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Abraham Lincoln served as a volunteer in the Illinois Militia from April 21, 1832 – July 10, 1832 during the Black Hawk War. Lincoln never saw combat during his tour but was elected captain of his first company. He was also present in the aftermath of two of the war's battles, where he helped to bury the militia dead. He was mustered in and out of service during the war, going from captain to private and finishing his service in an independent spy company commanded by Captain Jacob Early.

Lincoln's service had a lasting impression on him and he related tales about it later in life with modesty and a bit of humor. Through his service he was able to forge lasting political connections. In addition, he received a land-grant from the U.S. government for his military service during the war. Though Lincoln had no military experience when he assumed command of his company, he is generally characterized as an able and competent leader.

Enlistment and Election as Captain:  (From Contents)

On April 21, 1832 Lincoln and the other volunteers gathered at the property of Dallas Scott.[10] Lincoln rode a horse from New Salem to Richland Creek where neighbors had gathered to form a company of volunteer militia near Beardstown, Illinois.[11][12] The men were sworn in and began the process of choosing a company commander.[10] The men voted for a captain, and between Lincoln and one William Kirkpatrick, Lincoln received three-fourths of the votes and was elected captain.[11] Many years later, Lincoln said this election as militia captain was "a success which gave me more pleasure than any I have had since."[13]

Lincoln was commissioned as a captain in the 31st Regiment of Militia of Sangamon County, 1st Division and put in charge of a rifle company of the 4th Regiment of Mounted Volunteers within Samuel Whiteside's brigade by April 30.[10][14]

The men spent time in Beardstown where they drew provisions and weapons, as many of the men, including Lincoln, owned no weapons.[12] Other downtime in Beardstown was occupied by inter-company rivalry. One such incident occurred when Lincoln was challenged for a prime camping spot. Lincoln and his challenger wrestled for the spot and Lincoln was beaten before a crowd of fellow soldiers.[12]

After the April 22 wrestling match Lincoln and the other commanders spent April 23–26 conducting light drills and drawing supplies.[14] On April 28 Lincoln's company was enrolled into state service by Colonel John J. Hardin and Lincoln drew further supplies including whiskey, food staples, and tin pans.[14] The volunteers marched to Rushville, a distance of 10 miles (16 km), on April 30, 1832.[14]

Following their arrival in Rushville the troops continued marching for several days, toward the mouth of the Rock River.[15] Much of the rest of early May was spent marching and resupplying.[16] General Samuel Whiteside, brigade commander, moved the volunteers to the Prophet's Village, which they burned on May 11,[16] and then continued the men toward Dixon's Ferry, another 40 miles (64 km) upstream.[15] The men reached Dixon's Ferry on May 12 and the next day Isaiah Stillman and David Bailey led their troops toward Old Man's Creek, where it was rumored that Black Hawk and his men were encamped.[16]

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