n the stable. One of the
expressmen, not deeming the fort a place of safety, hurried back to
Galena, but getting lost on the way did not get in until early next
morning. On hearing the news, Col. Strode took one hundred picked men,
well mounted, and went to the relief of the fort, and was much gratified
to find that its noble defenders had put to flight about one hundred and
fifty Indians who had been under the command of Black Hawk himself.

KELLOGG'S GROVE FORT.

After leaving Apple River Fort, being well supplied with provisions,
the Indians moved leisurely toward the fort at Kellogg's Grove, with the
intention of taking it, as scouts had come in and reported that it was
not very strongly garrisoned on the day previous to their arrival on the
23d of June. At this time the Illinois troops were rendez-voused at a
place known as Fort Wilbourn on the Illinois river, at or near where
now stands the city of LaSalle. What was then called the new levy, after
Stillman's defeat, were assembled there, numbering about three thousand
men, being formed into military organizations consisting of three
brigades. The first brigade was commanded by Gen. Alexander Posey. The
second by Gen. M. K. Alexander, and the third by Gen. James D. Henry.
Major John Dement, of Vandalia, was elected to the command of a spy
battalion composed of three companies. Gen. Atkinson, of the United
States Regulars, commanding, while these organizations were progressing.

The Indians had made a raid on Bureau creek, situated between the
Illinois and Rock rivers. John Dement had been chosen major by the
members of three companies of Gen. Posey's brigade, which was a spy
battalion. The Major's battalion being ready for duty when the news
reached the fort of the attack upon the settles on Bureau creek, it was
ordered to march at once to the scene of danger for protection of the
settlers, and to discover and watch the movements of the Indians, if
possible. The Major was ordered to scour the country through to Rock
river, and then to report to Col. Zackary Taylor, who commanded a small
force of United States troops at a small fortification at Dixon's Ferry
on Rock river.

On the 22d of June, 1832, Major Dement reached Colonel Taylor's
command, having performed the duties to which he was assigned by General
Atkinson. On his arrival Colonel Taylor informed the Major that he had
arrived at an opportune time, as he wished him to take his command, swim
their ho