High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Battle of Stillman`s Run, also known as the Battle of Sycamore Creek or the Battle of Old Man`s Creek, occurred on May 14, 1832. The battle was named for Major Isaiah Stillman and his detachment of 275 Illinois militia which fled in a panic from a large number of Sauk warriors. According to witness statements, the militia may have been outnumbered two to one. The engagement was the first battle of the 1832 Black Hawk War which had ignited after Black Hawk crossed the Mississippi River into Illinois with his "British Band" of Sauk and Fox. Following a failed attempt at truce negotiations by emissaries sent by Black Hawk, and probable deception by Warriors under his command. The militia pursued a group of Sauk scouts back to the main British Band camp.