CHAPTER VII.

General Atkinson overtakes Black Hawk--Battle of the Bad Axe--Atkinson's official report--Incidents of the Battle--Capture of Black Hawk and the prophet--Naopope's statement to General Scott--General Scott and Governor Reynolds conclude a treaty with the Sacs, Foxes and Winnebagoes--Causes which led to the war--Motives for getting up Indian wars--First attack made by the Illinois militia--Report of the Secretary at War in regard to this campaign--General Macomb's letter to General Atkinson--Secretary Cass' statement of the causes which led to this war--Comments upon this statement, and its omissions pointed out 166