New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-04-16
READY IL ATTACK THE INDIANS
GEN. MIDDLETON ANXIOUS FOR A FIGHT
THE BATTLE AT DUCK LAKE-PoLCE LOADING
CANNON WITHOUT POWDER.

THE BATTLE AT DUCK LAKE-PoIICE LOADING
CANNON WITHOUT POWDER.
WINNIPEG April 15.-C Colonel Irvine will attack the
rebels on the north side while General Middletons
command will fight the large force this side Leuten-
ant Colonel Forrest, of Quebec who was with General
Middleton returned to this city on Monday night 10
make arrangements with hanks for money to pay the
troops Colonel Forrest reports that General Midcie-
ton is Just dying ior fight" He fears that he may
not be able to meet the rebels and may have to return
without accomplishing the object of his mission If he
once gets his eyes the rebels there will be big
fight" for he is determined to strike blow that will be
felt.
The Midland Battalion, mastering 1856 men and 80
officers left here to-day by special train for Gu Appee.
1t is supposed that they will JOIN Middetons com
mand Colonel Scotts battalion received orders to
proceed to join Middleton, and will probably leave on
Thursday. Colonel Smith has instructions to start at
once for Calgary and his battalion is expected to leave
here tomorrow morning. The Ninth Battalion is still
in camp here. The Toronto Body Guard Cavalry VIII
arrive tonight and the London Battalion tomorrow
night Colonel Oumett, of the SAty-fifth Battalion,
returned from Calgary last night His men are not
properly equipped to march north, and there are no
scouts ready to go with them. o
Swift Current dispatch says that Colonel otter has
received instructions TO abandon the river e1peuillon
and form flying column for the relief OF BattleiOrd
Ths column marched fifteen miles on Monday, and yes
terday reached Saskatchewan Ferry twenty eight miles
distant At this point there is scow capable OF taking
over the whole expedition in day. From the river to
Batleord is about 40 miles nearly all through open
country. Tie forces should reach Battetord IN less
than ten days. 80,
: Clarke's Crossing dispatch gives particulars of the
fight at Duck Lake. which we're furnished by
volunteer who took part in it, He says that the rebels
numbering 800, concealed in house and in the
woods and discovered by the police until they
within fifty yards of them. While parley was
being feld an Indian attempted to wrest rie from
policeman and was shot. This was the opening OF the
fight, which lasted forty minutes. Tue house where
the rebels concealed was not discovered until
after the fight began. Cannon were Immediately
brought TO bear, but. unfortunately, in loading them
the police put the shot without powder. thus render
ing the guns useless. The volunteers remained stand
ing while the police fought lying down, hence so much
slaughter among he former. The Prince Albert dead
remained on the field for days. Rie sent mes
senger the police coma them, but the latter re-
fusing, the messenger himself removed them. The
rebels captured fifteen rifles and about 300 rounds OF
ammunition. The Indians robbed the dead OF TWO goid
watches, but Riel promised 10 have them returned
Batteford dispatch says that the country north OF
there burned yesterday for miles by Indians travel
ing westward. All farms on both sides OF the rVer
raded and horses and cattle driven away. Signal
fires all around. The garrison, however, Is
p0weress TO do anything except hold itself III readiness
to prevent an attack.
OTTAWA, April 5.-In view of the large quantity of
arms and ammunition which the Indians have been
found to po sess the Govern men has decided to bring
down O Immediately prohibiting the sale of
arms and ammunition 20 Indians under penalty OF a
heavy fine and Imprisonment. Arms have been sup
piled by traders until many tribes, every other
man is armed with either Winchester or Remington
repeating rifle and a good stock OF ammunition while
the balance have weapons OF an inferior pattern.
QUEBFC, April ia report Is current here TO the
effect that a member of the Ninth Quebec Battalion,
which left here short time ago for the Northwest,
ded the way. from hardship, exposure and exhhus-
ton.
Corps left this afternoon for the Northwest by way OF
Chicago.