Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1885-04-27

casualties are not large, there being less than
a dozen killed and not over fiftv wonnded
the troops were forced to retreat before the
gazing hre OF the half-breed and Indian
sharpshooters, and they received a set back
IN their ideas of the campaign that must have
serious effect on the further prosecution of
the warfare. 1t was 7 o'clock on Friday
morning when the advance was commenced
from Clarke's Crossing, the line of march be-
ing along trail which winds among the
bluffs where the rebels were strongly in
trenched. After crossing Fish Creek, the
troops wading knee deep in the water, Gen
efal Middleton gave the order to advance
Major Boulton's scouts led, followed by the
Nineteenth battalion General Middleton
with his two aides being well to the front.
AS they approached, the rebels, from their
ambush In the timber on the bluffs. opened
ire, and poured deadly volley into our
troops Ten of our men, principally acouts,
toppled from their horses and at least fifteen
horses rolled over dead. The general ordered
return of the fire, which was obeyed. but
little effect was taken on the
rebels. The Nineteenth under Captain Clark,
was then ordered up. Some of these were
bending down as they ran. At this mo-
ment General Middleton received bullet
through his hat, and called out to them.
Stand up, men! If I had been bending
down would have had my brains blown
out" Captain C1ark's company advanced
to the bluff and began diminishing. The
captain was running with his company from
one bluff to another, when a bullet struck
MN 81 IN the back and he fell severely wounded
InH fr>{
Meantime the rebels were pourino in a
deadly tire from their rife-pits and behind
trees, and the troops seemed perfectly help
less to dislodge them. Battery A came up
with two guns, and after they had fred
couple of shrapnels at the rebels.
the latter retired into the ravine.
FINALLY our men were driven
back, and retreated from the knoll, leaving
the rebels in possession of it. Then it was
that General Middleton ordered up the left
column, under Lord Melgund, from the 9th
er side of the river. The artillery shifted
from place to place seeking an advantageous
position for Smelling the enemy. The she'll
ing was not effective, the gunners showing a
sad lack of practice. The half breeds and
indians, however, who kept up constant
warwhoop, showed themselves excellent
mafksmen, those shot were struck in vital
parts. After several hours fighting, General
Middleton seeing he could not dislodge the
enemy, ordered withdrawal, and the army
finally fell back on the camping ground of
the previous night. While the troops were
retreating the rebels came out from their
hiding places and jeered at them.
1t was reported last night that the rebels
had made attack on Middleton. but the
report lacks confirmation What Middleton's
movements will now be it is difficult to say,
Without relnforcements, and as the only
available battalions are at Swift Current and
cannot reach him before ten days he is in
dilemma Prince Albert must be re-
lieved, and if he falls back this cannot be
done. Then if he remains where he is the
supplies will give out, and it is now
understood that the river is so low
that neither supplies nor troops can be for
warded by water. Then there is danger of
the enemy cutting off retreat and capturing
the supplies. Experienced military men say
that the position is most critical and express
their belief that the whole army will be cut
to pieces: Intense excitement now prevails
as no word has been heard for six hours. A
messenger from Clarkes Crossing says no
courier has arrived from MiddIetons camp
since Friday night. The country between
the crossing and his camp is being secured
by rebels, hence the absence of news 1t is
believed here that another battle has taken
place. a report has just been received that
nine of the wounded have died There are
only two doctors to look after the entire lot
The latest advices from the front report
bHaI Ieneral M1CdletonS forces are cOnsOli-
dated and encamped in the open country.
Swift Current being the nearest point
prepared to defend against night attacks by
the rebels. His troops are in good
condition and decisive engagement
is anticipated in a few days. Ser
geant Dalton, a courier from Middleton's
headquarters to Ciarke's Crossing, reports
the death of Arthur Watson of the Toronto
school of infantry, who died Friday night,
making total of seven deaths The
wounded doing well and will be removed
to Clarke's Crossing as soon as possible.
Advlces show that the fight at Fish
Creek proved to be more disastrous to the
rebels than at first supposed. Twenty four
are known to have been killed, as that num-
Der OF bodies were counted, among whom
was Gabriel Dumont, Rfel's lieutenant.
1t is reported that Riel was in
the rayine during Fridays night and has re-
turned to Batouche for reinforcements.
Every preparation being made at the
time Of the couriers departure for a removal
OF the attack upon Riel's position yesterday
The next twenty-four hours are expected to
be the most decisive of the campaign.