Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-05-11


: Of Sharp Encoanter There.
WINNIPEG, May 8.
No report came from Batouche and tonight
the wire ceased to work north of Gu Appelle.
The operator at Clarke's Crossing reported
this morning that sounds like that of firing a
cannon had been heard in the direction OF
Batouche, but it is considered improbable
that 1t could be heard that distance.
CALGARRY. May 9.
The half-breed commission met today in
pursuance of a notice. They attended in
large numbers. There was some doubt al
first whether they would accept the terms of.
fered. The heads of the families were de.
sirous that scrip should represent land or
that they be given land instead of scrip. They
also wished that terms should be granted to
children born since 1880. Some wished to
have right to select land on the occupied
and cancelled lease ranches. After consul.
tation among the Calgary claimants, good
number Of them accepted the terms and it is
expected that tomorrow the majority of them
will accept scrip.
BATrLEFoRD, May 9.
On Friday, reconnoitering party went
north to Jack Fish Lake, in pursuit of some
Indians who had been stealing cattle. They
are supposed to have retreated into the woods
at Birch Lake.
WINNIPEG, May 8.
Reports from the front are 10 the effec,
that the battle between Middleton's forces
and Riel at Batouche has been raging since
yesterday morning. 1t began by cannonad.
ing the log and earth works of the insurgents
by MiddIeton's artillery corps The result SC
far is understood to be a drawn battle. An
attempt will probably be made, when the
works have been reduced, to storm the posi-.
ton simultaneously from the front and flank,
when trightful fatalities are likely to result as
the enemy are well armed and deadly in aim.
ST. PAUL, Mimi, May 8
Gen. Crooke, one of the Minnesota Indian
war veterans was interviewed this evening as
to the outlook of the general Indian uprising
in the northwest territory. He says Middle
ton must achieve decisive victory, or all the
Indians will have ON war paint in week
Should the halt breeds achieve signal vic
tory over Middleton the result would be most
disastrous.
WINNIPEG, May 10.
The following account of the battle be-
tween Gen. Middleton's forces and the insur-
gents has just been received from Batouche
by the way of Clarke's Crossing, dated May
9th:
We left camp at 6 o'clock this morning,
leaving all the supplies and tents behind. We
marched seven miles without seeing or hear
ing anything of the enemy. This morning
was bright and warm. Suddenly there came
the sound of steamers whistle blowing con-
tinuously, and as we drew nearer we heard
the sound of heavy firing on our front, in the
direction of the river.
We pushed ahead and soon came upon two
houses near the bank of the river, which here
is very precipitous. An advance party of
rebels were met, who fired and retired be-
mind the house toward the hollow. A Gattling
gun was brought to bear on them, but they
ran into the house near the church of st. La
ment, which was also fired upon by the Cat
ting gun, when they ran out into the bush
IA" battery, by this time, came up with a
rush and got into position, sending several
shells after the rebels.
The Grenadiers now advanced, marching
steadily into the action. They continued to
advance in skirmishing order until they
reached the church, when the priest came out
of the house waving white flag.
Gen. Middleton and staff advanced and
shook hands with him, when three other
priests and five of the sisters of charity came
out. Father Maulin informed me that the
steamer arrived at point little above
Batouche at $50 o'clock in the morning,
and the rebels Immediately commenced firing
on it from both banks of the river. 1t shortly
after struck on mud bank but swung clear
again and just before our arrival passed the
crossing. He also says the rebels had six
killed and II wounded. The Grenadiers ad-
vanced, skirmishing through the brush on the
right of the trail. The Gattling gun is being
pushed down the declivity toward Batouche,
now plainly visible in the valley below. Here
the battery unlimbered on the top of the
ridge, sending shells into the enemy and
while doing so were almost captured by a
number of rebels who crept up through the
brush, not being discovered till 20 yards
distant They made rush for the guns.
firing and yelling as they ran. Capt. How
ard, formerly of the U. S. NJ, who orerates
the Gattling gun, saw the danger and ran the
gun couple of yards in front of the battery
and opened fire, literally moving them down.
The remaining turned and ran from the gun.
Reaching the shelter of the bush they opened
fire again, and Howard's escape from injury
was marvellous. The bullets were flying all
around him but he gallanty maintained his
position and the rebels being unable to stand
the terrible fire returned to the pitts con-
structed in the ravine running from the river
At noon our loss is one killed and seven
wounded. The rebels fire has gradually
ceased. The troops, however, still keep up
scattering fire along the line, gradually
slackening until o'clock, when only few
dropping shots were heard. No more of our
troops have been hurt.
VIM. Bruce, lately prisoner of Riel's, but
who escaped Tuesday, was brought in BY
scouts. He says that Rie's force is a little
over 400, half of whom were on their way to
the river. He also says that when ammuni-
tion was served to the rebels only one keg OF
powder remained. Bullets were also scarce.
Women and children were sent to the other
eide of the river and prisoners are not safe,
so lar as he knows. The firing has now en-
tirely ceased, but may be renewed at any
momeat No news has been received from
the steamer, but she keeps blowing her
whistle, hence it is concluded that she is
safe. The sound apparently comes from two
or three miles down river.
6 80 z. MA body of the rebels have just
opened fire from bluff near the river on our
left front. evidently on our skirmishers. They
have fired three volleys. but are shooting toe
high. The Winnepeg battery are shellinp
the houses in the distance where large mum
bers of the rebels are gathered. The second
shell crashes through the first house and
another she'll blows the roof off the house
beyond. As the dispatches leave scattered
firing is going on. We expect to clean out
the rebels tomorrow.
Desperate ARRAY.