From the ILLINOIS ADVOCATE - Extra.

A NEW FRONTIER WAR THREATENED.

To the Militia of the North-western Section of Illinois.

Fellow-Citizens: - Your country requires your services. The Indians have assumed a hostile attitude, and have invaded the State, in violation of the Treaty of last summer. The British band of Sacs and other hostile Indians, headed by the Black Hawk, are in possession of the Rock River county, to the great terror of the frontier inhabitants. I consider the settlers on the frontier in imminent danger -

I am in possession of the above information, from gentlemen of respectable standing, and from Gen. Atkinson, whose character stands so high in all classes.

Extract of a Letter, dated Fort Atkinson, April 13, 1832.

Dear Sir; the band of Sacs under Black Hawk, joined by about 100 Kickapoes, and a few Pottawatamies, amounting in all to about 500 men, have assumed a hostile attitude. They crossed the Mississippi at the Yellow Banks, on the 5th inst. and are now moving up on the East side of Rock River, toward the Prophet’s Village.

The regular force under my command is too small to justify me in pursuing the hostile party. To make an unsuccessful attempt to coerce them, would only irritate them to acts of hostility on the frontier, sooner than they probably contemplate.

Your own knowledge of the character of these Indians, with the information herewith submitted, will enable you to judge of the course proper to be pursued. I think the frontier is in great danger, and I will use all the means at my disposal to co-operate with you in the protection and defense.

With great respect, Your most obedient servant,
H. Atkinson, brig. Gen. U. S. Army

His Excellency Gov. Reynolds, Belleville, Illinois.

Extract of a letter from Gen. Hughes, Sub Indian Agent, to Gen. Atkinson, dated Rock Island, 13th April, 1832.

My opinion is, that the squaws and old men have gone to the Prophet’s Town, on Rock River - and the warriors are now only a few miles below the mouth of Rock River, within the limits of the state of Illinois. That those Indians are hostile to the whites, there is no doubt; that they have invaded the State of Illinois, to the great injury of our citizens, is equally true; hence it is that the public good requires that strong as well as speedy measures should be taken against Black Hawk and his followers.

Respectfully, I have the honor to be, Your obedient servant, And. S. Hughes.

To Brig. Gen. Atkinson, U.S. Army.

Extract of a letter from George Davenport, Esq. to Brig. Gen. Atkinson, dated Rock Island, April 13, 1832

Dear Sir: In reply to your inquiries of this morning respecting the Indians, I have to state that I have been informed by the man I have had wintering with the Indians, that the British band of Sac Indians is determined to make war upon the frontier settlements.

The British band of Sac Indians give rendezvous at old Fort Madison, and induce a great many of the young men to join them at their arrival at the Yellow Banks. They crossed about 500 horses into the state of Illinois, and sent about seventy horses through the country towards Rock River; the remainder, some on horseback, the others in canoes, in fighting order, advanced up the Mississippi and were camped yesterday, five or six miles below Rock River, and will no doubt endeavor to reach their stronghold in the Rock River swamps, if they are not intercepted. From every information that I have received, I am of opinion that the intentions of the British band of Sac Indians is to commit depredations on the inhabitants of the frontier.

Respectfully, your obedient servant, Geo. DAVENPORT

To Brig. Gen. Atkinson,

In possession of the foregoing facts and information, I hesitated not as to the course I should pursue. No citizen ought to remain quiet when his country is invaded, and the helpless part of the community is in danger.

I have called on a strong detachment of the militia, to rendezvous at Bairdstown on the 22d inst. Provisions for the men, and corn for the horses, will be furnished in abundance.

I hope my countrymen will realize my expectations, and offer their services as heretofore, with promptitude and cheerfulness, in defense of their country.

JOHN REYNOLDS, April 17th, 1832. Commander in Chief.

(Source: DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., May 5, 1832.(Vol. XX, No. 6004, p. 3, col. 6).