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The Blackhawk War BY HENRY LITTLE, 1875
When the Prairie battalion had reached their old quarters, they were at once home again, and surrounded with familiar scenes. They rejoiced to once more meet their old comrades in arms, to feel the warm grasp of their hands, and to enjoy that hearty interchange of friendly greetings and congratulations which are so peculiar to the soldier. In times of great pressing emergencies in time of war, it is sometimes advisable to act instantly and without a moment's delay; Bonaparte owed his wonderful military success mainly to his quick and unexpected movements.
When the Prairie battalion arrived at headquarters, it happened to be one of those times when the exigencies of the case seemed to demand immediate and decisive action; consequently at that time great activity prevailed in all parts of that vast encampment,
All was hurry, bustle and confusion, the din of preparation was heard in every direction, the drums were sounding, the fifes were screaming, the flags were fluttering, the soldiers were marching and counter-marching, the war chargers were galloping up and down with their plumed riders, the old impatient war horses were neighing and pawing up the ground and "smelling the battle afar off. " That was a glorious day for Big Prairie Ronde, a day that will long be remembered, the record of which should embellish the fairest pages of history, and be transmitted down to the latest generations.
I very much regret my incompetency to even attempt to sketch the rough outline. 0, ye shades of Prescott, Macaulay, and Herodotus! I had seen thousands of soldiers on the tented field, and had heard the awful roar and din of battle, when at the same time the land forces were engaged with the enemy's land forces, the navy being in sight were also engaged with the enemy's naval forces, but my impressions at that time are not to compare with those of more modern times.
Michigan
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