Morning journal and courier., 1885-05-14
News by Telegraph FROM ALL QUARTERS. THE FALL OF BATOUCHE. A Complete Rout Of
 Riel's Forces. THE CONGRESS OF CHURCHES. Addresses At The Clos
 ing Session. SHIP OWNERS IN CONVENTION. Skaters Dropping Out Of
 The COiitest.
SHIP OWNERS IN CONVENTION.
THE sroRm1NG OF BAroucHE

THE STORMING OF BATOUCHE. A Gallant Charge By Ifdd1eton's
 Forces-The Enemy Put to Flight
 and Their Stronghold Captured
 The Cruise of the Northcote.
 MONTREAL, May 13.-A special despatch dated Batouche, Tuesday night, says: ''Ba- touche was captured this afternoon after short but desperate fight, in which many of our brave volunteers were killed and wound ed. Early this afternoon it was known by our men that the period of inaction within fire of the enemy's rife pits, which was so vexatiot1s to them, was to be put to an end one way or another within short time, but the generals plan was kept secret, so that the affair would be surprise, as far as possi- ble under the circumstances, to the rebels. At half-past two o'clock the orders were passed around and all were in readiness. Soon after the men were quick ly placed in position and a rapid advance was made down into Batouche, the rebels stronghold. When within rifle range of the rifle pits the order to charge was given and it was made with the regular tremendous British cheers. The rebels who had reserved their fire, poured volley into our forces. many of whom at this time bit the dust. Without fiinching, however, the brave fel- lows dashed in among the rebel pits, cap tured them and drove the rebels down be- fore them into the ravine. Despe- rate resistance was made from the cover of the brushwood. The blood of the volunteers was up, however, and after a sharp struggle they succeeded in cleaning the rebels out. The rebels with drew hastily but sullen1y at last to their final positions in the village. Elated by their success our forces, with renewed loud cheering, dashed down into Batouche. The rebels had hardly time to turn and make resistance before the troops were upon them, and in short time they withdrew. The houses were all captured one after another, and all the prisoners held by Riel, seven in number, were fotind safe and were released. At first Riel sent in a white flag carried by a prisoner named Astley. The message was: If you do not cease firing houses, and thereby injuring our families we will massacre the prisoners, commencing with Indian Agent Lash' General Middleton answered. Let me know where your women and chil- dren are and we will not fire on them Riel replied, thanking the general for the courte sy but subsequently, as our troops rushed forward to attack the village, he pencilled on the envelope, As I do not like war I have concluded to massacre the prisoners all the same' Before he had time to go through with the bloody programme our boys were on them and the prisoners were released. It was 8 splendid, gallant affair. The rebel loss must be very heavy. Twelve half breeds were seen dead A wounded half breed named Ambrose Jodin, and member of Riel's council, has been brought in. There is great enthusiasm here.'' Six of the Cana dians were killed and fifteen wounded. Father Moulin was found in his house at Batouche slightly wounded. The following are the names of the prisoners rescued from the rebels: Lash, Peter and William Tomp- kins, McKinn, Astley, Ross and Mcconnell.
 WINNIPEG, May 13-The following private despatch gives the first definite tidings of the steamer Northeote: