FORT DIXON; ERECTED BY LIEUT. COL. ZACHARY TAYLOR ON THE NORTH SIDE OF ROCK RIVER, WITHIN THE PRESENT CITY OF DIXON, ILL.
Atkinson did everything a gallant officer could to spur the army on to an early capture of the enemy. On the 22d, at the third camp above Dixon’s, he issued the following order:
“Headquarters, Right Wing, West Dept.,
“Third Camp above Dixon’s, on Rock River, 22d May, 1832.
“Order No. 22.
“The troops will move this morning as early as practicable. General Whiteside will call on the Commanding General for special instructions as to the operations of the Illinois volunteers. Major Long’s Battalion will join General Whiteside’s Brigade, and receive his orders. Col. Taylor, First Regiment Infantry, will accompany the volunteers as inspector general of that corps, and will superintend the regularity of its movements, order of encampment, of battle, etc., etc. Capt. Harney of the First Infantry will accompany Col. Taylor as assistant inspector.
“By order of Brig. Gen. Atkinson,
“A.S. Johnston, A.D.C., A.A.A. Gen.”
The purpose of these orders was to have such men as Taylor and Harney, who were courageous and tactful fighters, pursue the enemy to the death, and effectually would they have done it had the troops manifested the least disposition for the task.