Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-04-15
THE NORTHWEST WAR.
CEN. MTDDLETONS MARCH,
Dominion Troops Moving slowly 10 the Seat
Of observation-disclosures Rising All Over the

Dominion Troop. Moving slowly to the seat
Of RebeiIion-Indians Rising All Over the
Territory.
A Winnipeg MANI special says The
absence Of any news from Fort Pitt
still occasions grave apprehensions here.
There is now little doubt that the place
has fallen and that the inhabitants have
been mastered. This conclusion ~
strengthened by the absence OF any
news from that point, as a special effort
would doubtless have been made by the
police to send a courier with news un-
der any circumstances. 1t is feared
that none has been left to tell
the story. The position at Battletord
remains unchanged, except that the
supply Of provisions is rapidly dlmln-
ishinc. Messages from the besieged
urge that relief be sent a. soon as pos
sible. In consequence of this the ex-
pedition under General Strange Will
start north at once. 1t was intended
to send an expedition up the South Sas-
katchewan to join General Middleton
at Clark's Crossing, but because oil the
earnest need Of troops in the north this
scheme was abandoned, and the contIn-
gent which was TO 60 that way has
been ordered to proceed across the
country by the shortest route to the
relief Of BattlefOrd. Swift Current
has been made a base of supplies
and placed under the command OF Cen
eral Laurie. Another expedition Is TO
start from Calgary at once to the relief
Of Edmonton, a point from which no
news has been received for some time.
II is known that the town must be in
q critical position, a. the half-breeds Iii
that vicinity are known to have taken
up arms some time ago, but the cutting
of the telegraph wires prevented com
munication. The place is, however,
tolerably well garrisoned and provi-
stoned. The expedition will be escorted
by a corps Of mounted infantry. Trails
are in tolerably good condition, and on
forced marches forty miles could be
made per day.
GENERAL MIDDLETON's ADVANCE.
A dispatch from General Middleton
to-day announced that he had reached
a point twenty miles this side Of Hum
boldt, where he was informed Of Rlel's
move i'll crossing the South Branch,
and at once gave orders to have scouts
prccede the main column and recon-
noitre with view of aScertsining eN-
actly what Riel'S plans are. Those
who know Riel best say he will never
advance to meet the army for the pur-
pose of fighting, and all agree that his
policy will be to entrench himself
and form an ambush, surprise Ten
eral Middleton, and if possible disorgan-
izc the army. General Middleton init
mated privately that he has information
which leads him to conclude that Rel
has formidable force under his com
mand. although nothing official IS
known. 1t is thought that General
Middleton, in view Of the excellent
progress made in marching, will, if un-
opposed by the rebels, push on to Bat
tleford, as it is said to be the pro-
gramme Of the Indians, after taking
Fort Pitt, if they have not already
done so. to march on Battlcford, which
is really the key to the whole situation,
and which. once in the hands Of the
enemy. would be difficult to retake. Its
central position, besides, would make it
an important vantage point for the
Indians. thousands of whom live on re-
serves in the vicinity. Intelligence
from towns throughout the Territories
indicates considerable activity i'll the
matter Of preparing for defence. Citi-
zcnS are sending their families to Win
nipeg and other points for safety. Dis
patches also indicate that the Indians
are rising in small bands all over the
Territories, and are marching north,
presumably TO join the rebels. \ Prince
Albert courier reports having seen 300
mounted Indians proceeding toward
Duck lake. Ice is running ont of the
Saskatchewan river. and it is hoped
communication will be established by
boat with Prince Albert in a few days.
ANOTHER BESIEGED POST.
A late dispatch tonight says the
Hudson Bay post of Frog lake is
threatened. Twenty-Five police and ten
settlers are besiegcd there. Fifty
Stones have gone from BattIeford to
aid the Indians in the West. The re-
maindcr are raiding and burning the
deserted houses. The Ninth battalion,
which arrived here on Saturday night.
left for the West this morning. Colonel
Williams. VI. r.. with the Seventh
FusiierS from London, arrived here to-
night and will proceed West tomorrow.
The Goyernor-Gencral's body guards
and another battalion, also under the
command Of Colonel Williams, will ar
rive tomorrow from the East. An
ambulance corps, consisting Of twenty
six physicians from eastern towns, ar
rived to-day and willproceed tomorrow
to JOIN the field forces.
THE MASSACRE AT FROG LAKE.
More details of the recent massacre
at Frog Lake are TO hand. The red
skins entered Gowanlock's house with
out saying anything and one Of their
deliberately shot him. An
other Indian raised his rifle and shot
GilchriSt. When Mrs. GowanlOck
rushed forward and attempted to stop
him he fired at her, killing her instantly.
EUSSI1 AND ENGLAND.