River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1885-05-21
REL cAPTUEED.
The leader of the Rebellion in the North,
west Brouyht into Cen. Middleton's
CaInp.-Other Esbels Surrendsring-
How Riel and Dumont Escaped.
End of the Rebellion.

The Leader of the Rebellion in the North,
west Brouyht into Gen. Middleton's
Carnp.-other Rsbels Surrendsrin
How Riel and Dumont Escaped.
End of the Rebellion.
dispatch from CIari's Crossing of the 18th
says: Riel was captured at noon that day by
three scouts named Armstrong, Diehl and
How're, four miles north of Batoche The
scouts had gono out in the morning to scour
the country, but these three spread from the
main body, and just as they were coming out
of the brush ON an unfrequented trail leading
to Batoche espied Rel with three companions.
He was unarmed, but they carried shot
guns Ali recognized Riel, and advancing
toward him hailed him. They were then
standing near a fence. No effort was made
to escape, and after a brief conversation
on expressing their surprise at finding him
there Rel declared that he intended to give
himself up. His only fear was that he would
be shot by the troops, but he was promised
safe escort to the generals quarters. HIS
wife and children were not with HIM, and he
said they were on the west side OF the river
to avoid the main body of scouts. Rel was
taken to a coulee near by and hidden while
Diehl went off to corral a horse for him,
scouts being seen in the distance at this time.
When Diehi returned Riel and his companions
disappeared evidently to avoid other scouts.
Dlehl says Riel was not IN the least aSltated
when arroste l. and was willingly made cap
tive. He was assured of u fair trial, which
was all he seemed TO want During the inter
view he handed Armstrong q note as follows:
Batoche May l1.-Mr. Rel: l am ready to
receive you and your council and protect you
until your case has been decided upon by the
dominion government
Riel said he stayed Tuesday and Nednes-
day nights in the bluffs one and half miles
north Of Batoche He said he wished a fair
trial aud asked Armstrong if ne would get civil
or military trial. Hewauteda civil trial. He is
afraid Of the scouts which were out, but pass
ing through then, was brought safely to camp.
He said his wife and family are with the half
breed woman near by. Reli5 now being inter-
viewed by Middleton while the men are stand
ing idly around, no demonstration being made
When he saw the gatling go down with the
scents at Batoche he was much alarmed, on
account of his family. Rel appears careworn
and baggard, aud has let his hair aud beard
grow long. He is dressed n poorer
fashion than most of the breeds captured.
While talking to Gen Middleton, as could be
seen from the outside of tie tent his eyes
rolled from side to side with the look of
hunted man. He is evidently the most thor
ou hly frightened man in camp, and IN con
slant fear of violence at the hands OF the
lence.
Many recalitrants are giving up their arms,
and the rebellion Is entirely squelched, al
though one teamster was fired upon three
miles from camp this morning.
Con Middleton eIozes dispatch to ottewa
as follows: / cannot of course, be certain,
but am inclined to think that the complete
smash of the rebels has pretty well broken the
back of the rebellion; at any rate
it will, trust, have despelled the
idea that half breeds and Indians can
withstand an attack of resolute whites proper
ly led, and will tend to remove the unaccounta-
bic scare that seems to have entered into the
minds of so many in the Northwest as regards
the prowess and powers of fighting of the In
dams and half breeds There is not sign of
the enemy on either side of the river for miles.
1t has now been decided that Prince Albert,
Edmonton and Batteford must be strongly
garrisoned after the present outbreak is sup
pressed to prevent future trouble message
from Batoche, just in, says four more impor-
tant members of Riel's council have surren-
dered, and are being sent to Prince Albert on
the steamer MARQUIS