 CHAPTER 1 THE INDIANS OF THE NORTHWEST Winnipeg, Manitoba, August 11, 1880 The birdseye band of Indians are reported to be in possession of the stores of the Indian department at Dock Lake. They are 1,500 strong. Captain Hirschmer, on the road from Shoal Lake to Battlefield, seized five of the ring-leaders and took them to Prince Albert. They left one wounded. Twenty of the mounted police had gone to quell the disturbance, but Captain Hirschmer turned them back in order to avoid an otherwise inevitable collision. Captain Moore with five men has gone from Prince Albert privately to try and restore order. San Francisco, August 11. A dispatch from Portland, Oregon says there is considerable restlessness among the Indians of the whole upper country, though the season is now so far advanced that no active hostilities are anticipated this year. Captain Bender is watching the Spookenies. Eagle Eye, with a lot of snakes and renegades, is in the Salmon River Mountains and makes occasional raids on the outlying ranches. Lieutenant Farrell, with a company of Indian scouts, is covering the country in that neighborhood. There are some prospects of trouble around the Umatilla Reservation, there being much bad blood between the whites and Indians. The Paiutes at Fort Simcoe are also restless. White bird and his nez-per-sais are supposed to be in the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. The New York Times, August 12, 1880. End of Section 1. Section 2 of the Mounties in the News. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Luis Riel's Rebellion. Mounted police on their way to the scene of action. Fifteen of the men reported killed by the rebels. Fears of an Indian rising. Ottawa, March 25. The excitement here is intense over the northwest insurrection, and the latest news is anxiously looked for. The Cabinet have held two meetings today, and one hundred men of the nineteenth battalion stationed at Winnipeg have been ordered to join the mounted police under command of Colonel Irvine at Dutch Lake. It is feared tonight that Irvine, who has only one hundred men with him, may be attacked on his march to the scene of the trouble before he has been joined by the militia. So far the Government has learned that only forty Indians have joined Riel's party. But grave fears are entertained that many more may be induced by the rebel leader to take up arms. In which case troops would have to be sent up from Ontario, as the total strength of the local force, including mounted police and militia, is not over twelve hundred men. The Government received advices late to-night from Edmonton and Battlefield that Indians at these points so far have shown no disposition to join Riel, but their neutrality cannot be depended upon. They have suffered great hardship during the past winter through dishonest Indian agents. Having swindled them out of supplies the Government had provided for them, and it would take but little to incite them to an uprising and assimilation of forces with Riel. At Prince Albert, where the rebellion has broken out, the population of the settlement amounts to about four thousand, though the town does not contain more than eight hundred. Most of the settlers are Scotch, and they find good land for a hundred miles on three sides of the town. There are eight hundred or nine hundred French half-breeds, and these with the Scotch and Indian half-breeds largely outnumber the settlers from other parts of Canada who do not exceed four hundred or five hundred. What the half-breeds at Prince Albert want is more land. They received liberal grants when the territory was made part of Canada, but they ask now far more in proportion to the number of families. It appears to have been only red tape that prevented their obtaining what they asked for, as land is plenty. They have become weary of waiting, and have resolved to get what they want by the force of arms. Louis Riel, who is the organizer of the movement, led a similar uprising in 1870. He was born in Manitoba and is a French ancestry with some Indian blood in his veins. He has a good education and is bold. After the Canadians in 1869 purchased the territorial rights of the Hudson's Bay Company, he took the lead in the uprising of the French half-breeds against the entry of Canadians into the territory. Officers of the Hudson's Bay Company have been charged with inciting this revolt because they resented the establishment of a new government, where they had so long held full sway. At any rate the revolt was not long in going beyond their control. Riel and his companions set up provisional government at the Hudson's Bay Company's Fort Gary, and seized hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of property. Their seizure of the fort also supplied them with arms and ammunition. Some of the English settlers tried to resist, but Riel quietly overcame them, and shot Thomas Scott of Ontario, one of their number. It may be noted that Riel is now not popular in the province of Ontario. To Lord Wolsey, then a Lieutenant Colonel in Canada, was assigned the task of crouching the rebellion. As soon as he and his militia merged upon the headquarters of the rebels at Fort Gary, Riel and his men fled. The rebel leader, however, made his appearance as a loyalist a few months later, when O'Donohue and his Fenyans talked of invading Manitoba and offered his services to protect the territory. He was elected to Parliament in 1873 as a Manitoba representative, and went to Ottawa to take his seat. Serious threats were made against his life by the people, and he departed with great suddenness, and never has been in Ottawa since. He was expelled from the Parliament on motion of Mr. Bowell, President Minister of Customs. He has since spent the greater portion of his days in the United States. The lapse of time and alteration in the condition of things have left him without any influence in Manitoba. It will take the Northwest Mounted Police, who have been sent to break up the rebellion, two weeks to reach Prince Albert, whether they will go in slays from Regina. One detachment of them has already started from the latter place. The police number 500, and they are distributed in small detachments from Edmonton and Prince Albert, which are the most northerly of the immigrant settlements in the Dominion all over the territories to Calgary, which lies at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Their occupation hitherto has chiefly been to prevent the sale of whiskey to the Indians, and to look out for smugglers from the United States. There was formerly a volunteer company in Prince Albert commanded by one Captain Moore, an Irishman, who had been an officer in the Irish Militia. He has requested to be allowed to call together his volunteers again to oppose the uprising of the half-breeds. It is understood that orders were issued this afternoon that 400 men of Batteries A and B be dispatched at once to the northwest to aid the Manitoba Militia in coping with Real's outbreak. It is also stated that the government has telegraphed to Washington, asking permission to send troops through the American territory from the eastern provinces to the northwest. Winnipeg Manitoba March 25 Nothing is talked of here but the rebellion in the northwest. Rumors and counter-rumours of the wildest character continue to fly about. It is reported, with some confirmation, that fifteen of a detachment of mounted police, which was attempting to enter Carleton, were shot and killed, and that the rebels have made forty prisoners. E. O. Hughes, who's store at Duck Lake, is now in possession of the insurgents, and the manager in prison, has arrived here, and states that the half-breeds and the Real have been preparing for the uprising all winter, and that the men are thoroughly armed, well-drilled, and disciplined. He says the tactics of the rebels will be to arrest the mounted police as they arrive in detachments, and keep them in custody. Immediately the rebels have arrested Lash, the acting Indian agent at Carleton, together with five assistants, all of whom are locked up and strongly guarded. The rebels are menacing the Hudson's Bay Post and Indian storehouses in that district. A number of the latter have already been captured. R. C. Lorry of Battlefield, who has also arrived here, declares that Real will never be taken alive, and that he has one thousand well-armed men at his back. The statement is made that the Dominion government has decided to appoint a commission to inquire into the justice of the claims of the half-breeds, with a view of acquiring an amicable settlement. Indignation is expressed in many quarters against Lieutenant Governor Dudry, and is blamed for the disturbance. He is very unpopular with the Indians and half-breeds. The troops were dismissed for the night at a late hour last night, but burglars were subsequently sent out, galloping all over the city, to call the men together to start at sunrise. One report in circulation is to the effect that Real has been shot, another that four Indian chiefs with their bands have joined the insurgents, and a dispatch from Edmonton to the Hudson's Bay Company says that four hundred half-breeds living in that vicinity are holding secret meetings and organizing for action. The telegraph operator at Duck Lake has been made a prisoner and been locked up in the church with the other prisoners. New York Times published March 26, 1885. End of Section 2. Section 3 of the Mounties in the News. This liporbox recording is in the public domain. Victory for the rebels. Major Crozier retreats with considerable loss. Twelve of his men killed and eleven wounded. Dominion troops on the way to Prince Albert. Ottawa, March 27. News from the North West this afternoon looks more serious than it has yet. A special meeting of the Cabinet has been called to consider the advisability of ordering troops to start from Ontario and Quebec tomorrow. Several battalions have received instructions to hold themselves ready to start at any moment. Major Crozier, in command of one hundred men at Fort Carleton, advanced this morning toward Duck Lake, having run short of supplies, but he was met by a large force of Real's followers who gave battle, resulting in Major Crozier's defeat and loss of twelve men killed and eleven wounded. The rebel loss is not known. The Canadian Pacific Railway Company have agreed to transport any troops from here over their line north of Lake Superior. With the exception of seventy miles the track has all been laid, and over the unfinished section slays are now in readiness to transport troops. It is probable that B. Battery of Kingston, which forms part of the Canadian Standing Army, will be the first to leave if the government decide tonight that the forces in the North West are unable to put the rebels down. Considerable jealousy has been caused among the officers of the militia at the action of the government in sending Lord Melgund, the Governor General Secretary, to organise a Calvary Corps at Winnipeg. He left last night and will take command of the Corps as soon as he arrives. The fact that the insurgents have endeavoured to record train on the Canadian Pacific on which troops were being carried to Prince Albert has caused great alarm. It is stated that Real has been reinforced by Indians, which statement however has not been confirmed. In the House of Commons tonight the following telegram from Lieutenant Colonel Irvine to Sir John MacDonald dated Fort Carleton via Winnipeg, 27 March 1885, was read by the Premier. The party under my command have just arrived. When near Fort Carleton I found that Major Crozier, with a party of one hundred, had gone to Duck Lake to secure a large quantity of supplies there stored. They were met by some hundred rebels, who held an advantageous position at Beardy's Reserve and endeavoured to surround Major Crozier's force of police and civilians. The rebels fired first. When the firing became general, Major Crozier, owing to the disadvantage at which he was taken, retreated in good order, arriving at the fort at the same time as my party. Ten civilians of Prince Albert and two policemen were killed, and four civilians and seven constables were wounded. The number of rebels killed is not known. The police and civilians acted with the greatest bravery under a heavy fire. The killed are constables T. J. Gibson and G. P. Arnold, civilians Captain John Murlton, W. Napier, James Bakley, S. Eliot, Robert Middleton, D. McKenzie, D. McPhail, Charles Newett, Joseph Anderson, and A. Fisher. The wounded are, civilians Captain Moore, leg-broken, A. McNabb, W. R. Markley, and Alexander Stewart, NW Mounted Police, Inspector J. Howe, Corporal Gilchrist and constables Garrett S. F. Gordon, A. M. Smith, J. J. Moore, and A. Miller." Sir John Macdonald announced that a half-breed had been arrested for endeavouring to wreck a train of the Canadian Pacific Railroad on which the nineteenth battalion was being transported, and that he stated to the officers who arrested him that Riel had 1,500 men fully armed and six United States cannon. The Minister of Militia stated to the house that two hundred of artillery corps would leave tonight for the northwest, one hundred from A. Battery Quebec and one hundred from Kingston. All arrangements for the transportation have been completed. The Canadian Pacific Company are urging the government to settle at once with the half-breeds and bring the trouble to an end, fearing the effect the trouble will have on the sale of bonds of the road they are about floating in the London market. General Middleton leaves Winnipeg to join Colonel Irvine at Fort Carlton. He will take command of the troops and Mounted Police. The Minister of Militia also states that it was decided at the meeting of the Cabinet tonight to send 580 men from Toronto in addition to the batteries. The 65th Battalion of Montreal has been ordered to prepare at once for service. The Minister of Militia is receiving applications from all parts of the country, from officers offering to raise troops for the northwest. After Sir John McDonald left home tonight an important dispatch came from the northwest, the contents of which the other members of the Cabinet refused to disclose until he has seen it. It is however reported in the lobbies that the rebels have made a second attack on Fort Carlton and that Major Crozier has been captured. Winnipeg, Manitoba, March 27. The ringing of the fire alarm bells this morning called the troops to the drill shed prepared to embark this afternoon. General Middleton arrived this morning from Ottawa and at once took command. He inspected Fort Osborne and the other defences of the city and then inspected the military special train. Even carloads of provisions left for Capel at noon to-day. The special with the troops left at three o'clock this afternoon. Capel will be reached by morning when the troops will immediately start for the seat of war. The Hudson's Bay Company has 240 teams and wagons at Capel to carry troops to Prince Albert. Fodder and troops for two weeks will be taken along. Men with teams get eight dollars a day. The expense for teams and men alone is over two thousand dollars daily. The Prince Albert Mail reached here to-day. Letters dated the eighteenth say that Riel was preparing for the rebellion and that large forces were likely to join him. The police were going about requesting all able-bodied men to join with them in preserving order. A telegram was received by Commissioner MacTavish this morning from Captain Wastey at Brandon announcing that at an earlier hour this morning he had captured an emissary of Riel named Louis Gourvain who had been sent with letters from the rebel leader to the Indians and half-breeds at Oak Lake, Broadview, Bach, St. Paul and Winnipeg, asking a general uprising and stating that Riel was entrenched at Duck Lake with 1,500 men, all well-armed. They have six American cannon. The prisoner says he left Riel six days ago and that his forces even then were being joined by American Indians. When General Middleton was informed of the facts he at once ordered the prisoner brought to this city and he is now on his way here in a special train. This same prisoner made an attempt the night before last to wreck the special train which was carrying the first detachment of troops west. The announcement has caused great excitement in the city and many persons have even gone so far as to speak of lynching the prisoner. Western dispatches indicate that the Indians are betraying a sympathy with the half-breeds which is significantly ominous. It is announced that Mishir's Goulay, Fourjet, St. and Lauder have been appointed a commission to adjudicate the claims of the half-breeds. Great uneasiness is felt at the report that American Indians are joining the rebels. All the Indians in the Canadian territory are known to be uneasy and some are threatening to rise. Montreal, March 27. The 65th Rifles, French-Canadian battalion, have been called out for active service. It is reported that the Grand Trunk Company has been requested to have courage and readiness to convey one thousand men at once to the northwest so that it is probable two more regiments will be sent. Each regiment comprises four hundred men. Everything is in readiness and slays are provided at Lake Superior where there is a gap of eighty miles. It will take four days to cross this gap and when the line is again reached the courage will be in readiness to convey the men on. The 65th are in no condition for service. Their clothes are worn out. They have no boots, mitts, headgear, knapsacks, water-bottles or snowshoes, but the men are all eager to go and will make up the deficiencies themselves. Toronto, March 27. A and B batteries, Canadian artillery and Queen's own rifles and 10th Royal Grenadiers have been ordered to parade at ten o'clock to more morning to proceed to the northwest. NEW YORK TIMES March 28, 1885 END OF SECTION III RIELD SCOUPS CAPTURED Three of them at General Middleton's camp, the Indians, averse to fighting. ST. PALL, APRIL 19. A special to the Pioneer Press from Clark's Crossing, Northwest Territory says. Yesterday afternoon a reconnoitering party of forty mounted men under Lord Melgund captured three of Riel's scouts, two sons of White Cap and a son-in-law. They were brought into camp and questioned by General Middleton. They said they left Riel's camp at Battouche's Crossing, east side five days ago. White Cap was there with all his lodges of Sioux refugees from Minnesota in 1862. Of half-breeds there were 250 poorly armed. Nine lodges of Tenton Sioux are on the east side with Riel and five lodges are on the west side. There are some Cree lodges and Indian allies, but they don't number more than a hundred. How many Crees there are between Battouche's and Prince Albert the prisoners did not know. White Cap's band are forced to remain with Riel and don't want to fight with the Whites. This tallies with what we have heard on all sides since reaching here. Riel has divided his men into fighting bands of ten each. General Middleton asked the oldest of the prisoners what he would do if allowed to return to Battouche's. He answered he would go at once to White Cap and tell him not to fight the Whites. General Middleton told him to go. He will leave as soon as darkness comes and will tell all the Indians that the troops have not come to fight them but to punish the half-breeds, to punish those who are in insurrection severely and to hang all who have murdered Whites or have been accessories to such murders. The general further told the messenger to tell the Indians they should receive a five hundred dollar reward for the rescue of any of the seven prisoners now in Riel's hands and proportionately for the rescue of all. The Indians will probably act in good faith and may do good. I asked General Middleton if it were true that he had been ordered from Ottawa to fire on the half-breeds first. He replied that it was an internal lie. His only instructions which acquell the rebellion and hang murderers. Those orders would be carried out. He thinks that critics may complain if he divides his forces by sending a portion to the other side of the Saskatchewan and recognizes it as not being military, but he fears that if he attacks from the west side the half-breeds will retreat into the bird hills which are almost a perfect cover. If he attacks from this side they can cross the ferry and hide in the coverts in and around Duck Lake. He has now nearly nine hundred troops, but if the rebels get into the woods thrice that number will be needed to drive them out. I still think he will divide the forces. We will lie here to-morrow and longer if the forage expected arrives. Boats cannot reach here for a week at least. The Royal Grenadiers, 270 strong, under Grassett, arrived at 2 p.m. yesterday in a blinding snowstorm, having been continuously on the way since leaving Troy. They received an enthusiastic reception from the troops already in camp. The men are in excellent health. It is still snowing heavily. A calgary dispatch of Saturday says, the Reverend John McDougall, with five Stoney Indians and ten of Major Steel Scouts, left this morning to escort the men of Red Deer Settlement back to their houses, after which they will proceed to Edmonton. Considerable anxiety is felt for Edmonton and the North Country. The stage due here on Wednesday has not arrived yet. Major Steel, with fifty Scouts, mostly Cowboys, twenty-six police, and twenty-five other mounted men, started for Edmonton Monday morning. It is expected that the sixty-fifth and Smith's battalions will follow, accepting one company of Smith, which will go to Fort MacLeod. Colonel MacLeod has arrived here from Fort MacLeod, and reports the bloods and pagans quiet. Arms, saddles, and ammunition for the Scouts arrived on Thursday. A swift current dispatch says, orders have been received here for the immediate advance of the Middleton Battalion to the South Saskatchewan Crossing. They will start this afternoon and reach the crossing Sunday night. The right wing of the battalion under Colonel Williams will form an escort to Steamer's, carrying provisions, ammunition, and a gatling gun on the dangerous trip down the Saskatchewan to Clark's Crossing. The stores and gatling gun are for Middleton. It is said that three Steamer's from Medicine Hat will be sent down to meet Williams, but this is doubtful, as they are now stuck on a sandbar. The Simcoe Battalion has been ordered back to Capell. Colonel Otter has been detained nearly three days at the ferry by high winds. His whole column, including the Queen's Own, started at four p.m. from the Saskatchewan Crossing to march over the prairie to Battlefield. It looks as if a dash across had been abandoned. Montreal, April 19. It is reported here that Colonel Hughes, commanding the 65th Regiment since Colonel Oymet left for Ottawa, telegraphed to his wife to-day that the account given of a mutiny in the regiment was altogether incorrect. The men, he says, got no food for two days except what they could pick up, and on his order they broke into the stores of the Hudson's Bay Company and J.C. Baker and Company, but while they were removing the provisions the mounted police came and arrested them. Colonel Hughes attempted to interfere, whereupon a policeman presented a rifle at him and threatened to shoot. The policeman was afterward arrested. Colonel Hughes says the regiment is being treated shamefully, and would return at once if the government would let them board a train. If matters do not improve they are determined to return, even if they have to march all the way. Military officers here think Colonel Hughes is not serious in what he says, but wrote while excited at the bad treatment of the men, and the government would certainly not allow the regiment to return without orders. They say the matter will end in talk. Three men who attended the meeting of Real sympathizers were arrested last evening. Loaded revolvers were found in their possession. New York Times, April 20, 1885 End of Section 4 Section 5 of the Mounties in the news. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. General Middleton reported to have been again defeated. Winnipeg Manitoba, April 30. The result of the recent engagement with the rebels is beginning to show its effect. Half-breeds and Indians who before held aloof of fear have taken courage at General Middleton's defeat, and show signs of rising all over the country. People in the city are again becoming very anxious owing to a meeting of half-breeds here last night. Nearly eight hundred were present, and the greatest excitement prevailed. All are anxious to join Real. The Home Guard met this afternoon, and a force was put on to protect the armory and magazines. Wires being down, no important news can be got from the seat of war. It is reported here to-night that General Middleton had another engagement with the rebels and was again defeated, but the report cannot be verified. It is stated here that Real has moved all his forces from Batush and entrenched himself again in the ravine where the previous battle occurred. He is reported to have eight hundred fighting men well-armed, and to have said that he would clean out the government forces as surely as the Philistines of old were cleaned out. Toronto, Ontario, April 30. A special train left here today over the Grand Trunk Railroad with one hundred and seven recruits for the Northwest Mounted Police, and two carloads of supplies for the volunteers at the front. Ninety more troops will join the train from London and Stratford. Ottawa, Ontario, April 30. In the House of Commons this afternoon Mr. Blake put several important questions to the government respecting matters in the Northwest. Sir John McDonald refused positively to give any information on that subject. New York Times, May 1, 1885. End of Section 5. Section 6 of the Mounties and the News. A panic in Edmonton, Big Bear trying to induce the Indians to join Real. The rebel leader threatening the loyal half-breeds, a disloyal newspaper published in Montreal. Winnipeg, Manitoba, May 2. A dispatch from General Laurie at Swift Current states that the water in the Saskatchewan has risen fifteen inches in the past three days and hopes are entertained that the North Cut will now be able to ascend with supplies for General Middleton. Real has issued a proclamation to the half-breeds who refuse to join him that unless they do so at once he will murder them and burn their property. All the attempts by Real's agents to invite the Sioux Indian around Capelle to revolt have failed. The government is supplying them with seed and they promise to remain on the reservation. A large supply of arms and ammunition arrived at Fort Capelle last night and went north today under escort. A dispatch from Calgary from Red Deer River says, Father Lacombe has just come into camp and says Edmonton is in a state of panic. Overtures were made by Big Bear to the Indians at White Fish Lake to rise, but they refused and will remain loyal. It is feared, however, that the Indians of LaSalle, Beecher, and Beaver Lake will join Big Bear and may force the White Fish Tribe to follow. The presence of the troops is highly important. Father Lacombe says that nothing but their presence can prevent a general uprising in that district. General Strange was at Battle River Tuesday night and was expected to reach Edmonton last night or at least to-night. His men are promised nine dollars a day by citizens if they accomplish this. Big Bear has been raiding settlements and has hundreds of cattle corralled. Colonel Oymit has fallen sick while en route north from Calgary to join his regiment. He is too ill to proceed. The latest news from the frontier is contained in the following dispatch received by Chief Commissioner Wrigley this morning. It came by Currier to Humboldt, the wire being down west of that point. Fish Creek May 1. Thanks for all you are doing. The steamer has struck six miles from here below Elbow. I have sent Bedson with teams to empty her. Your ride of ponies or oxen is very good. Swinford and Bell also thought of it. Our wounded are doing very well, and have all gone this evening to Saskatchewan, to Settler's houses. I have scouted for and have seen no signs of the enemy. All houses up to Gabriel's crossing north I have found vacant. It is believed that most of the occupants have been forced to join Riel. Everyone here is in excellent spirits and anxious to get on. Frederick Middleton The Reverend Father Turmond, Priest to Riel's forces, was shot and killed yesterday by accident. He was mistaken by Riel's scouts and fired upon. Father Turmond has since 1881 been parish priest at Batouche. In that year he passed through this city en route to the mission, and stopped with Archbishop Tash. He has never been east since, however, and neither has he since then seen his grace. He was a Frenchman by birth, and was made an oblique father in 1869. He was a middle-aged man, but his grace knows nothing regarding his life. The half-breeds around Winnipeg are still peaceable, and the excitement over their anticipated rise has partly subsided. The government, however, are not ignorant of the fact that an uneasy feeling exists among them, and all precautionary efforts are being taken to protect the city. One hundred and fifty mounted police are being sent from Ottawa to guard Winnipeg, and will soon arrive here. Members of local sporting clubs have formed themselves into a home guard and are drilling. General Middleton telegraphs here this afternoon that he had not been commissioned by the government to treat with Riel as reported, and says if he is instructed to do so he will throw up the whole business. He says that Riel must be suppressed or the country will never be safe. If ever it crops out that a compromise is to be made with Riel then it will certainly be a rebellion among the troops, and the government will get in a worse mess than ever. General Middleton still remains a few miles from the rebel's fortifications, awaiting supplies which may be received on Monday. An attack will then be made. Montreal may second. The Montreal garrison artillery were under arms all day. Everything has been provided to properly accoutre the men, but the Canadian Pacific Railway have received no order yet to have trains and readiness to transport them, so they are under orders to leave on Monday. Mr. Shaughnessy, Assistant General Manager of the Railway, says there is only one gap left on the line north of Lake Superior, and at the most the garrison will not have to march more than a dozen miles in British Columbia. There are still one hundred and eighty miles to be completed. Le Club, Nationale, have started a new paper under the title of Le Métis, the Half-breed. It is published by Farouf, the bailiff who organized the late meetings and contains the most bitter attacks on the government and the people of Ontario. It calls upon the French Canadians to stand by their brothers and compatriots now struggling for their rights in the north-west. It goes on to say... Each has his devotion. Our volunteers carried them with scapulars and medals. The volunteers of Ontario each bear in their pocket the rope that should hang the brigand Riel. The sixty unfortunate volunteers who lay on the battlefield at the last skirmish learned something. Here were sixty cords which did not suffice to hang Riel, but which may serve as halters for the horses of the Métis. New York Times, May 3, 1885 Section 7 of the Mounties in the News. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Defeated by the Indians. Colonel Otter routed by Chief Poundmaker. His forces compelled to leave their dead and wounded on the field of battle. Saskatchewan Landing, May 5, via swift current north-west territory. A mail courier has just arrived from Battlefield with the following dispatch dated May 3. A flying column of three hundred men from Battlefield had an engagement with Poundmaker's force of six hundred Indians at his reserve, lasting from five o'clock in the morning till noon yesterday. The troops lost, eight killed, and had twelve wounded. The Indians' loss is estimated at fifty. Colonel Otter covered seventy miles, fought the battle, and returned inside of thirty hours. The men behaved magnificently. The list of killed is as follows. Corporals Lori and Slate and Bugler Burke of the north-west police. Privates Osgood and Rogers of the Guards. Private Dobbs of Sea Company. Bugler Falkers of Sea Company. The Wounded Our. Sergeant Ward of the police. Lieutenant Pellche. Sergeant Giffney. Corporal Morton and Gunner Reynolds of B. Battery. Sergeant Major Jackson of Sea Company. Colonel Sergeant Witter and Private McClellan of the Guards. Sergeant Cooper and Privates Vary and Wads of the Queen's Own and Private Gilbert of Battlefield. Winnipeg Manitoba May 5. The fight near Battlefield yesterday was a fierce one, and resulted disastrously for the troops who were much outnumbered. Before Colonel Otter's arrival had plundered and burned houses at Battlefield, and slain many of the settlers. The rest of them took refuge in the barracks, and held out for several days without food or water, many of them almost dead with starvation. When Colonel Otter with three hundred men reached town after a week's march from Capel, they found the Indians besieging the barracks, and the besieged just at the point of surrendering to the Redskins. He arrived just in time and began an attack on Poundmaker's forces which numbered between six and eight hundred. Colonel Otter's force consisted of the Queen's Own Rifle Battalion of Toronto, mounted police under Colonel Hirschmer, the Ottawa foot-guards, and mounted volunteers from Battlefield. When Colonel Otter arrived the fight was commenced, the troops firing from shelter of bushes, trees, etc., and picking off the Redskins with great rapidity. Probably fifty Indians bit the dust before they made a dash at the troops, and then a fearful hand-to-hand encounter took place in which the troops suffered terribly. Colonel Otter had a narrow escape, his horse having been shot under him, and two bullets passing through his hat. The encounter began at five o'clock in the morning and lasted till noon. Colonel Otter's force eventually retiring to the barracks, leaving more than thirty dead and wounded on the field. The battleground was covered with the dead and dying of both sides. When the troops retired the Indians fired after them and afterward withdrew to their reserve a few miles distant, where they were fortifying themselves for another encounter, which certainly will take place. Colonel Otter receives reinforcements. The bodies of the city volunteers killed in the Battle of Fish Creek were brought here this evening, and a public funeral takes place to-morrow. All will be buried in the same grave. The whole city is in mourning. Humboldt, Northwest Territory, May 5. The line between here and Clark's crossing has been down since Saturday morning. A courier has just arrived from General Middleton's camp. He reports all quiet up there, and that the men are anxious to move. The General is waiting for the Gatling gun on board the Northcott, which is, or was, a ground eighty miles up the river from the camp. He has sent men to bring it overland, and it is expected in seven or eight days. The wounded have arrived at Saskatoon. Ottawa, May 5. In the house of Commons today Mr. Karen, Minister of Militia, read a telegram from General Turnbull, dated Touchwood, May 3, to the effect that the Indians were all quiet in that region, that every one was satisfied with the arrangements made for the comfort of the troops, and that those who grumbled were not fit to be soldiers. Mr. Small asked if the Government would recognize the services of the volunteers in a substantial manner. The Premier replied that the question would engage attention at the proper time. Princess Louise, in addition to her gift of tobacco and pipes for the volunteers at the front, cabled as follows. If acceptable I promise to send ambulance appliances and a few men. Mr. Karen, cabled as follows. Kind offer, gratefully accepted. Canada receives gifts at hands of Princess whose good wishes and kindness are so fondly remembered among us. Toronto, May 5. A private communication from the Masonic Grand Lodge of Manitoba on the Northwest Rebellion has got into the newspapers here. It states that the hostility displayed by the half- breeds to Major Crozier of the Mounted Police at Duck Lake, where a massacre took place, was the outcome of free masonry. Early in February a lodge was opened at Battlefield under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Manitoba with Crozier as master. This fact, combined with the opening of a number of other similar lodges throughout the Northwest Territories, was viewed with alarm by missionary Roman Catholic priests, who look upon the Northwest as a land where the French language and Roman church must be paramount. The opposition to the masonry was carefully instilled into the minds of the half-breeds by the priests, who look upon the officers and men of the Mounted Police as enemies of their religion. Before the opening of the lodge at Battlefield Crozier was a general favourite, but since his connection with the craft was publicly announced, the hostility of the half-breeds was open and avowed. The priests are, the communication says, at the bottom of this Northwest trouble. New York Times, May 6, 1885. 8. Colonel Otter claims a victory and General Middleton moving to the front. Winnipeg, Manitoba, May 6. Later, and more trustworthy dispatches from the front prove that the Battlefield engagement was not so disastrous to the troops as first reported. Colonel Otter telegraphs claiming victory and says the Indians were the first to leave the field. How many of their number are slain is not known, but it is supposed to be over one hundred. The troops having a less exposed position did not fare so badly. The fight now appears, occurred on Poundmaker's reserve, which is about eighty miles from Battlefield. On the south side of Battlefield River on the reserve are probably one hundred houses and about a like number of cheapies. All of these are said to have been destroyed. The Indians in the fight numbered seven hundred. Poundmaker had three hundred braves in full war paint, and the rest of his force was under command of the following chiefs. Red peasant, mosquito, strike him on the back, lucky man, and little pine. They were armed with every conceivable style of weapon, from the war-club and bowie-knife to the rifle. Poundmaker is said to have only a few rifles, and not getting to close quarters with the troops will account for the comparatively small loss among our men. To this reserve had been carried much of the supplies stolen from the settlers of the town whose houses were plundered and burned some time ago, and to recover these supplies was one of the objects of Colonel Otter's attack. Reports say he did not succeed in this attempt, not caring to expose his force against the superior numbers of the Redskins. Reinforcements have been dispatched to Colonel Otter from Capel, and will soon join him. Colonel Otter has no fear of an attack from the rebels and is confident of his ability to hold his own and save the men, women, and children of the place, now huddled in the barracks for protection. General Middleton telegraphed that his force moved to meet the rebels this morning, who are at Batush. He will doubtless camp near there to-night, and a battle is looked for to-morrow. The result of his engagement is anxiously awaited. The rebels have been fortifying themselves for a long time in anticipation of an attack. General Middleton risks almost everything in this encounter. His force is composed principally of men from Winnipeg, and there is consequently much excitement here. This afternoon the whole city was in mourning on the occasion of the burial of Winnipeg soldiers killed in General Middleton's last battle. Never before was a sad scene witnessed in the northwest. All the bodies were deposited in one grave. The funeral, Kurtage, was two miles long. A subscription has been started to erect a monument over the grave. There was intense excitement in the house last night when the intelligence of Colonel Otter's battle with the Indians was made known. The debate on the franchise bill was in progress at the time, but owing to the excitement that prevailed it was found to be impossible to proceed with the business, and Sir Hector Langevin moved an adjournment which was carried. In the House of Commons this evening Sir John McDonald said, I have just received a telegram from Colonel Hirschmer of the Mounted Police, which deals more particularly with his own core. The telegram is dated the third instance, and comes from Battlefield, it says. The column fought Poundschmaker for several hours and demolished his camp. The police behaved beyond praise, receiving the first fire and holding an advanced position while the column formed for attack, and remained there throughout the engagement. Our loss is as follows. Killed, Corporals R. B. Slate and W. H. T. Lowry and Trumpeter P. Brooke. Wounded, Sergeant G. H. Ward. The total brigade loss is eight killed and fifteen wounded. We moved eighty miles and thirty hours, seven hours of which we were fighting. The enemy's loss is fully one hundred. Battlefield, Northwest Territory, May 6. For the details of the battle between Colonel Otter's forces and Poundmaker's Indians shows that the troops had fired too and burned the buildings on the reserve before leaving. The Capel Indians, who yesterday raided and sacked a number of settlers' houses, are today reported to have risen and left the reserve. Crowfoot, chief of the Black Fleet, is related to Poundmaker and will, it is said, join him in a battle against the Whites. The Dominion government and Colonel Otter are blamed for not securing the ransom of Factor MacLaine and other White captives of the Indians before precipitating matters. They will probably all be murdered if they have not already been. Great alarm is felt here in consequence. May 6. Considerable excitement was caused here by the news of the fight at Poundmaker's reserve, which was intensified by the meagerness of the details. The bulletin boards at the newspaper offices were surrounded by anxious crowds. Colonel Sergeant Cooper of the Queen's Own, who was wounded, was prominently known in athletic circles here. Being one of the best amateur boxers in Canada, his wife is a member of Grouse Opera Company. Private Watts was bookkeeper for the Queen City Fire Insurance Company. He has a brother, a private, in the 19th Winnipeg Regiment. Nothing is known of Private Vary. The New York Times. May 7, 1885. End of Section 8. Section 9. May 8, 1885. Fighting Riel's allies. Colonel Otter's battle, described by one who was there. Riel despondent, but the Indians aggressive. Major Walsh's view of the situation. Winnipeg May 7. Following is a trustworthy account of Colonel Otter's battle with the Indians, sent from Battlefield in a private dispatch to the Chief Commissioner of the Hudson's Bay Company, here by a participant in the fight. Colonel Otter with three hundred men, consisting of mounted police, the Gatling, two seven pounders, the Battlefield Rifles, Queen's Own, and the Ottawa Guards, left Battlefield at three o'clock on Friday afternoon for Poundmaker's Reserve, thirty-five miles up the creek. Scouts were leading, followed by the guns. We at once came upon tepees and the Indians opened fire. The Indians had laid a trap for us and were scattered all round with half-breeds among them. At the outstay they charged and attempted to capture our guns. They came within twenty yards and were driven back by mounted B battery, and the Gatling opened fire, mowing the enemy down, and kept it up for half an hour. The battle raged fiercely, then wavered as the Indians drew off, only to return to the attack again in stronger force. We were now almost completely surrounded, but the troops acted nobly. The Battlefield Rifles saved the teams, cleared the bush, and left our rear open. The fight lasted seven hours. Colonel Otter intended advancing on the tepees, but the gun carriage broke down and he withdrew an order, taking the wagons with him, and the killed and wounded. Battlefield was reached at ten o'clock on Saturday night. We fired the prairie, preventing the Indians from following us. The enemy numbered upward of six hundred, and their loss is not less than one hundred. Forty dead Indians were counted in one part of the field. The prairie and wood were all ablaze. We buried our dead on Monday. It is believed that Big Bear was with Poundmaker during the battle. Chief Little Poplar was captured. A scout just in says that Poundmaker has moved his camp further among the tree-bluffs to a position even better than the last. The Indians expended nearly all their ammunition in the engagement. A dispatch from Edmonton received here this evening says, The region north and east of here is full of hostile Indians. All Indians west of Battlefield are in war paint. The settlers have all fled. John Walkingshaw and Albert Harkness were killed by Big Bear's band. Their wives and the wives of two missionaries are prisoners. Scouts from the northwest say Colonel Otter will have a fearful time of it. Poundmaker, little child, and all the rest are out. A number of half-breeds are directing them. Major Steele was to have sent word back when he reached Edmonton, but nothing has been heard from him. There is a perfect panic in consequence. Scores of homesteads have been burned. A courier brings news of the capture of many white women by Big Bear's band, including the wives of missionaries. All are being frightfully maltreated. Riel's mother, who lives quite near the city yesterday, received a message from the rebel chief. He speaks despondingly of the success of the rebellion, and says he had no idea so many troops would be sent against him. He is, however, overjoyed at the result of the last engagements, and claims them as victories for himself. He says the Indians are not rising en masse, as he was promised, and he is much disappointed they're at. However, he says he will fight to the bitter end, and will never be taken alive, as he feels sure the Canadian government would hang him this time, in spite of the interference of his French Canadian friends. Fear is expressed that the Indians on the United States side of the boundary will join Riel and United States Council tailor, telegraph so to the War Department. The 20th Regiment, Fort Snelling Company, and 7th Calgary, Fort Totten, have been placed along the United States side as a precautionary measure. A dispatch from Fort Capel, where the File Hill Indians are on the warpath, says Colonel O'Brien returned there after a long march, and was unsuccessful in his attempt to capture the File Hill Indians who stole all the settler's cattle, horses, and provisions, and burned houses. During the night word was brought in that the Indians had encamped near Mission, five miles from there, and intended to resist the troops. This caused great excitement, and the troops there were kept under arms all night. About one o'clock this morning, one of the sentries reported having seen Indians lurking in the wood just outside of the town, and a body of men were sent out to reconnoiter. They gave chase, but were unable to capture the Indians as they disappeared in the thick wood. They sent for Colonel O'Brien, A. MacDonald, the Hudson Bay Company's Factor, and Alan MacDonald, Indian agent, to meet them at the residence of a half-breed named Fisher. These gentlemen proceeded to the place named where they found the Indians and waiting. Indian agent MacDonald read Governor Dudney's proclamation when they agreed to return to their reserves and give up the stolen horses and cattle, and to restore the articles appropriated from the settler's. Later on this sentries guarding the fort upon their right in the rear of the camp were fired upon. The bugle sounded, and in less than four minutes the entire camp were under arms and at their appointed places. The cause of the alarm was an attempt of the Indians to surprise the troops and massacre them. It being almost dark the firing was necessarily wild. The Indians kept up firing for half an hour, and then withdrew under cover of darkness. Whether any of them were killed is not known. Few people of Winnipeg will go to bed this evening, as word has been received that General Middleton's command and the rebels will meet before morning. General Middleton is known to have advanced toward the enemy's position. Fish Creek, Northwest Territory, May 5th via Humboldt. A reconnoitering party of seventy men from Bolton's cavalry and scouts went forward to Dumont's crossing yesterday. They returned at eight thirty o'clock last evening and reported that they had proceeded to appoint a mile beyond Dumont's and to within three miles of Batush. A mile this side of Dumont's they started half a dozen rebels, evidently outposts who were in a house and who galloped away when they saw the troops in the distance. No shots were fired. Houses of half-breeds were found deserted and with the valuables removed. The weather is hot. Dumont's scouts have been found encamped. The General commanded the reconnoitering party in person. The steamer from Swift Current arrived this morning and brought one hundred and twenty members of the Middleton battalion. A gatling gun and large quantities of ammunition and provisions, it is expected a move will be made day after tomorrow. St. Paul, Minnesota, May 7th. A Winnipeg Special says, Major Walsh, who has spent his life among the Indians and who is intimately acquainted with all the chiefs in the Northwest, was asked to-day what effects Colonel Otter's flight will have upon the Indians. He said he did not like Colonel Otter's marching to Battlefield so quickly. He thought the first blow, which would be followed by a bloody Indian war, had been struck. Once aroused the Indians will fight and it will be difficult to pacify them. It also appears that the Indians of the whole North Saskatchewan District were aroused. He is of the opinion that six hundred Indians represent the whole fighting population of the North Saskatchewan District. From their knowledge of the country it is feared they would make formidable foes. Poundmaker was a restless and powerful chief and would leave no stone unturned to induce other bands and tribes to join him. He was a relative of Crowfoot, chief of the Blackfeet, and Crowfoot will now be induced to join Poundmaker in his fight against the Whites. Factor McClain and the other captives in the hands of the Indians will not now have a ghost of a chance to escape being massacred, if indeed such a fate has not already befallen them. He believed the government would have to send five thousand more troops to the Northwest in order to successfully combat the Indians. May 7. Colonel Oswald, commanding the Montreal Garrison, artillery, has received preemptory orders from Ottawa to start with his brigade for the Northwest on Saturday at noon. The gap in the Canadian Pacific railway will be closed by the time the troops reach there. Buffalo May 7. By the burning of a barn here this morning the rebels in the Northwest lose a number of guns which had been purchased for their use. The barn belonged to James Cosgriff and was situated in the rear of No. 322 Ohio Street. Cosgriff was a leader in the Fenyon invasion of 1866, and the guns have been in his possession ever since. There were one hundred and twenty-three breech-loading muskets, seventy-five haversacks, fifty knapsacks, together with a large number of cartridge-boxes, cat-pouches, bayonet sheaths, and belts. For all these years Cosgriff has kept the guns in good condition and had them insured for one thousand four hundred and seventy dollars and fifty cents. He claims that the Revolutionary Army had no interest in them. And as the Fenyon Brotherhood had gone out of existence he was the sole owner. He states that ten days ago a stranger came to him and bought the lot for two thousand dollars, saying that he had purchased another lot at Black Rock and he was buying them for General Louis Riel for use in the rebellion in the Northwest. General Middleton's victory over the rebels at Batush was more complete than at first reported. News from the field of battle tonight would indicate that the backbone of the rebellion, at least as far as the half-breeds are concerned, is practically broken. When the troops captured Batush the rebels fled in great disorder and in all directions. General Middleton did not follow them up, thinking that Colonel Irvine with Mounted Police Force was on the other side of the river ready to cut off their retreat. In this he was mistaken as Colonel Irvine had not arrived and it is not known where he is. It is feared he has suffered in engagements with the Indians. The rebels got across the river all right, but when assembled a few miles away on the other side they discovered that Riel and his lieutenant Dumont had disappeared. It seems that the two made the escape up the river, striking in a northerly direction, and accompanied by several of Riel's counselors. The rebels, discovering themselves without a leader, became discouraged. They were without ammunition, and with little food, and having lost their leader more than half of the force favored a surrender to General Middleton, thinking it better to do so than stand the risk of another engagement, which would almost certainly be disastrous to them. Dispatches just received from General Middleton's camp state that the rebels are coming in and are giving themselves up. It is expected that before nightfall half of Riel's force will surrender. Two or three hundred rebels have started in the direction of Battlefield, where it is supposed Riel has gone to take command of Poundmaker's force. These will join the Indians and are likely to make a desperate resistance. Colonel Otter will not attack Poundmaker's force until General Middleton comes to his assistance. The General cannot start for a few days, as he has to await supplies, but when he does go it will be with the intention of making a clean sweep of half-breeds and rebel Indians. Colonel Otter meanwhile has fortified himself in the fort at Battlefield, and telegraphs that he can hold out against a siege until General Middleton arrives. General Middleton's men are delighted at their success, and the General says that they made the bayonet charge as well as regulars could have done. Jackson, Riel's secretary, who is among the recent prisoners taken, has been found to be insane. Lord Melgend arrived in Winnipeg from the field of battle this evening, and will proceed to Ottawa at once. He is the bearer of important dispatches to the government from General Middleton. Several of the wounded have been brought here tonight. La Rock, a storekeeper, has been arrested for selling ammunition to the rebels, and will be tried on the charge. General Middleton has ordered the 49th and 35th regiments to reinforce, and also the Winnipeg troop of Calvary. Mitchell, the leading actor in Kate Claxton's company, now playing here, severed his connection, and is organizing a band of scouts to go to General Middleton's assistance. Chicago, May 14th. The Daily News' Winnipeg Special says, Authentic intelligence has just reached here that the Indians have captured a train of thirty-one teams with supplies, and twenty-one teamsters. Ten teamsters escaped. The train left Swipker into a week ago, and was within thirteen miles of Battlefield when the Indians swooped down upon it. The attacking party was Poundmaker and his band. A desperate flight took place, in which several were wounded and two killed, one of them a mounted policemen. The New York Times, May 15th, 1885. And of Section 10 Victory for Middleton Batush in the hands of the Dominion forces, Rial in communication with the Canadian General, but nothing known as to his movements. Ottawa, May 13th. In Parliament this afternoon, the Minister of Militia read the following official telegram from General Middleton announcing the capture of Batush. Batush's house, May 11th, via Clark's Crossing, May 12th. The honourable AP Karen, Ottawa. Have just made a general attack, and carried the whole settlement. The men behaved splendidly. The rebels are in full flight. Sorry to say, have not got Rial. While I was reconnoitering this morning, William Ashley, one of the prisoners, galloped with a flag of truce, and handed me a letter from Rial saying, If you massacre our families, I shall massacre the prisoners. I sent answer, that if he would put his women and children in one place, and let me know where it was, not a shot would be fired at them. I then returned to camp, and pushed on my advance parties, who were heavily fired on. I so pressed on until I saw my chance, and ordered a general advance. The men responded nobly, splendidly, led by their officers, and Colonel Strabenzi drove the enemy out of the rifle pits. Then they forced their way across the plain, and seized the houses, and we were now masters of the place, and most of my force will biovac there. Right in the heat of the action Mr. Ashley came back with another missive from Rial as follows. General, your prompt answer to my note shows that I was right in mentioning to you the cause of humanity. We will gather our families in one place, and as soon as it is done, we will let you know I have. Luis David Rial On the envelope he had written as follows, I do not like war, and if you do not retreat and refuse an interview, the question remains the same concerning the prisoners. Our loss I am afraid is heavy, but not so heavy as might be expected. As yet I find it is five killed and ten wounded. Killed, Captain French commanding Scouts, Lieutenant Fitch, 10th Grenadiers, Captain Brown, Bolton's Scouts, A. W. Kippen, Surveyor's Scouts, Private Wheeler, 19th Battalion. Wounded, Lieutenant Garden, Surveyor's Scouts, Lieutenant Laidlaw, 10th, Major Dawson, 10th, Slightly. Sergeant Watson, 19th, Slight in the Ankle. Sergeant Jakes, 19th, In Hand. Private Young, 19th, Flesh Wounded Thigh. Private W. Cook, 10th, Shot in Arm. Bugler, M. Gahan, 10th, In Finger. Private C. Barber, Slight Wounded Head. Private J. W. Quigley, Flesh Wounded Arm. Private J. Marshall, 10th, Flesh Wounded Caff. Private W. Wilson, 10th, Slight Wounded Crossback. Private Barton, Midland, Thigh and Groin, Seriously. Corporal Hallwell, Midland, Face and Arm, Slight. Lieutenant Hallwell, Midland, In Shoulder. This is all I know at present. The prisoners are all released and safe in my camp. Among them are Jackson, a white man who was Riel's secretary, but who is mad and rather dangerous. Fred Middleton, Major General. Minister Karen next read the following telegram. The steamer Northcote and another steamer are coming up the river with Company C of School of Infantry and the police, and will cut off the retreat of the rebels. The rebel loss is believed to be very severe, but is as yet unknown. The wounded half-breed brought in is Ambrosie Joden of Riel's Council. Winnipeg, May 13. When the news of the capture of Batush reached Winnipeg, the city hall bell peeled forth over the great triumph, and all the citizens turned out of bed to join in the rejoicing. General Middleton, having been convinced that the rebels were wavering, decided to make a general charge and a desperate attack was made on the rebel fortifications. With a hearty British cheer, the general led on his men and kept at their head. One bullet struck his sword-hilt, another pierced his hat, while a third tore the epulate from his coat. The troops rushed into the ravine and at the point of the bayonet drove the rebels before them, capturing the rifle pits. The troops never flinched, and the rebels completely surprised at the attack ran for their lives. Riel was one of the first to make his escape, jumping on a horse he galloped off, surrounded by Dumont and his other councillors. General Middleton's men tried in vain to capture the rebel chief. The seven prisoners rescued had been horribly ill-treated since their capture and almost starved. The women of their number had suffered worse than the men. All of them are safe now and in the doctor's care. The defeated rebels fled in the direction of the river and were not pursued. General Middleton, expecting that their retreat will be cut off by the infantry and mounted police, who are on board the steamer Northcote coming down the river with supplies and ammunition for the troops. The rifle pits of the rebels are literally strewn with dead bodies, and Riel must have lost a very large portion of his force. A delayed dispatch from Calgary says that General Strange, with a detachment of mounted police, and the sixty-fifth battalion, left Edmonton on the ninth for Fort Pitt, to give Big Bear and his tribe a dressing. Colonel Osborne Smith and his detachment arrived in Edmonton the same day that General Strange left. Company A of the Winnipeg Light Infantry arrived in Calgary from Gletchen Monday evening and will go north Thursday. Nothing is definitely known about the movement of the rebel leaders, but private advices indicate that Riel, Jumont, and others have crossed the river and started west. Toronto, Ontario, May 13. The news of the capture of Battouche created immense excitement here, each addition of the papers being eagerly bought up. Great regret is expressed at the death of Lieutenant W. C. Fitch of the Grenadiers, who was very popular among all classes here. He was the only son of J. C. Fitch of Fitch and Davidson, wholesale grocers, and was also a partner in the firm. Montreal, May 13. A missionary father of the Oblate Order, who has passed a great number of years among the half-breeds and who has just arrived in this city from the northwest, says that Riel is undoubtedly out of his mind and has been so for many years. He exercises great and almost incredible influence over the Métis, who almost believe him inspired by heaven. Jumont, who says, is a noble fellow who is fully conscious of what he is doing, and, believing the half-breeds in the right, is determined to fight the matter out. If the claims of the Métis are not complied with, or if Louis Riel is not killed, the war in the northwest is sure to last at least five years. End of Section 11. Section 12 of the Mounties in the News. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Esther. The Mounties in the News by the New York Times. Section 12. The Battle at Batush. General Middleton's official report of the engagement. Poundmaker expects to be joined by Riel. The Dominion General on his way to meet the Indian Chief. Ottawa, Ontario, May 15. In the House of Commons today, Mr. Caron, Minister of Militia, said, I desire to read to the House a more lengthy report of the Battle at Batush I have received from General Middleton, which will be of interest. It is, as follows. Batush, Northwest Territory, May 12, to the Honourable A.P. Caron. Since my last evening's dispatch to you, I have ascertained some additional particulars of our victory, which was most complete. I have myself counted the bodies of twelve half-breeds on the field, and we have four wounded half-breeds in the hospital, and two Sue. Among the wounded half-breeds are Ambrosie Jobin, a counsellor, and Joseph Delorm. As far as I can ascertain, Riel and Gabrielle Dumont left as soon as they saw us getting well in. I cannot ascertain for certain which side of the river Riel was on, but I think it must be this side. Extraordinary skill was displayed by the enemy in making the rifle pits at exactly the proper points, and the number of them is very remarkable. Had we advanced rashly or heedlessly, I believe we might have been destroyed. As I told you, I reconnoitred my right front, with all my mounted men yesterday morning, with a view to withdrawing as many of their men from my left attack, which was the key of the position, and on my return to camp, forced on my left and then advanced the whole line, which went forward with a cheer and dash worthy of the soldiers of any army. The effect was remarkable, the enemy in front of our left was forced back from pit to pit, and those in the strongest pit facing east found them turned and our men behind them. Then commenced a suave qui pui, and they fled, leaving blankets, coats, hats, boots, trousers, and even guns in their pits. The conduct of the troops is beyond praise, the Midland and Tenth Regiment vied with each other in their efforts to defeat the enemy, and were well supported by the nineteenth and flanked by the mounted portion of the troops. The artillery and the Gatling Corps also assisted in the attack with good effect. When all behaved so well it might appear individious to mention particular names. Still there are always some who by good luck are brought prominently before the eye of the commanding officer, and these names I shall submit to you later on. My staff gave me every assistance, and were most energetic and zealous. The medical arrangements under Brigadier Surgeon Orton were, as usual, most excellent and were efficiently carried out. I have to regret the death of three officers as well as two soldiers, but they died nobly and well. I found no want of ammunition or food among the enemy, in spite of what had been said to the contrary, and we found large quantities of powder in shot. Nearly the whole of the rebels' families were left and are encamped close to the river bank. They were terribly frightened, but I have reassured them and protected them. There is a report that Gabrielle Dumont is killed, but I do not believe it, though I think it is likely he is wounded. One of the killed has been recognized as Donald Ross, a member of Riel's Council. Yesterday evening, just as the action was finished, the steamer's Northcoat and Marquis arrived up, the latter having twenty-five police on board. It appears that the Northcoat had a hard time of it, as the rebels fired at her very heavily, and though she was well fortified, the rebels managed to wound two men slightly. The Northcoat got on a shoal for a short time, but managed to keep the enemy off and to get off themselves. Finding that, owing to barges alongside, they could not go upstream again. They decided to run down to Hudson's Bay. Crossing, get rid of them and return. At the crossing they found the other steamer and came up together. This morning I sent out a letter addressed to Riel as follows. Batush, May 11. Mr. Riel, I am ready to receive you and your Council, and to protect you until your case has been decided upon by the Dominion Government. Fred Middleton, Major General, Commanding Northwest Field Forces. I cannot, of course, be certain, but I am inclined to think the complete smash of the rebels has pretty well broken the back of the rebellion. At any rate it will, I trust, have dispelled the idea that half-breeds and Indians can withstand an attack of Resolute Whites properly led, and will tend to remove the unaccountable scar that seems to have entered into the minds of so many in the North West as regards the prowess and powers of fighting Indians and half-breeds. There is not a sign of an enemy on either side of the river for miles. Fred Middleton. Winnipeg Manitoba, May 15. General Middleton's force, now at Batush, has just received orders to move to Prince Albert to-night en route to Battleford, where they will join Colonel Otter and engage in an attack against Poundmaker. Lord Melgend, second in command of the forces, arrived in Winnipeg from Battleford last night, and was interviewed by your correspondent this morning. Speaking of the rebels, he says they are good marksmen at short distance, but are able to do nothing at long range owing to the inferiority of their weapons. This will account, he says, for the comparatively light losses of our troops at Batush. He anticipates very little trouble now from the half-breeds. He says General Middleton is very anxious to capture Real, but does not believe it can be accomplished in a country like the Saskatchewan, where everywhere opportunity is offered for escape. Being questioned as to Colonel Otter's attack on Poundmaker, Lord Melgend said we might get into more Indian fighting than was at first expected, in consequence of that unfortunate affair of Otters with Poundmaker. Although the Indians participated with the rebels in the fight, still the quarrel was not with the Indians, and inasmuch as the campaign was not against them, they would not have considered themselves aggrieved, had not Otter marched against them. General Middleton knew nothing of Otter's intention or movements until after the fight. He, of course, disapproved of the movement. Lord Melgend still hopes that the business, if properly managed, can be settled without fighting. The Indians are hungry, and if properly dealt with they might be induced to go quietly back to their reserves. A sufficient body of troops, he says, must be sent to overaw them. Then promises might be made them of amnesty and protection, but the general would have to insist on having the ring-leaders given up to be hanged. It would never do to let them off. Lord Melgend said it would be necessary to garrison such points as Prince Albert, Edmonton, and Battleford to guard against future trouble. Lord Melgend will leave this evening for Ottawa. A dispatch from Humboldt dated yesterday says, a patrol party of the Governor General's bodyguards under command of Lieutenant Browning, patrolling to the northeast today, came upon a party of Scotch half-breeds from the South Branch near Prince Albert, numbering twenty-eight men, women, and children. They report having left their homes on March twenty-eight under a threat from Rael in case they did not join him within forty-eight hours. Till they reached Fort Lacourne they had no tents, they slept on snow and endured many hardships. They have since wandered about in fear both of Indians and half-breeds and were in a famished condition when found. The capture of a supply train by Poundmaker and his band has caused much excitement. Because it is feared it indicates a general Indian rising which was thought could be avoided. With the supplies captured Poundmaker is entrenching himself to meet General Middleton and Colonel Otter. Poundmaker expects to be joined in a few days by Rael, Dumont, and other leaders, and a large portion of the rebel force. Big Bear, a cruel, cold-blooded Indian chief, is with Poundmaker. It is thought that in the event of Poundmaker and Big Bear being driven to bay that they will at once strike south for the Cypress Hills. If they should succeed in reaching that point where large bands of cattle are grazing they can make a better defence than in the North. Being close to the boundary line, nobody for obtaining ammunition and supplies, and of being joined by American Indians, half-breeds, and other sympathisers would be much greater. Dispatches from medicine-hat state that the Stuart Rangers are covering every trail for south and north, having a frontier of one hundred and fifty miles to patrol. They are working on important information received from Fort Assiniboine Montana which in the public interest cannot be made known. Among other things captured by the troops at Batush was a large quantity of papers belonging to both leaders, including a dispensation from a priest to all who engaged in the rebellion. The feeling against the priest on this account is very bitter. Rael and Dumont have gone down the east bank of the river and can not well escape. Tate, a courier from Prince Albert, arrived last night. He reports everything quiet and says that no farming can be done this year, owing to lack of seed. Captain Moore was in a critical condition when he left. A dispatch from Clark's Crossing says the wounded at Batush among the troops additional to those already reported are A. Battery Gunner Macauley Slight Privots Brisbane Forehead Slight Eager Jaw Maclew Shoulder Cantwell Hand and Thigh Stead Arm Scobal Arm Corporal Foley Side Nineteenth Battalion Corporals Kemp Right Eye Ralph Barron Left Hand Mack Erickson Left Arm Private Alexander Watson Neck and Chest Midland Battalion Sergeant Christie Right Arm GM Daley Left Arm in Hand Bolton Scouts William Haye Arms Frenches Scouts Grillon Right Shoulder Gournier's Core A.G. Wheeler Shoulder All are doing well. Ten other minor casualties are reported. A special dispatch from Battlefield under date of May 14th says A party of seven mounted police, while patrolling near the entrance to Eagle Hills, ten miles from here at about noon to-day, were surprised by a large band of mounted Indians. Constable Elliot was instantly killed, dropping out of his saddle, and Constable Spencer was wounded in the body, but succeeded in riding away. Constable Elliot, who was killed, was the son of a British officer. Constable Spencer comes from West Troy, New York. The patrol was under command of Sergeant Gordon. Batush May 14th Father Moulin, the parish priest, was asked to-day as to the losses of the rebels in the fighting at Batush. He gave them as fifty-one killed, and one hundred and seventy-three wounded. His statement may be relied upon as accurate. CHAPTER XIII Louis D. Riel captured. The rebel chief shows evidence of cowardice. He will probably be tried by the civil authorities in the Northwest. Clark's Crossing, Northwest Territories, May 16th. Riel was captured at noon yesterday, near Batush, having been found in the road unarmed a little south of Batush, in company with three men. Scouts Howie and Armstrong brought him in on foot, leaving their horses in the bush and walking quietly. Few knew who he was when he was brought into camp. Through this entry his captors made right for General Middleton's tent, where they delivered their charge safely. Riel appeared concerned, but begged not to be shot. He appears care-worn and anxious. He has let his hair and beard grow long. He was dressed in poor fashion than most half-breeds captured. While talking to General Middleton he could be seen from outside of the tent. His eyes rolled from side to side with the look of a haunted man. He is evidently the most thoroughly frightened man in the camp, and is in constant fear of violence at the hands of the soldiers. Riel said he stayed Tuesday and Wednesday nights in the bluffs one and a half miles north of Batush. He wished for a fair trial. He asked Armstrong if he would get a civil or military trial. He wanted a civil trial. He was afraid of the Scouts, but passing through them he was brought safe to camp. He has a wholesome fear of getting into the hands of the soldiers, whom he knew would make short work of him. Riel expressed the opinion to his captors that the rebellion would not be without result as in the future the companions of the half-breeds and other settlers would be regarded by the government with some degree of attention. When he was informed that his books and private papers left behind him in the flight from Batush had been captured he said, I am glad this will show that I am not the actual leader of the rebellion. I have been encouraged by people of good standing, at and around Prince Albert, who invited me over from Montana. He asked would they give him a fair trial, a civil or martial trial. Armstrong told him he would be tried by martial law. Riel drew a long breath but said nothing. He spoke again of not being the headman in the rebellion and then commenced praying and made the sign of the cross. He is being strongly guarded and has little chance now of escape. What he has most to fear is violence at the hands of the infuriated soldiers who are anxious to see him hanged or shot at once. He has now assumed a penitent heir, perhaps believing with the influence of French-Canadian friends in Quebec to get off. In the meantime the people are anxiously waiting to see what the government will do with him. Riel will have to be tried in the district where he was captured and cannot be taken to Winnipeg or Ottawa. The Dominion government at his thought will issue a special commission and send up judges to try him. He cannot be tried by court-martial under the circumstances as General Middleton promised in a letter to him that he would protect him until the government decided his case. There is a strong feeling here that Riel should be hanged first and tried afterward. Death certainly awaits him. Even if allowed to escape the clutches of the law his life would not be worth a farthing were he ever set at large. In fact he could never have been brought into the camp alive had he been recognized by the troops. A dispatch from Battlefield just received states that scouts who have been out since Wednesday returned this evening with intelligence that the Indians are moving east. They covered many miles the first day. Approaching the vicinity of Cut Knife Hill they found the camp gone. Starting southwest they moved on Wednesday night. Reaching a point near Eagle Lake sixty-five miles from here they saw a band of Indians mounted a long way off. Coming east they discovered tracks of eight horsemen and concluded that emissaries of Riel had gone to Pound Maker's camp. They saw signal fires this morning and struck a deserted camping ground one mile long and traces of several hundred teepees and half eaten cattle about. It is believed the entire outfit of Big Bear and Pound Maker numbering over one thousand five hundred braves are there. They followed but kept in cover. The prairie is dotted with cattle which have given out from fatigue. The trail of the Indians a mile across the trail ran south of the Stoney Reserve in the direction of the Saskatchewan. It is thought that the Indians are unaware of Riel's defeat. Now that Riel has been captured it is not known whether General Middleton will go to Battlefield to assist Colonel Otter in his fight against Pound Maker. A dispatch from General Middleton's camp this afternoon states that a band of Indians coming in from the west today to help Riel was scouted by half-breeds who told them the war was over. Some of the prisoners were placed on board a boat today. In parting from their families there were many pitiful scenes of women crying and holding up their babies for fathers to kiss. Papers belonging to the rebel government were searched today. The minutes showed that the Duck Lake flight was a premeditated affair and that the rebels were thoroughly cognizant of General Middleton's movements from the time he left Capel Station. Numerous extracts from Toronto, Winnipeg and Montreal journals were also found referring to Riel, the strength of General Middleton's command, of the quantity of ammunition, and the amount of forage on which according to the minutes the movements of the rebels depended. The rebel loss, as given in the official account, was very small at the Fish Creek fight. Dumont admits defeat. He had over two hundred men engaged there. The troops started on Thursday morning for Prince Albert. The following is a translation of a letter sent by Riel and his councillors to a leading half-breed in Capel Valley. Dear relatives, we have pleasure to let you know that on the twenty-sixth of last month God gave us victory over the Mounted Police. Thirty-half-breeds and some five or six Cree Indian have met one hundred and fifty police and volunteers. Thanks to God we defeated them. Let your dear friends be courageous, do what you can, if it is not already done, take stores, provisions, and ammunition, and without delay, come this way, and, as many of you as possibly, can send us word. Louis David Riel Colonel MacDonald, Indian agent at Capel, has had the original letter in his possession for the past ten days. It was obtained by him from the Indians. The half-breeds on the West Bank delivered ninety-five stand of arms to-day. Among them were several Winchester's, Snyder's, and Queen's own rifles from Battlefield, one Springfield, United States, Carbine. 1873, probably from the Custer Battlefield, the balance being shotguns, many almost useless. A band of Indians coming in from the West to help Riel out was scouted by half-breeds who told them the war was over. Montreal May 16. The news of the capture of Riel has created the most intense excitement in this city. The English people are unanimous in demanding that he shall be hanged, while the French Canadians threaten that if he is they will raise the whole province against the government. The law, in reference to rebellion, is quite clear, and leaves no hopes for Riel unless his sympathizers here bring enough influence to bear on the government to get him off, as they did after his last rebellion. The government is thus on the horns of a dilemma. A prominent supporter of the government, who is in town to-day, says that the government, who have hitherto depended for support on the French, will insist on Riel being hanged and throw themselves on the people of Ontario who may be depended on to vote against the French. This may have a great influence on the fiscal policy of the government, as the great majority of the people of Ontario are free traders and would be likely to impose their views on the other provinces. The general feeling is that Sir John A. MacDonald and his government are passing through a most critical period. Emissaries of Poundmaker, the Indian chief, who fought Otter at Battlefield, arrived at Prince Albert to-day to confer with General Middleton, with reference to Poundmaker's desire, to get terms of peace. General Middleton's only answer to them was that Poundmaker must make unconditional surrender. The emissaries say that Poundmaker will not do this, and if he cannot make terms, will never give in. He was forced to fight, they say, by Otter and now is anxious for peace. If General Middleton will make no terms, Poundmaker, they say, will go on the war path and fight to the last. The people here hope that the government will intercede with General Middleton and get him to make terms of peace, as they are anxious to put a stop to any chance of an Indian uprising. General Middleton has left here with troops for Battlefield, where Poundmaker is encamped. If he has an engagement with him, it is likely to be the last of the rebellion. The bodies of Kerpel Code and Private Fraser and Hardesty of the Nineteenth Rifles were buried here to-day with military honors under the auspices of the Montreal artillery. The cortege was very large and imposing, all public organizations and several societies taking part. The bodies were buried in St John's Cemetery. The telegraph wire between Perks Crossing and Prince Albert, which was cut at the commencement of the rebellion, was repaired yesterday. A dispatch from Prince Albert says that Bolton's mounted troop left that point Friday by trail for Battlefield. Middleton left for the same place by the steamer northwest, with the Midland Battalion, part of a battery, and a Gatlin gun. More troops will follow when the other steamers get up to Prince Albert. The Winnipeg Field Battery will do garrison duty at Prince Albert with the mounted police. Congratulatory telegrams have been received by General Middleton from the Governor General and General Woosley. Several members of the Nineteenth Rifles and Winnipeg Field Battery have been granted leave of absence and left for home. The New York Times, May 25th, 1885, end of Section 14, Section 15 of the Mounties in the News. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain, recording by Esther. The Mounties in the News by the New York Times, Section 15, May 28th, 1885, Poundmaker, a prisoner. Poundmaker, a prisoner. The Big Chief surrenders unconditionally. Middleton holds the leaders and two murderers and allows the other Indians to depart. Ottawa, Ontario, May 27th. In the House of Commons this afternoon the Minister of Militia read the following telegram from General Middleton dated Battlefield. I have made prisoners of Poundmaker and Leenman, Yellow Mud, Blanket, and Breaking Through the Ice being the most influential and dangerous men about him. I have also White Bear, who killed Indian Instructor Payne and Wawanita, who killed Tramont, the rancher. My next task may be Big Bear. Poundmaker brought in the teams, taken, and gave up two hundred and ten stands of arms and five revolvers. I have ordered them to give up the flower taken and the horses and cattle and am sending part of the police to see that it is all given up. The nineteenth has just arrived by steamer and is in camp. The rest are coming by land. If obliged to move on the Indians I propose to organize a force of mounted infantry made up of mounted police, Belton's scouts and some mounted artillery men in all about three hundred men and with light cards and as little baggage and supplies as possible so as to scour the whole country and strike rapidly. I expect that Big Bear will soon give up. If he does I shall treat him as I have done Poundmaker. If he does not I shall attack him immediately. There was great excitement here in the lobbies of the Parliament House today over the interview published between Rial and the Chaplain who went down on the boat with the rebel leader to Regina. The French Canadian members of the House who have been insisting on Rial being treated leniently all along discredit the report that he has denounced the Catholic Church and the Pope. If he has done so they say they will stand by him no longer and he will have to pay the penalty of his crime with his life. Winnipeg, Manitoba, May 27. The following is Poundmaker's message to General Middleton received at Carleton. Sir, I am camped with my people on Eagle Hills where I am reached by the news of the surrender of Rial. No letter came with the news so I cannot tell how far it may be true. I send some of my men to you to learn the truth and terms of peace. I and my people wish you to send terms in writing so that we may be under no misunderstanding from which so much trouble arises. We have twenty-one prisoners whom we have tried to treat well in every respect, with greeting Poundmaker by Mark. General Middleton's reply to him was as follows. Steamer Northcote, May 28. Poundmaker, I have utterly defeated the half-breeds and Indians and have made prisoners of Rial and most of his council. I have made no terms with them, neither will I make terms with you. I have meant enough to whip you and your people, or at least drive you away to starve, and will do so unless you bring in the teams you took, yourself and your counsellors to meet with your arms at Battlefield on Friday the twenty-ninth. I am glad to hear you treated the prisoners well and have released them. Fred K Middleton, Major General In accordance with this, Poundmaker surrendered to-day. At eight o'clock this morning a wagon-train numbering sixty-seven vehicles arrived with the half-breeds, who corralled themselves just west of the barracks and laid down their arms. The party numbered about a hundred and fifty all told. The arms consisted of four rifles and seventeen guns, and on searching their wagons some few rifles were found. At eleven o'clock an Indian rider in full war-paint dashed in saying that Poundmaker would arrive within an hour to surrender with all his counsellors. Simply on time Poundmaker arrived with the captured wagon-train, some stock and wagons loaded with repeaters and shotguns, with a few flint-locks numbering in all two hundred and ten. General Middleton then held a big pow-wow, which lasted three hours. Poundmaker blamed Real for inciting the Indians to rise, and said he came in to tell the general to kill him so as to save his people. Several chiefs followed, all blaming Real for misleading them. A scene occurred during the pow-wow when General Middleton asked who killed Barney Tramont and Paine. One brave, a stony, rose from the circle, kneeled at General Middleton's feet, and said the great chief could cut him in pieces as he had killed Paine. He further said he did not want all punished for his offence. He said he killed Paine in self-defense. He said he demanded ten days' rations from the instructor as he was going hunting. He was refused, and alleges that Paine attempted to grasp his shotgun. He succeeded, but the Indian regained it and shot him with buckshot. His grandson confessed to murdering in cold blood Barney Tramont, who was greasing a wagon. The murderers were then arrested. General Middleton detained the leaders and told the others to go back to the respective reserves for the present, and if they conducted themselves properly they would get rations. The braves departed happy. Poundmaker and the other chiefs are under guard at the fort. When asked what he was going to do, Poundmaker replied, I cannot say. But added that an unknown power drew him eastward. When informed Real's defeat was admitted he said he promised Real aid. He also said that his destination was unknown. Questions regarding the pillaging of the bull-train and shooting of the scout, Elliot, were satisfactorily answered. He said past events would not have occurred had he known he was regarded as such a great chief. He said he sent word to Big Bear to surrender. He also said that Colonel Otter attacked him at Cutknife as he was preparing to start for Devil's Lake. The following half-breeds have been arrested for participating in the fight at Cutknife Creek. Baptiste Hoyer, Andrew Sayer, Alex Bremmer, Charles Bremmer, and a white man named Robert Jefferson, who was instructor with Poundmaker. The remainder of Poundmaker's party is expected in to-morrow. They evidently brought the least valuable of their arms to-day, and the young braves are believed to have all the best rifles. It is thought they will break into small parties and escape to the United States. Although the uprising is virtually ended, the summer will be spent disarming the Indians and trying the half-breeds. The settlers say they will not venture back to the farms until the Indians are put where they can do no harm. A Calgary dispatch says the advance force of General Strange's column has reached Saddle Lake. The stores there were plundered by Big Bear's Indians some weeks ago. Major Steele's command of mounted police and scouts have already found Big Bear's band, but without an encounter. Smoke Hills is a very difficult country to scout, as it is a succession of bluffs, ravines and woods, forming choice ground for ambushes. General Strange is pressing Big Bear closely with his advance and main column, yet it is really possible for Big Bear to give him the slip, north, east, or even south across the Saskatchewan. Good authorities here are of the opinion that if Black Bear wants to avoid an engagement he will either surrender or make for the north, where it will be impossible to follow him. The half-breed script-commissioners left for the north to-day. They were supplied with Winchester rifles and two hundred and fifty rounds of ammunition, Toronto May 27th. The funeral of Lieutenant Finch of the Royal Grenadiers, who was killed at the Battle of Batush and whose body was sent here for internment, took place today and was probably the grandest military funeral since the burial of the victims of the Finnean Raid. A large number of volunteers paraded for the funeral, and the casket which was wrapped in the Union Jack, was drawn through the streets on an artillery gun carriage by six horses. The funeral was witnessed by thousands of spectators and a volley of musketry was fired over the grave. Representative volunteers from different parts of the province were present. End of Section 15 Section 16 of the Mounties in the News. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Riel's Lieutenant captured. No news from Big Bear, who is likely to give trouble. St. Paul, Minnesota, May 28. Late last night General Terry received a dispatch from Fort Assiniboine announcing the capture yesterday of Gabriel Dumont, the Lieutenant of Louis Riel, and a companion by the name of Michael Dumas. The capture was made by Sergeant Perkins and a private on the Milk River Trail some twenty or thirty miles north of the Fort. In reply to the question what disposition should be made of the prisoners General Terry telegraphed that they should be held until further orders. He is now in communication with Division Headquarters for instructions. Winnipeg, May 28. Big Bear, the only rebellious Indian Chief still on the warpath, has not yet surrendered. General Middleton, who before was inclined to treat him and his braves with contempt, is beginning to discover that he has his strongest foe yet to deal with. Big Bear has had plenty of experience in warfare in the United States and knows just how to deal with troops. He is noted for his cunning and it will be surprising if he does not draw General Middleton into some kind of a trap. Big Bear has a force of four hundred men or more and it now seems that the young warriors under Poundmaker who refused to surrender with him have joined Big Bear. Big Bear has also a number of half-breeds who dare not surrender knowing that hanging is their fate. The militia authorities have advised General Middleton to delay no longer but to move against Big Bear immediately as they are afraid he will receive further reinforcements. Big Bear is known to have plenty of arms and ammunition. All of Poundmaker's best rifles were not surrendered but were captured by the young Bucks who have taken them to Big Bear. He has a very large quantity of provisions, so much in fact that he is encumbered too much to move and has decided to entrench himself in some favourable place. In short, Big Bear has got to fight for it. If he surrenders to the Canadian authorities he will certainly be hanged and if he flies to the United States he will be immediately arrested for wholesale deputations committed there. The government has issued orders that no one is to speak with Riel and the authorities are indignant that he was allowed to talk so freely while on his road to jail. A body of mounted police went out to the Indian camp yesterday and brought in a number of Indians, one hundred cattle and quite a number of horses with carts and wagons. These have been identified by the settlers here as their property stolen by the Indians. The scouts have been unable to find Big Bear's location and much doubt is expressed as to where he is or what his intentions are. General Strange is now supposed to be near Pitt and will likely follow up Big Bear's trail. Couriers were sent out to General Strange with dispatches today. Mr. Reed, Assistant Indian Commissioner, ordered the Indians to return to their reserve yesterday. General Middleton has called for non-commissioned officers and privates in the different corps here to volunteer for service in the Northwest for a period of time after matters are settled. It is likely numerous responses will be made. The Tenth Royal are coming down on foot and are expected here to-morrow. It is reported that over one hundred of Pound-Maker's best men have gone to join Big Bear. If Big Bear comes in, the campaign will be quickly ended. Montreal May 28th. The National Club of Longuiel at a meeting last evening denounced the government treatment of Riel as persecution not prosecution. It was resolved to raise subscriptions in aid of Riel's defence and also to give a moonlight excursion down the river on June 13th, the proceeds to be devoted to the same purpose. Riel's anti-Catholic statements seem to be taken by his friends here at their proper value. Ottawa, Ontario May 28th. In the senate today Mr. Alexander, in moving for the production of the correspondence relative to Northwest Matters, charged the Minister of the Interior with all responsibility for the rebellion. He said the government had provoked it by maladministration and had taken no steps to prevent an armed uprising. After remarks by Mishir's power and callback, Sir David MacPherson, Minister of the Interior, entered into a vigorous defence of the government. He asserted that the half-breeds had no grievances, not one of them having been disturbed in his holding. He charged that the rebellion had been instigated by disloyal white men of the Farmer's Union class and said the correspondence in the hands of the government would prove this. The discussion was then dropped. New York Times May 29th, 1885, End of Section 16 Section 17 of Mounties in the News This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by David Lawrence Big Bear wins a battle by the New York Times. General Strange forced to repeat. General Strange forced to retreat to Fort Pitt. The rebel Indians strongly entrenched and fighting desperately. General Strange's supply wagons captured. Winnipeg May 31st. Early this morning a dispatch was received here stating that a courier had arrived at Battlefield, bringing news of an encounter between Big Bear, the only rebellious Indian chief still out, and the forces under command of General Strange. The battle took place on May 28th, but the news could not be sent before. The battle occurred thirteen miles east of Fort Pitt, where Big Bear and his braves are entrenched. The information thus far received is very meager. General Strange's scouts discovered Big Bear's location on Wednesday last, and no sooner had they reported their discovery to the general that he ordered an immediate advance. The force he took with him numbered about three hundred men. General Middleton's column not having arrived there. He made an immediate advance, because he feared Big Bear would receive further reinforcements if the attack on him was delayed. His force consisted of part of the 65th Battalion of Montreal and the 92nd Battalion of Winnipeg. About noon on Thursday Big Bear's entrenchment was reached. The general found the rebellious Redskins occupying an exceedingly strong position, and one almost impenetrable. It was just over the brow of a hill, and to reach them from any side the troops would be compelled to wade knee-deep in a swamp. There were some bushes, however, on one side, and to these the troops advanced and under their cover opened fire. The bush furnished excellent protection, none of the troops being exposed. The Indians replied with a hot fire, taking pot luck and doing little harm to strangers' men. For nearly four hours the hot firing was continued on both sides. The Redskins finally became exasperated. They left fortifications and made a desperate rush on the bushes. Under this excellent cover and with the aid of field guns the troops succeeded in repelling the attack, and while their loss was surprisingly light, scores of Indians were shot down. The Indians retired to prepare for another attack, and the general, seeing the superiority of their numbers and finding that everything was in their favor, ordered a retreat. The troops retiring in good order to port Pitt under fire from the Indians, who did not, however, venture to pursue the retreating forces. A band of 13 brave fellows was left behind to guard the wagons containing provisions. It being found impossible to take them with the retreating column. When the general got a few miles away he ordered the company of scouts to return and bring the 13 men in, fearing that they would be slaughtered in an attempt by the rebels to get the provisions. The scouts overtook the column before it reached Fort Pitt with the startling report that neither the men nor the wagons could be found. The appearance of the ground where the wagons had stood indicated that a struggle had taken place, and almost beyond out the guard had been massacred. The loss to General Strange's force the couriers are unable to tell. They only knowing of a few men who had fallen when they left to bring the news. They reported that General Strange was badly in need of reinforcements, ammunition, and provisions, and that at Fort Pitt he is by no means out of danger, as the fort has been destroyed and the men have no protection in the event of an attack. This is not considered likely however, as Big Bear will probably not abandon his strong entrenchment. When General Middleton received the news of the fight he ordered his men to prepare for an immediate advance, and upon reaching General Strange's column they will together proceed on the enemy. A desperate encounter is certain. It will only be after a desperate resistance that Big Bear can be dislodged. He is said to have a force of a thousand men, having been reinforced by those of Poundmaker's Band who refused to surrender, and many Halfbreeds and Indians who escaped from Batash. Late dispatches state that General Middleton and his force will lead Battleford in the morning to reinforce General Strange. Montreal, May 31. The chaplain of the Montreal Garrison of Artillery, now at Regina, returned here today. He says the feeling, in Manitoba and Ontario, is intensely bitter against Real, and it will be a bad thing if he is not hanged. At first he said Winnipeg people blamed the government, but after blood had been shed put that feeling aside and looked only to a suppression of the rebellion. The Winnipeg people, having suffered greatly through the rebellion, the nineteenth regiment of Winnipeg, having had more killed than any other in the field. The government has appointed prosecuting lawyers in the Real case. Both are lawyers of Ontario, where the feeling is strongly in favour of hanging Real. The decision of Secretary Endicott to release Dumont caused much comment here, and is not unfavourably received, great sympathy being felt with the escaped rebel. Ottawa, May 31. An official dispatch from Battleford dated today has been received here stating that General Middleton has left that place at 8.30 a.m. with reinforcements on the steamers Marquis and Alberta for Fort Pitt to meet Big Bear. The reinforcements consisted of the Tenth Royals, the Midland Battalion, the Nineteenth Winnipeg with two Gatling guns, fifty of the Garrison artillery, Bolton's Mounted Infantry, the Dennis Surveyor Scouts, the Bertle Bank, late Frisch's Scouts, and fifty Mounted Police under command of Colonel Hirschmer. The water of the North Saskatchewan was reported to be high, and General Middleton expected to reach Pitt this evening. End of section 17