of public sentiment, that little time was left for Executive deliberation.  Governor Reynolds issued his proclamation, reiterating the dangers of the frontier, and calling for a body of the militia to march and protect it.  A call under such circumstances was promptly responded to, and in a short time, a large body of mounted volunteers, embracing many of the most respectable and influential citizens of Illinois, were in the vicinity of the invading foe, and ready for co-operation with the regular troops under General Atkinson.  A concentration of these two forces was made at Dixon’s ferry, on Rock river, about thirty miles below the encampment of Black Hawk and his party.  Had a conference now been sought with the Indians, their prompt submission cannot be doubted.  Black Hawk, whatever might have been his previous expectations, had received no addition of strength from other tribes—­he was almost destitute of provisions—­had committed no act of hostility against the whites, and with all his women, children and baggage, was in the vicinity of an army, principally of mounted volunteers, many times greater than his own band of braves.  He would probably have been glad of any reasonable pretext for retracing his precipitate steps.  Unfortunately no effort for a council was made.  A body of impetuous volunteers dashed on, without caution or order, to Sycamore creek, within three miles of the camp of a part of Black Hawk’s party.  He instantly sent a white flag to meet them for the purpose of holding a council, and agreeing to return to the west side of the Mississippi.  Unfortunately, for the cause of humanity, as well as the good faith of the United States, this flag was held to be but a decoy, and without waiting to ascertain its true character, the bearers of it were fired upon and one of them killed.  An onset was immediately made by Maj.  Stillman upon Black Hawk, who finding there was no alternative but war, met our troops, and put them to flight in the manner already described.  Emboldened by his brilliant success in this engagement, and finding that he would not be permitted to capitulate, he sent out his war parties, removed his women and children up Rock river, and a regular border war was commenced.  The murders which his men committed upon the frontier settlers, naturally increased the alarm throughout the state, additional volunteers rushed to the seat of war, and the commanding General commenced his military operations for a regular campaign.  In about two months, Black Hawk, having lost many of his men, in the different skirmishes with the American troops, and not a few of his women and children by actual starvation, found himself upon the bank of the Mississippi, endeavoring to escape the pursuing enemy, by crossing to the west side of that stream.  While engaged in this act, the steam boat Warrior, having an armed force on board, ascended the river for the purpose of cutting off his retreat.  Once more Black Hawk raised the white flag, and sought