The Arkansas Advocate

VANDALIA, April 25.

The Indians.—We have been able to obtain very little information relative to the invasion of the Sac and Fox Indians at the North, on which we can rely. The only authentic document we have seen, is the letter of Gen. Atkinson to Gov. Reynolds, published in to-day's paper. Gen. A makes no estimate of the numbers and strength of the Indians; yet says the force under his command, (six companies of regulars,) is not sufficient to justify an attack, and calls on the Governor to adopt his own measures in defence of the State

Rumors of an aggravated character, as to the force and carriage of the Indians, are circulating very freely, well calculated to agitate the community, yet at the same time very imperfect guides to a correct notion of the real state of things at the scene of action.—The red men are said to be numerous, well armed and accoutered for war, and to manifest a greater determination than ever to maintain their ground, and defend their ancient homes, and the graves of their fathers from the white man's "rude touch." Black Hawk is magnified into a second Tecumseh—made to say he has built his "council fires" among countless tribes far on towards the setting sun, and roused the native Indian of "Lion heart and eagle eye," to keep up his march on the "war path," and meet the "pale faces" at their doors: all which we hope will turn out to mean nothing more than that he wants more corn; though we have some apprehension that our expectation is not well grounded.

Some of our citizens who know more of Indian artifices, and Indian wars than we do, confidently assert their belief, that the time for Black Hawk and his band to make a desperate struggle has come—that it is perfectly consonant with past experience to expect this of them—that last season their preparations were not sufficiently matured, and that the late treaty was agreed to out of policy alone, to be broken as soon as the red man could muster his force and prepare himself for the field.—Whig.
The Volunteers.—Agreeably to orders issued by Col. Black, inserted in our last under a postscript, the militia of the county assembled at this place on Friday last, from whom a company of fifty volunteers was soon raised. Great enthusiasm was manifested during the day, and much sympathy expressed for the frontier inhabitants, whose peace was disturbed and whose rights were infringed. Every new step towards the organization of the company was taken with acclamation, and each successive volunteer greeted with loud cheers.—The occasion had called together an immense crowd to see and hear, as well as to act; and though it was one ever inspiring to a great share of our population, many of whom well know the hazards of an "Indian war," all things were done without tumult, and with more of order and regularity, than could reasonably be expected from so large a company of Independents.—Idem.
From the St. Louis Beacon.

Military.—Our last information from the Upper Mississippi, does not vary the relation of the parties very materially from that last published. It will be recollected that the Indians took position in the first place on Rock river, at the Prophet's village. They have since removed thirty or forty miles higher up; and we understand that the militia from Illinois, one thousand strong, instead of meeting the regular troops, under Gen. Atkinson at Rock Island, have orders to change their route, so as to effect a junction with the General, on the Rock river, near the camp of the Indians.—The United States troops were to be transported from Rock Island to Galena, and to march from thence across the country to the point on Rock river designated. They average about three hundred and fifty. The force of the Indians, according to the most authentic information, varies from five to seven hundred. The Indians stand upon the defensive, but threaten resistance in case of a forcible attempt to remove them, or to seize the Prairie du Chien murderers. It will be perceived that they have an extensive back ground on which to retreat, and may, therefore, if assailed by superior numbers, put their assailants to a great deal of expense and trouble.

The exact time at which a junction of the United States troops with the Illinois militia will take place, of course, is not known, but probably, about the 6th of this month; after which time, we may expect to hear of something decisive. The great danger to be apprehended is, not that the Indians will defeat their enemies, but that, in case they are attacked, after a slight skirmish, they will retreat along the settlements, committing the most terrible outrages in their course. We are still of the opinion, that the course dictated by humanity, and a regard to public economy, is to give them a sound drubbing

We are more impressed with the propriety of such a course, when we reflect that their principal force is made up of the disaffected and profligate of various tribes in that section of country.