Since the defeat at Sycamore Creek a large army had been gathered by the Whites who were determined to end the war as soon as possible. Including the regulars there were now about four thousand effective troops in the field. Most of these had assembled at Fort Wilburn, on the Illinois River, south of Dixon’s Ferry. One brigade under General Alexander was dispatched post haste to Plum River, a spot not far from Kellogg’s Grove, as soon as news of the fight at the latter place was received. It was thought that Black Hawk might attempt to cross the Mississippi at this point and it was Alexander’s mission to prevent this.
Black Hawk did not try to cross the great river just then, however. Instead he turned north once more and went into camp near Lake Koshkonong near the head waters of the Rock River. Learning of this, General Atkinson at once left Dixon’s Ferry and advanced up the east bank of the Rock River in pursuit of the Indians. The start was made on June twenty-seventh, the main army now consisting of four hundred regulars and twenty-one hundred volunteer troops.
“We’re off,” cried Robert enthusiastically, as the army filed out of the little settlement at Dixon’s Ferry and started up the bank of the river. “We’ll finish up the war this time. Just look at all the men we have.”
“It does look like a real army, doesn’t it?” exclaimed Joseph.
Like some great serpent the army filed out of Dixon’s Ferry. The two brothers being attached to the scout battalion were near the front, and in back of them the troops stretched out in a long line as far as the eye could see. There was little of the bravado and recklessness that had inspired Major Stillman’s men when they had started from this same spot some six weeks before. Bitter and costly experience had taught the men that over-confidence is a poor quality for any soldier to possess. A quiet determination showed on every countenance now. This army had made up its mind to win and Black Hawk would soon realize that every member meant business.
Behind the troops came the baggage and supply wagons. A mass of dust from the hoofs of hundreds of horses rose in a cloud about the army and only an occasional glimpse of the baggage train could be had. Every once in a while the cloud lifted momentarily, however, and the drivers could be seen urging their horses on to keep pace with the others.