As the Sauk reached Rock River, they saw the American army and the general ordered them to turn back. Black Hawk responded that they would return to their village to plant corn. The general’s demand angered the Sauk, who resolved to remain and fight if necessary but not attack first.

Black Hawk decided to visit the Pottowatomie tribe and saw they would not offer any help to the Sauk. As support from the British did not arrive, Black Hawk realized they had been deceived. He asked the chiefs to keep the truth from the party. Black Hawk turned again to the Pottowatomies for provisions but to no avail. He learned a group of soldiers was approaching and sent a group of men to meet them with a white flag. Black Hawk’s men were taken prisoners. He sent another party, which the whites pursued, killing two men. Black Hawk resolved to make war. He gathered his warriors and told them they should avenge their comrades’ deaths.

The American army charged against the Sauk. As the Sauk started and fired, the soldiers retreated. The second Sauk party that was imprisoned returned. They told him that as they tried to escape, one of their men was killed.