After having expressed his thanks to Anderson for his conduct in South Carolina, Lincoln said, "Major, do you remember ever meeting me before ?" "No, Mr.President, I do not remember having had the pleasure before," said Anderson.

"Well," said Lincoln, "my memory is better than yours.

You mustered me into the service of the United States in 1832 at Dixon's Ferry, during the Black Hawk War." Lincoln displayed the same courage and fidelity in performing the duties of a soldier that had marked his conduct in all other relations of life.
Father Dixon, the guide who was attached to Captain Iles's company of mounted rangers, remarks that in their marches when scouts were sent forward to examine thickets and ravines in which it was thought the enemy might be lurking it often became necessary for many of the men to dismount and attend to their riding gear.

Whenever Lincoln was detailed for such service, however, his saddle was always in order.
During the contest between General Lewis Cass and General Zachary Taylor for the Presidency, in the year 1848, Lincoln made a speech in Congress in which he referred to his services in the Black Hawk War with characteristic humor: "By the way, Mr.Speaker," he said, "did you know that I am a military hero?
Yes, sir.

In the days of the Black Hawk War I fought, bled, and came away.