The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1885-05-15
THE NORTHWEST WAR.
MIDDLETON ATTACKS REL AT BA-
ToCHE,S CROSSING.


ToCHES CROSSING.
The Rebels Hard Pressed by the Calling and
Howitzers.
WINNIPEG, May 11.-Reports from the
front are to the effect that q battle between
Middletons forces and Riel at Batoche has
been raging since yesterday morning. 1t
began with the cannopading of the log and
earth works of Risl by Niddleton's artillery
corps. The result so far Is understood to be
. drawn battle.
BATocHE's CROSSING, via Clsrk's Cross
ing, May. Eve lett camp at o'clock this
morning, leaving all tents and supplies be-
hind. We marched seven miles without
seeing or hearing anything of the enemy.
The morning was bright and warm. Sud-
denly came sound of
STEAMERS WHISTLE
blowing continuously. As We drew near we
heard the soand Of heavy firing In the direc-
ton Of the river.
OUR LINE OF MARCH
was as follows: First came Boultons scouts
accompanied by Calling gun. The grena-
diers formed the advance guard, with bat.
terry A, the Nineteenth battalion supporting
them, with the Winnipeg battery and the
Midland battalion In reserve, with Q gun.
The scouts and Calling gun pushed rapidly
ahead and soon came upon two houses near
the bank Of the river, which here Is very pre-.
cipitous. An advanced party of rebels were
met who fred and retired behind the houses
toward the hollow. The Calling gun was
brought to bear on them, when
THEY RAN INTO A HOUSE
near the Church of ST. Laurant, which was
also fred On by the Calling, when they ran
out into the bushes. Battery A by this. time
came up with q rush and got into position,
sending several shells after the rebels. The
Grenadiers now advanced, marching steadily
into action and deployed into line, continu-
ing to advance In diminishing order till the
church was reached, when
IbE fhlEsI ZANE OUT
of the house waving q white flag. General
Middleton and staff advanced and shook
hands, when three other Priests and Eve Sis. |
tsrs of Charity came out. A number Of
half breed children were inside IN charge of
the Sisters. Father Mentin informed me
that steamer had arrived at point little
above Batoche, at $50 q. IN. The rebels i'm |
commenced firing on 1t from both |
banks. 1t shortly afterward stuck on mud |
bank, but swung clear again, and just before
our arrival passed the crossing. He also
said the rebels had six killed and twelve
wounded at Fish Greek. We just got .
glimpse Of the steamer going down the river.
She endured hard fire, as the smoke stack
was gone.
THE eRENADIERs ADVANCED sKIRnsHINa
through the, bush on the right of the trail,
the Calling being pushed forward down the
declivity toward Batoche, now plainly visi-
BILE In the valley below. A battery was un-
limbered on top Of the ridge and was send
ing shells into them, and while doing 50 was
also surprised by . number of rebels who
had crept up through the bush undiscovered
until only 20 yards distant. They made .
rush for the guns, firing and yelling As they
ran. Capt. Howard, who operated the Cat
ling gun, saw the danger and ran the gun
,suple Of yards in front Of the battery, and
opening FIRE,
LITERALLY MOVED THE REBELS DOWN.
Those remaining turned and ran from 1t
md reached the shelter of the bush. They
opened fire again, and Towards escape from
injury was something marvellous, the bullets
lying al around him. He calamity maia-
aimed his position, and the rebels being an
lble to stand the terrible fire, returned to the
pits, constructed In the ravine running from
he river.
PUSHING TUE FIGHT.
At IL .. m, as I now write, Capt. French,
With his scouts and part Of bis dismountsd
men Of a battery, are down In the ravine.
Firing Ii nov continuous On the left and
center, scattered on the right. After gallant
'ut vain efforts to drive the rebels from the
fhe pits, French's scouts and batterymenrs-
ired. The wounded are now coming In.
Or. M.-Boulton's force has gone back to
'ur csrrall to bring up all the wagons and
upplies. We camp here tonight, General
Middleton being determined to secure the
'ositisn. Captain Young just climbed on
he rosf Of . church and deserted bsdy Of
indians on level near the river bank, about
J nils away. The Winnipeg battery Was
ordered out and sent
SEVERAL wELL-DIREcTED SHELLS,
catering them Immediately. The firing
las now entirely ceased, but may be resumed
{ any moment. No news has been received
rom the steamer, but she keep, blowing her
whistle; hence it Is concluded she Ii safe.
rhe sound apparently comes from two or
hres miles down The river. Early In the
morning crowds of women, children and
men were seen hurrying into the
rush on the other side Of the river. The
vesther has been warm and bright all day.
$50 r. MA body Of rebels have just
pened FIRE from blnf near the ravine on
ur left front, evidently on our administers.
hey have fred three voileys, but are shoot
ng too high to reach rs. The Winnipeg
artery are Smelling houses in the distance,
there large number Of rebels are gath
red. A second shell crashes through the
rst house and the rebels rush out. Another ,
bell blows the roof of house beyond.
A. the dispatches leave scattered firing Ii !
Ding on. We expect to clean out the rebels I