.

Before noon steamboat William Wallace arrives with supplies, and later another steamboat arrives with provisions from Fort Armstrong. Volunteers begin march toward mouth of Rock River and camp is made 30 miles north of Yellow Banks on Camp Creek.John Reynolds, Reynolds' History of Illinois. My Own Times: Embracing also the History of My Life (Chicago: Chicago Historical Society, 1879), 227; Elliott, Services of Illinois Soldiers, xvii.

Most of baggage wagons are used for officers' equipment. Privates carry cooking utensils and rations for eight to ten days. About nightfall volunteers, after marching 20 miles, make camp on Rock River. On May 8, 1832 Gov. Reynolds writes Gen. Atkinson from "Camp at the Old Sac Village," and next day Rock Island Indian agent Felix St. Vrain says that volunteers are "still encamped on the large Island [Vandruff's] in Rock River opposite the Old Village." Rock Island County tradition locates May 7, 1832, May 8, 1832, May 9, 1832, May 10, 1832 camp on south side of river near town of Milan. Since Vandruff's Island lies between Milan and village on north side of river, it is not unlikely that camps extended from Milan to island and perhaps across to village; good fords cross both channels of river.Elliott, Services of Illinois Soldiers, xvii; Johnston Journal, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL; William Orr to John York Sawyer, 1 July 1832; Journal of Felix St. Vrain, 9 May 1832, Photo; Trans., 1921, 92-106.

Gov. Reynolds turns troops over to Gen. Atkinson. Rumor spreads through camp that Black Hawk is coming down river. Gov. Reynolds' volunteers are mustered into Federal service. Gen. Atkinson reviews volunteers and orders troops to be ready to march at moment's notice.IHi—BHWC, Johnston Journal; Atkinson Order Book.

Gen. Atkinson and U.S. troops leave Fort Armstrong at 9:30 A.M. aboard Java, arriving at old Sauk village at 11 A.M. U.S. troops join volunteers at Rapids of Rock River, but steamboat is unable to pass rapids.Illinois Advocate, 15 May 1832; IHi—BHWC, Johnston Journal; Journal of Felix St. Vrain, Photocopy.

By order of Gen. Atkinson, 1,500 volunteers under Gen. Whiteside march up left bank of Rock River, following trail taken by Black Hawk. Day's march is 26 miles. Gen. Atkinson and regulars follow in keel and mackinaw boats. Col. Zachary Taylor is in immediate command of regulars and unmounted Illinois infantry.Stevens, Black Hawk War, 126; Whiteside to Atkinson, 12 May 1832, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL; Elliott, Services of Illinois Soldiers, xvii.

Prophet's village is reached at noon. Stopping only long enough to burn Indian huts, men resume march. Twelve miles north, Gen. Whiteside abandons 20 baggage wagons, and orders forced march toward Dixon's Ferry. Camp is made eight miles south of ferry.Elliott, Services of Illinois Soldiers, xvii; Whiteside to Atkinson, 18 May 1832, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL; John H. Wakefield, Wakefield's History of the Black Hawk War (Chicago: Caxton Club, 1908), 41-44; John Reynolds, Reynolds' History of Illinois. My Own Times: Embracing also the History of My Life (Chicago: Chicago Historical Society, 1879), 229; IHi—William Orr to John York Sawyer, 1 July 1832.

Whiteside's army arrives at Dixon's Ferry at 10 A.M. with less than two days' provisions. Here Whiteside finds Maj. Isaiah Stillman with about 260 men. Gen. Whiteside refuses Gov. Reynolds' request to take command of Stillman's men.Whiteside to Atkinson, 12 May 1832, 18 May 1832, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL.

Battalions under Maj. Stillman and Maj. David Bailey march out, with four days' rations, for Old Man's Creek, where portion of Black Hawk's band is believed encamped. Gov. Reynolds, finding Stillman's and Bailey's troops too impatient to await arrival of Gen. Atkinson and regulars, gives them orders to move against Indians, "for the purpose of taking all cautious measures to coerce [them] into submission."Stevens, Black Hawk War, 131-32; Whiteside to Atkinson, 18 May 1832, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL.

Lincoln writes and signs a note certifying that Royal Potter "is dismissed on furlough" to care for a sick man. Certificate of Discharge for Royal Potter, 13 May 1832, RG 15, Entry 26: Records of the Bureau of Pensions and the Pension Service, Bureau of Pensions Correspondence and Pension Bounty Land Case Files Relating to Military Service Performed Between 1775 and 1861, Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application Files, Case Files of Bounty Land Warrant Applications Based On Service Between 1812 and 1855 and Disapproved Applications Based on Revolutionary War Service, 1800-1900, National Archives Building, Washington, DC.

Gen. Whiteside's army remains inactive. Reynolds and Whiteside to Atkinson, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL.

Several groups of Stillman's men rush out of camp at dusk and attack Black Hawk's truce bearers, bringing on battle with 40 or 50 Indians. Whites are soon routed. Leaving 12 dead, they flee to Dixon's Ferry.Sangamo Journal, 3 May 1832, 14 May 1832, 24 May 1832, 6 October 1832; Atkinson Letter Book, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL.

Survivors of Stillman's brush with Indians arrive at Dixon's Ferry in early morning with news of "terrible slaughter." Mad scramble of returning soldiers disheartens those encamped at Dixon's Ferry. Before daybreak, governor issues call for 2,000 volunteers to rendezvous at Hennepin June 10, 1832.Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL.

At 7 A.M. Whiteside's army, including Capt. Lincoln's company, starts for site of Stillman's engagement. They arrive before sunset and find bodies scalped and mangled.Whiteside to Atkinson, 18 May 1832, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL; John H. Wakefield, Wakefield's History of the Black Hawk War (Chicago: Caxton Club, 1908), 52; IHi—William Orr to John York Sawyer, 1 July 1832.

Dead soldiers are buried. Before return march to Dixon's Ferry begins, Gen. Whiteside draws up army in battle line, "doubtless by way of challenge to Black Hawk." Hasty march is made by hungry army back to ferry. Gen. Atkinson has not arrived. Volunteers are eager to go home, and only by earnest appeal of Gov. Reynolds are officers able to hold men. Gen. Atkinson is encamped six miles below Dixon's Ferry.IHi—BHWC, Johnston Journal; Whiteside to Atkinson, 18 May 1832; William Orr to John York Sawyer, 1 July 1832; John Reynolds, Reynolds' History of Illinois. My Own Times: Embracing also the History of My Life (Chicago: Chicago Historical Society, 1879), 236-37.

Atkinson arrives at noon with 320 regulars, volunteer infantry, and one six-pounder. Two Potawatomi chiefs come into camp and assure him that their people will remain peaceful. Volunteers camp south of river and regulars on north side. Order is issued against unauthorized firing of arms.Atkinson Letter Book, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL; Stevens, Black Hawk War, 128.

Lincoln's company draws 10 quarts of meal and 10 pounds of pork, although by this time most quartermaster stores are issued to regiments rather than to companies.Quartermaster's Record, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL.

Col. William S. Hamilton, son of Alexander Hamilton, is dispatched with small party of spies to area of Stillman's defeat. Gen. Atkinson spends day organizing for march.Johnston Journal, Whiteside to Atkinson, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL.

Army starts up Rock River, regulars taking cannon and supplies by keelboat. Camp is made 12 to 14 miles from Dixon's Ferry.Stevens, Black Hawk War, 146-47; Elliott, Services of Illinois Soldiers, xvii; IHi—BHWC, Atkinson Order Book, Johnston Journal.

Army continues four miles and encamps on Rock River. Atkinson receives news of property destruction in La Salle County, and on Fox and Illinois rivers, where some men had been pursued by Indians but none killed. IHi—BHWC, J. B. Campbell and others to Atkinson, 19 May 1832; Atkinson to Gaines and Macomb, 23 May 1832; Letter Book; Johnston Journal; Elliott, Services of Illinois Soldiers, xvii.

Army meets William S. Hamilton at noon about six miles below Kishwaukee River. He reports that Indians had passed up that river. Regulars encamp above mouth of Old Man's Creek, and volunteers below. This is third camp above Dixon. Day's march is 16 miles. On march up Rock, volunteers apparently follow trail which is sometimes distant from river, but they encamp on river each night with regulars, who are in charge of keelboats.Johnston Journal, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL; Elliott, Services of Illinois Soldiers, xvii.

Gen. Atkinson, with regulars, returns to Dixon's Ferry, general headquarters and base of operations. Col. Zachary Taylor is ordered to accompany volunteers as inspector general, and to "superintend their movements, order of encampment, of battle, etc." Capt. W. S. Harney is sent along as assistant inspector. Gen. Whiteside with 1,400 men marches 10 miles northeast to Kishwaukee River.Atkinson Letter Book, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL; Stevens, Black Hawk War, 161.

Army marches 12 miles, following Indian trail to small Potawatomi village between the Kishwaukee and its south branch (both streams are sometimes called Sycamore Creek).Elliott, Services of Illinois Soldiers, xvii; Zachary Taylor to Atkinson, 26 May 1832, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL.

It is probably on this day that two men who have been out in search of their horses return to camp with the report that body of Indians going north toward Rock River has crossed army's trail. Gov. Reynolds calls council of brigade officers, who decide against pursuing Indians.Zachary Taylor to Atkinson, 26 May 1832, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL; John Reynolds, Reynolds' History of Illinois. My Own Times: Embracing also the History of My Life (Chicago: Chicago Historical Society, 1879), 237-39; Whiteside to Atkinson, 27 May 1832, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL; William Orr to John York Sawyer, 1 July 1832.

Army moves 25 miles and encamps near Capa's village on South Branch, west of present Sycamore, Ill.Elliott, Services of Illinois Soldiers, xvii; R. B. Way, ed., The Rock River Valley, 2 vols. (n.p., 1926), 1:118.

Lincoln's company marches 20 miles and encamps six miles from Paw Paw Grove.Elliott, Services of Illinois Soldiers, xvii.

Some volunteers reach Fox River, 20 miles north of Ottawa; day is spent searching men for plunder taken from Indian villages.Stevens, Black Hawk War, 162; Taylor to Atkinson, 26 May 1832, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL.

Gen. Whiteside's army arrives at Ottawa and mustering out begins. Regiment to which Lincoln's company is attached marches 20 miles and encamps two miles above mouth of Fox River.Elliott, Services of Illinois Soldiers, xvii; Taylor to Atkinson, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL.

At suggestion of Col. Taylor, Gov. Reynolds calls for re-enlistment of five or six companies to serve until new levies arrive. Taylor to Atkinson, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL; Reynolds to Atkinson, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL.

Capt. Lincoln's company is mustered out of U.S. service by Nathaniel Buckmaster, Brigade major.John G. Nicolay and John Hay, Abraham Lincoln: A History, 10 vols. (New York: Century, 1890), 1:96.

Lincoln writes muster roll of his company, certifying that remarks on activities of several members are accurate and just.ISLA—Photocopy.

He then enrolls in company of Capt. Elijah Iles for service in 20-day regiment. Muster Rolls, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL.

[After all-day ride from Dixon's Ferry, Gen. Atkinson arrives in Ottawa.Atkinson's Letter Book, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL.]

Lt. Robert Anderson musters Lincoln and 71 others into company of mounted volunteers under Capt. Elijah Iles. Company contains former generals, colonels, and captains. Lincoln furnishes his own arms and horse. Arms are valued at $10 and horse and equipment at $120.IHi—BHWC, Muster Roll, Atkinson Order Book; IHi—Journal, X, 422-28 (Anderson to E. B. Washburne, 10 May 1870).

[Lt. Robert Anderson, Third Regiment, U.S. Artillery, was appointed assistant inspector general of troops in field on May 9, 1832. Lt. Anderson's order of appointment was signed by Lt. Albert Sidney Johnston. Col. Jacob Fry, in command of re-enlisted volunteers, is ordered by Gen. Atkinson to put Ft. Johnson, on south side of Illinois River opposite mouth of Fox River, into best condition possible to protect inhabitants.IHi—Journal, X, 422-28 (Anderson to E. B. Washburne, 10 May 1870); Atkinson Letter Book.]

Gen. Atkinson returns in evening after hurried trip to Illinois Rapids (Peru), to see Gov. Reynolds. He has decided not to take up pursuit of Black Hawk until new militia forces arrive June 15, 1832.Atkinson Letter Book.