On their way from the Kishwaukee to Ottawa the militiamen stopped at a farm on Indian creek where a few days before a terrible massacre of Whites had taken place. The mutilated bodies of fifteen men, women and children lay unburied upon the ground. This frightful scene instead of inspiring the troops to renewed action against the Indians, still further discouraged them. They were more eager than ever to give up the fight.
Governor Reynolds was active, however, and at once called for a fresh levy of “at least two thousand troops.” These men were to assemble at Beardstown, a place on the Illinois River south of Dixon’s Ferry, and were to serve through the war. Meanwhile the government at Washington ordered a thousand regulars under General Winfield Scott to proceed from their stations on the coast to the seat of war.
General Atkinson had been greatly disturbed by the failure of the first campaign and the cowardice of the militia shamed him deeply. At his earnest appeal three hundred mounted volunteer rangers agreed to remain in the field and protect the line of Illinois settlements until the new army could be mobilized. Colonel Henry Frye was in command of this company, and Joseph, Robert and Deerfoot lost no time in enrolling themselves with this band.
“It sounds as though we’d find something to do with them,” was Robert’s way of explaining the move. “We’ve been idle long enough and we can’t get very much revenge if we just sit and do nothing.”
“You’re right, Bob,” agreed Joseph. “My leg is all right now and I’m just as anxious as you are to be active again.”
“Oh, no you’re not,” remarked Robert. “It isn’t possible for any one to be as eager about it as I am.”
“Well, we won’t argue it anyway,” laughed Joseph. “We’ll compromise and say we’re both eager.”
“Does that suit you, Deerfoot?” inquired Robert, at the same time winking slyly at his brother.
“Does Joseph’s suggestion suit you?” Robert persisted.
“Sure, me suit,” replied the Pottowattomie seriously, and try as he might Robert was unable to get any other answer from the red man. The young frontiersman was full of mischief and took special delight in teasing Deerfoot. The Indian took everything seriously and never seemed to be able to appreciate the fact that white boys sometimes said things in fun that they did not mean.