REPORT OF THE BATTLE OF BAD AXE - PART I

[Cliff Krainik]

REPORT OF THE BATTLE OF BAD AXE - ANNIVERSARY - August 1-2, 1832

The first published report of the Battle of Bad Axe appeared as an "EXTRA" on Aug. 8, 1832 issued by The Galenian [Galena, Illinois]. “The writer was Dr. Addison Philleo. ... Dr. Philleo was a resident of Jo Daviess County as early as 1827. He was one of the three publishers of the Galena Advertiser, started in July, 1829. Philleo withdrew from that venture and later became editor of The Galenian. ” Whitney, THE BLACK HAWK WAR, Vol. II, p. 955, N. 1.

Dr. Philleo was a surgeon who served with Col. James M. Strode’s regiment of Jo Daviess County Volunteers, 27th Reg. Illinois Militia and was subsequently attached to Henry Dodge’s squadron of Mounted Volunteers at the time of the Battle of Bad Axe.



News of the final battle at Bad Axe appeared subsequently in Midwestern newspapers - Vandalia, Illinois and St. Louis. The first national reportage of the event was published in the September 1, 1832 issue of The Niles’ Weekly Register, reprinting Dr. Philleo’s account and publishing the official report by Gen. Henry Atkinson to Major Macomb.

The NILES’ WEEKLY REGISTER (successively known as The Weekly Register, Niles’ Weekly Register, and Niles’ National Register) was first published in 1811 and offered comprehensive, unbiased coverage of events in the United States and many foreign countries. This publication was a rich source of reliable information during the first half of the 19th century, the predecessor of our present day Newsweek and Time magazines.



Here follows the report of the Battle of Bad Axe as published by the Niles’ Weekly Register:

AFFAIRS WITH THE INDIANS

From the St. Louis Times of August 11

Extract from a letter from Capt. Loomis, commanding Fort Crawford, (Prairie du Chien), dated August 2, and first published in a ‘Galenian extra.’

ANOTHER BATTLE

“Last evening the steamboat Warrior returned from up the river. Lt. Kingsbury, who commanded the guard, reports that about 40 miles up the Mississippi river they saw the Sacs and Foxes to a very large number - he presumes their whole force of effective men - on the bank of the river. They hoisted a white flag - but would not send a canoe aboard the steamboat. He told them if they did not do so, he would fire upon them, and did so. He supposed there were five at least of them killed. They were seen to fall by some of the gentlemen on board the steamboat. - They appeared much alarmed by the six pounder. Lt. K. saw some, but not many, horses. The boat was obliged to come down for wood. Lt. K. had gone to the Sioux at Prairie Auxiles, to notify them that the Sacs and Foxes were expected to cross into their country - to say to them that they had again been defeated and closely pursued by the army - that we did not want them to fight, but to interrupt their crossing until the army could come up with them. 150 Sioux started down the river almost immediately, and passed the steamboat while she was scraping her boilers, a little above Wabashaw’s prairie. They must have heard the firing of the six pounder; and a half Winnebago was sent by lieut. Kingsbury to Wabashaw, to let him know the Sacs and Foxes had arrived upon the Mississippi.

I expect general Atkinson and his combined army, 1,600 strong, will be upon the Mississippi to-day. The steamboat Warrior was sent backwith an additional guard, and two Mackinac boats to interrupt their crossing - support the Sioux, and communicate with general Atkinson.”


The matter stated in the above account is verified by letters received in this city, from an authentic source, and giving minuter details. There is no doubt but that Black Hawk is completely discouraged, and now hopes for nothing but escape. His army is in a state of sordid wretchedness. He, with his warriors, is supposed to be endeavoring to effect a retreat up the Mississippi, and, to effect this the more easily, has committed their women and children to the mercy of the whites. These helpless beings descended the Ouisconsin in canoes, with the intention, as they said, to deliver themselves up to the Winnebagoes, as intercessors between them and the Americans. Many of the canoes have been upset, and a great number of lives lost.

The sub-agent at Prairie du Chien says that the women and children who have been received by him, were in the most wretched condition, almost starved and naked. Some of the children were so much reduced, that it was supposed that the most careful and tender treatment could not restore them. It gives us much gratification to state that these miserable beings have generally been received and treated with humanity. The conduct of the officers of the government in this respect must be approved, - if not by the government itself, by the people. We war not with women and children.

The steamboat battle was, we have no doubt, the whole foundation of the report in town on Wednesday of a general fight with the Indians.

Later. By the steamboat Wm. Wallace, which arrived here yesterday afternoon, we received accounts of further operations of our troops. There is no additional intelligence as to the steamboat fight, except as to the names of persons on board of her, and their general conduct. The U.S. officers on board were lieuts. Holmes and Kingsbury, the latter in command of the soldiers: - there were also 15 soldiers and six volunteers; and as passengers Messrs. Wm. Hempstead, Sculard, and Mr. A. E. Hough, of this place, who returned in the Wallace. The conduct of all on board, including captain and crew, is highly spoken of.