The Middlebury register and Addison County journal. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1883-1885, 1885-05-22
RlEL A PRISONER.
Captured by Scouts and Taken
to MiddlctOn's Camp.
His Capture Practically Ending the
War in Manitoba.

The capture of Louis D. Riel, the half breed
rebel leader in the uprising against the Cana
dian government, has practically put an end
to the war in Manitoba A dispatch from
Clarke's Crossing, Northwest territory, gives
the following account of his capture:
Riel was captured at noon yesterday near
Batouche having been found in the road I'M
armed little south OF Batouche in company
with three men. Scouts HOWE and Arm
strong 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 the sentries his captors made
right for General Middeton's tent, where
they delivered their charge safely. Riel APP
peared unconcerned, but begged not to be
shot He appeared careworn and anxious
He had let his hair AMI beard grow long He
was dressed in poorer 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 Il hunted man. He
was evidently the most thoroughly frightened
man in the camp, and was in constant fear of
violence at the hands Of the soldiers Riel
said he stayed Tuesday and Wednesday nights
in the bluffs, one and n half miles north of
Batouche. lie wished for a fair trial He asked
Armstrong if he would get civil or mill
itary trial. He wanted a civil trial. He was
afraid Of the scouts, but passing through them,
he was brought safe to camp He had a
wholesome fear of getting into the hands
of the soldiers, who he knew would
make short work of him Riel expressed
the opinion to his captorS that the rebellion
would not he without result, as in the fu-
ture the complaints of the half breeds
and other settlers would be regarded by the
Canadian government with some degree of
attention. When he was informed that his
books ana private papers left behind him in
the flight from Batouche had been captured
he said: 81 am glad; this will sh wv that |
am not the actual leader of the rebellion |
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 n
long breath, but said nothing. He spoke again
of not being the head man in the rebellion,
ana then commenced praying. He was
strongly guarded and had little chance of es-
cape. What he had most to fear was violence
at the hands of the infuriated soldiers, who
were anxious to see him hanged or shot at
once. He assumed penitent air, perhaps
believing with the influence of French Cana
dian friends in Quebec to get off
Ricl will have to be tried IN the district
where he was captured, and cannot be taken
to Winnipeg or Ottawa. The Dominion gov
eminent, 1t is thought, will issue n special
commission, and send up judges to try him
ne cannot Dc trled by court martial under the
circumstances, as General Middleton prom
,sed in a letter to him that he would protect
MN until the government decided his case
Everything is quiet around Batouche, and
white flags are flying from all houses. One
hundred and fifty rifles and muskets have
been turned in by the rebels. Most of the
prisoners have been allowed to return to
their homes, but the ringleaders will be taken
70 Prince Albert. Corporal Code. of the
Ninetieth Rifles, who was wounded at Fish
Creek is dead.
dispatch from Ottawa says that "Riels
capture practically ends the half breed revolt,
and unless further trouble occurs with the
Indians the Northwest rebellion will be at an
end. Canadians unanimously praise General
Middleton for his remarkable and speedy
success, which has been accomplished in a
quiet, calm manner"