The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1885-06-18
the WAR IN The NORTHWEST.
A Detachment OF the Canadian Forces
Have Hot Fight with Big
Bears Forces.
Gen. Middleton Announces His Pur-
pose to Pursue the Red Chieftain
Until He Catches Him.

Winnipeg dispatches give particulars or
an engagement between the Indian Chief
Big Bear and Capt. Steeles mounted force
of Canadians: Capt. Steele and his force,
seventy in number, were scouting south OF
Fort Pitt. as il was reported that Big Bear
had taken the trail for Sounding Lake.
Middleton has given Capt. Steele instruc-
tons TO watch closely and cut OF the re-
treat of the Indians south If they attempted
10 90 that way, while he and Strange with
their forces would watch the north. Steele's
force suddenly came upon Big Bear In
dams at Two Lakes, fifty miles south Of
Fort Pitt. The Indians were striking camp
when Steele discovered them. Their force
seemed to number between $50 and 800.
So suddenly had the scouts come upon the
redskins, and SO near were they to the latter
before seeing them, that there was no chance
of retreat, so Steele at once ordered charge
His men were well mounted and armed,
and as they galloped forward they
were met by shower Of bullets, which
checked them. Still they rode on, how
ever seemingly determined not TO be
driven back, but when another volley was
fired at them, and when Steele perceived
that the Indians outnumbered his forces,
he ordered the men to fall back. 1t was
we'll he did so, for at that moment the In
dams were joined by re- endorsements who
poured out of the bluffs in the rear. They
were well armed, and when they saw the
scouts riding off fired heavy volley.
Steele was, however, determined not to
be beaten so easily, so he hastily laid plans
for another attack upon the Indians. His
force was quickly divided. One-hah
started north to make a detour so as TO
close in on the Indians. The other half
went a short distance east and at a given
signal the two forces closed in upon the In
dams from the rear, taking them completely
by surprise. Soquickly was the movement
planned. and so quickly was it executed,
that before the redskins were aware Of
it the scouts were within fifty yards of
their rear and pouring their bullets into
the camp, doing considerable havoc. The
Indians were so puch alarmed that they
ran pell- down the nvine and across
creek four feet deep. Many of them left
their firearms behind, and most of the
camp outfit was also abandoned
The Indians took refuge in bush on the
other side of the creek, from which they
kept up desultory fire upon the scouts,
who for some time debated the feasibility
of following them over the creek.
As the Indians did not appear TO have
any prisoners with them. and as there was
little hope Of accomplishing anything by
pursuit and attack. Capt. Steele decided to
retreat. Before going away he thought it
we'll to inquire after the condition of the
prisoners, so he sent an interpreter named
Mckee to the bank of the creek with flag
of truce.
AS Mckee stepped forward. several bull
let's whizzed past him, but he went on, and
when he reached the bank firing ceased.
He then called out in Indian:
as Big Bear there?"
The answer came from Big Bear himself:
YES"
Mckee said: "If you will deliver our
people, we will cease firing on YOU"
Big Bear in loud voice replied: 1--WE
intend to clear you out vet; so beware"
Another bullet which whizzed danger
ously near McKee's head after the last an
nouncement appraised him that further par
ley would be useless, SO he beat n hasty
retreat:
Capt. Steele's loss was as follows
Sergt Maj. Fury, shot III the breast,
fatal
William West scout, shot through the
leg.
j. Fisk, shot in the arm.
The Indian loss was considerable, several
bodies being found this side of the ravine.
Middleton has announced that he will pur-
sue Big Bear until he catches him.