The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1867-188?, 1885-05-13
BATTLE WITH REBELS,
General Middleton Has Another Skirmiai
With the Indians and Half f-Breeds
at Batouche.
The Rebels Fire on the Steamer Northcote
Kidding Her with Bullets-Captain
Howard's Heroic Conduct
Saves His Gun.

ANOTHER sKIRsusH WITH THE REBELS.
WINNIPEG, May 1l.-General Middle
toms troops had another skirmish with a
large force Of rebels near Batouche Satur-
day. The troops advanced seven miles
from camp, the steamer Northcote keeping
pace with them on the river. Suddenly a
sound Of the steamers whistle was heard,
followed by heavy firing in front and in the
direction of the river. This was answered
by a 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 towards hollow
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. The rebels then ran out
into the bush. A battery of artillery rushed
to the front and sent several shells after the
rebels.
The Grenadiers advanced In skirmishlng
order till the church was reached, when o
priest came out of the house waving awhite
flag. General Middleton and staff ad-
yanced and shook hands with him, when
three other priests and five Sisters of Chari-
ty came out. A number of half-breeds and
children were also inside in charge Of the
Sisters.
Father Menlin, one of the priests, said the
steamer arrived at point a little above
Batouche, at five a. m, and the rebels i'm
medlately commenced firing on II from both
banks II 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.
The Grenadiers advanced, sklrmlshlng
through the bush on the right Of the trail,
the Calling being pushed forward down the
declvity towards Batouche, which was now
plainly visible in the valley below here.
"a" battery unlimbered on top Of the ridge,
sending shells among the rebels. Whilst
doing so they were almost surprised by q
number 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. Capt
ain Howard, of the American army, who
| operates the Calling gun, saw the danger
| and with cool daring waited until the rebels
were only couple Of yards In front OF the
battery and opening fire literally moved
them down. Those remaining turned and
ran.
Reaching the shelter Of the bush they
opened fire again, and Howard's escape
from injury was marvellous, the bullets fly
ing all around him. lie CALAMITY main
tained his position and the rebels, unable to
stand the terrible fire, returned to pit con-
structed In the ravine running from the
| river.
At two D. m. the rebels fire gradually
ceased, the troops, however, still keeping up
a scattered fire all along the line, gradually
slackenlng until four o'clock, when only a
few dropping shots were heard.
| At G:3O the rebels opened fire again from
a bluff near the ravlne. but were shelled
out. Winnipeg battery resumed and shelled
some houses in the distance where large
number of rebels had gathered. One shell
crashed through the first house and the
rebels rushed out Another shell blew the
roof of the second house and the rebels re-
treated to Riel's camp at Batouche.
William Bruce, lately prisoner Of Riel,
who escaped, says Riers force is little
over 400, half Of whom are on the other side
| OF the river. He also says that when anu
muntIon was served to the rebels only one
keg Of powder 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 supposed to be severe.
The following is list Of the killed and
wounded among the troops: Gunner Phil
lips, shot through the stomach, died while
being carried in; Thomas ]. Stout run oyel
by carriage, not fatal; Chappatier shot
through both legs, one fractured; Gunner'
Fairbanks and Loohy, also shot In the legs
Grenadier Captain Mason, No. 2 company
slight wound in thigh; r. Cook, slight wounc
in leg, and Curley Allen, wounded in tht
shoulder.
Il is supposed the rebel stronghold a
) Batouche was stormed yesterday, but NJ
particulars are In yet.