The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1885-05-16

WINNIPhG, MAN, May l1.-General
Middle.on's troops had another skirmlsh
with large force of rebels near Ratouche
Saturday. The troops advanced seven
miles from camp, the steamer Northcote
keeping pace with them on the river.
Suddenly a sound OF the steamers whis-
tie was heard followed by heavy firing in
front and in the direction of the river.
This was answered by signal from the
troops, and all pushed rapidly ahead.
They came upon two houses near the
bank of the river and advanced. A party
of rebels were met, who fired and retired
behind the houses toward hoAow. The
Calling gun was brought to bear on them,
when they ran into house near the
Church of st. Laurent, which was also
fired on by the Calling gun, when the
rebels ran out into the bush. A battery
of artillery rushed to the front and sent
several shells after the rebels. The
grenadiers advanced in skirmishing order
till the church was reached, when priest
came out of the house waving white
flag. General Middleton and staff ad-
vanced and shook hands with him, when
three other priests and five Sisters of
Charity came out. A number of half
breeds and children were also inside in
charge of the Sisters.
Father Monlin, one of the priests, said
the steamer arrived at a point little
above Batouche at $3.50 q. m, and the
rebels Immediately commenced firing on
1t from both banks. 1t shortly after
stuck ON mud bank, but swung clear
again. The vessel is supposed to be
badly peppered, as the smoke stack is
gone. She went back about three miles
up the river. Grenadicrs advanced,
Skirmishing through the bush on
the right of the trail, the
Calling gun being pushed forward down
the declivity toward Batouche, which was
now plainly visible in the valley below.
Battery A unlimbered on top Of the ridge,
sending shells into them. Whilst doing
so they were almost surprised by num-
Der of rebels, who crept up through the
bush, not being discovered until twenty
yards distant. They made rush for the
guns, firing and yelling as they ran. Cap
tain Howard, OF the American army, who
operates the Calling gun, saw the
danger, and with cool daring, ran his gun
q couple of yards in front of the battery,
and, opening fre, literally moved the re-
bells down. Those remaining turned and
ran. Reaching the shelter of the bush,
they opened fire again, and Towards es-
cape from injury was something marvel
Gus, the bullets flying all around him.
He CALAMITY maintained his position, and
AI,n ,H,I. IL, 60 Cto NhA al
fire, returned to hut constructed in the
ravine running from the river.
At 2 p. m. the rebel fire gradually
ceased, the troops, however, still keep
ing up scattered fire all along the line,
gradually slackening until four o'clock,
when only scattering shots were heard.
At 6:90 the rebels opened fire again
from the bluff near the ravine, but were
shelled out Winnipeg Battery resumed
and shelled houses in the distance, where
large number OF rebels had gathered.
One shell crashed through the first house,
aud the rebels rushed out. Another blew
the roof off the second house, and the
rebels retreated to Riers camp at Ba-
touche.
Wn. Bruce, lately prisoner of Riel,
who escaped, says that Riel's force is a
little over four hundred, half of whom
are on the other side OF the river. He
also says that when ammunition was
served to rhe tebels only one keg of pow
der remained. Bullets are also scarce.
Women and children had been sent to the
other side OF the river.
The rebel loss is not known, but 1t is
supposed to be severe. The following is
a list of the killed and wounded among
the troops;
Gunner Phillips, shot through the
stomach while in the ravine; died while
being carried in. ..
Thomas j. Stout, run over by Car.
rla9e; not fatal.
Chappaier, shot through both legs;
one fractured.
Gunners Fairbanks and Toohey, also
shot in the legs.
Grenadier Captain Mason, Of No. 3
company; slight wound in the thigh.
K. c. Cooke, slightly wounded in the
leg,
Curley Allen, wounded in the shoulder.