Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-04-26
MIDDLETON GIVESBATTLE
12 OF HIS MEN KILLED AND AZ
WOUNDED.


Riel's Forces in a Good Position and
Deadly Accurate in Their Firing-The
Rebel Loss Not Known-Not Much Yet
Accomplished by the Dominion Troops.
WASHINGTON, April 25.-ConsuI Tay-
lor, at Winnipeg, Manitoba, has tele-
graphed to the State Department that
Gen. Middleton, commanding the Cana
dian forces, had a battle with RiePs force
of re bells at Fish creek, which lasted all
day Friday. The Canadian loss was u
killed and AZ wounded. Gen. Middleton
retired about mile TO an open space
near the east bank OF the Saskatchewan.
lie was reinforced by
column from the other side OF the river,
but the number Of troops still does not
exceed 600. The rebel forces engaged
were probably 800, but there are rumOrs
Of hostile Indians in the rear Of Gen. Mid.
dleton. The situation is very grave.
The rebel loss Is unknown on account Of
their advantageous position on Fish
creek in a wooded ravine. The insur-
gents were led by Gabriel Dumont. Their
fire was most deadly. Nearly all who
were killed were shot through the head or
heart.
RIRL MAKES THE ATTACK.
A dispatch from Clark's Crossing,
Northwest Territory, gives a detailed ac-
men yesterday, but adds but little OF fact
beyond what is contained in Consul
Iaylor's report. Capt. Clark, of the
Ninetieth Canadian Militia, was among
the killed, and Lieut.. Swinefort, of the
same regiment, was mOrtally wounded.
About a dozen of Rieps men were
captured. The attack was made by
RlePs men. and was somewhat of a sur
prise to Gen. Middleton. Rel's men were
N
preached over an open prairie. The first
notice Gen. Middleton had Of the presence
OF the enemy was volley frem 20 or 30
rebel scouts upon his advance. Gen.
Middleton's men behaved well. Gen.
Middleton reports his intention of push
ing forward to attack RiePs headquarters.
ANOTHER REPORT.
WINNIPEG, April 25.-A correspond
ent telegrapbs from Charles crossing as
follows: ga messenger came down from
camp this morning and reports that when
he left the rebels were out in the bush be-
yOnd the ravine cheering and jeerIng the
troops. The troops were ordered up to
drive them of, but they captured
one medicine chest and few
boxes OF canned beef. He
also reported that the officers would not
allow him to come down on the east side
as there were rebels In the woods at Nc
lntosh, and adds that he thinks that we
were in luck TO get through. This
strengthens the impression that the
rebels have prevented any messengers
coming through from Gen. Middleton
tonight. Gen. Middleton seems to have
been unable to accomplish anything of
Importance in the way of an advance on
the rebels. 1t Is understood here that he
is hampered by the necessity of caring
for the wounded and having supplies and
ammunition forwarded. Itappears at pres
ent as If no further fighting would take
place before Sunday"
BAD REPULsE FOR MIDDLETON.
All the reports of yesterdays fight
show that the rebels had the best OF it.
They were driven from one part of their
position, but held the ravine, and their
fire caused terrible havoc among the
troops. Gen. Middleton evidently did not
appreciate the fighting qualities of the
half-breeds lOr he would not have sent
raw volunteers unaccustomed to rifle
shooting to dislodge from a strong posi-
tion such accomplished sharpshooters.
The latter fired with deadly accuracy
from behind shelter. Gen. Middleton's
repulse is almost sure to have a bad
effect, as the news will stir up
the Indians to renewed outrages. The
arrival OF Col. Otter's force at Battle
ford is most fortunate, giving assurance
that the Indians at that point will be
held in check. Fort Q'Appelle couriers
last night brought information that sup
plies for the rebels were passing north,
and shortly after midnight 100 infantry
and 20 men from the Body Guards were
sent by Col. O'Brien to intercept them.
The Piapots' reserve is being visited to-
day by Indian Agent Macdonald.
RIEL sYMPATHIZERs.
MONTREAL, April pa public meet.
ing called this evening in the interest OF
Rlel and the rebels had 10 be abandoned
owing TO hostile demonstrations made by
large number OF English
speaking young men. A prominent sup
porter Of Rlel said that the meeting would
have 10 be abandoned owing TO an
awakening of public feeling by the news
of FHIday's battle.