The miners' express. (Dubuque, Iowa) 1849-1854, 1853-09-07
STILLMAN'S DEFEAT.

AN INCIDENT OF THE BLAcK-HAwK WAR
On the 9th of April Gen. Whiteside, accom-
panied by Gov. Reynolds, took up his line Of
march. The army proceeded TO Oquaka, on
the Mississippi, and thence north 10 the mouth
of Rock River Here it was agreed between
Gen. Whiteside and Gen. Atkinson (the latter
of whom commanded the regulars) that the vol
unteers should proceed up Rock River as far as
the Prophets town, and there encamp to rest
their horses and await the arrival of the regu-
lars with provisions. Judge VIM. Thomas,
who acted as quarter-master 10 the brigade,
made an estimate of the amount Of provisions
required until the boats could arrive, and then
Gen. Whiteside took up his line of march
But when he arrived at the Prophets town,
instead Of remaining, his men set fire to 1.-THE
village, which was entirely consumed, and
marched on in the direction of Dixon, forty
miles up the river. When the army had ar
rived within short distance of Dixon, orders
we're given to leave the baggage wagons SO
as to reach that place by forced march, and
large quantities of provisions were left be-
hind.
At Dixon Gen. Whiteside halted, 10 await,
a junction with Gen. Atkinson, with the pro-
visions and the regular forces. And here, also,
parties were sent out to reconnoitre the enemy
and ascertain his position. The army here found
two battalions of 275 mounted volunteers from
Tazewell, Peoria and Fulton counties, under
the command Of Majors Stillman and Bailey
This force begged to be put forward upon some
dangerous service in which the officers and
men could distinguish themselves, and their
prayer was granted by Gov. Reynolds-they
to spy out the Indians. Accordingly, on the
18th Of May Major Slillman began his march
up the river ON the southeast side, pursuing his
way until he came to "Old Mans Creek, !"
since called "StiIlman's Run, small stream
which heads in White Rock Grove and falls
into the river near Bloomingville. Here he
encamped as for the night. In q short time q
party Of Indians on horseback were discovered
on rising ground about one mile distant from
the encampment. party of Major Ssillman's
men Immediately jumped on their horses, with
out orders or commander, and were soon fol-
lowed by others, to pursue and attsck the In
dams. The latter displaying a red flag, the
emblem Of defiance and war, retreated, but were
overtaken aud three Of them slain. The rest
Of the Indians escaped to the main camp Of
their friends = Black-HawI, prompt to repel
an assault, soon rallied his forces, amounting to
about seven hundred warriors, and moved down |
upon Major Stillman' camp, driving the disor-
derby rabble, the recent pursuers, before him.
These valorous gentlemen, lately 90 hot in
pursuit when the enemy were few, were no
less hot in retreat when coming in contact with |
superior numbers. They came with their hor-
SEES on the full run, and in this manner broke |
through the encampment of Major Stillman,
spreading dismay and terror among his men,
who Immediately began to join in the fight, SO
that no effort to rally the squad could possibly |
have succeeded. Major s. did all that was
practicable ordering his men to fall back and
form upon higher ground: but his men, when
they had once got their backs to the enemy !
q retreat-and a retreat of undisci |
plined militia, in the face Of superior force, is
certain to be disorderly and inglorious fight.
Each man sought his own individual safety as
best he might, terrified by the approach Of the
red savages.