Connecticut western news., 1885-05-06
LATEST NEWS NOTES.
Happenings of Interest to All,
 At Home and Abroad
WAR IN THE NORTHWEST.

Later reports say the engagement was sharp. The excellence of the rebel marksmanship seems to have been proved on this occasion, the casualties among the troops being consid- erable for so brief an affair. The rebels had prepared an ambush, and appear to have sur prised General Middleton's advance, and the General himself narrowly escaped death, his hat being pierced by ball. Riels force took advantage of a wooded ravine as cover and having retreated to this practically inaccessible shelter after being driven from their position on the level ground, the action seems to have ceased.
 CONSUL TAYLoR's REPORT.
 United States Consul James W. Taylor, at Winnipeg, sent the following report of the en- gagement to Secretary Bayard:-
 The battle with Rieps force at Fish Greek continued all day Friday. The Canadian loss was twelve killed and forty-seven wounded. Middleton retired about 8 mile to open a space near the east bank of the Saskatchewan. He was reinforced by column from the other side of the river, but the number of troops still does not exceed six hundred. The rebel forces, including scouting party, en- gagged probably three hundred, but there are rumors of hostile Indians in the rear of Mid dleton. The situation is very grave. There was a storm of rain and high wind last night. There is hope of the arrival of the steamer Northcote from Swift Current with Gatling gun, but there is danger of her being inter rupted or getting aground on the sandbars of the Saskatchewan.
 The rebel loss is unknown, on account of their advantageous position on Fish Creek in 8 wooded ravine. The insurgents were led by Gabriel Dumont Their fire was most deadly Nearly all who were killed were shot through the head or heart. There is hospital for the wounded at Clark's Crossing. The occupation of Battleford by other troops, relieving the garrison and the settlers, may check further hostilities by the North Saskatchewan Indians. There is telegraphic communication with Bat tleford but the battle field is twenty-five miles from the nearest station. News comes only by courier to Clark's Crossing. General Mid dleton announces his purpose to the Ottawa authorities to advance immediately on Riers headquarters and Batouche Crossing. His rear is now east or south of South Saskatche- wan.
 A dispatch says that when the Canadian troops were retreating sixty rebels came out from their ambush and jeered at them. It would take nearly ten days for endorsements to reach them, as all the available troops are at be forwarded by water, the river being very low. If the rebels cut of the retreat and cap ture the supply depots the entire army must perish. Judging from the first battle, those who understand the position are inclined to believe the whole army will be cut to pieces. The gravity of the position in the country can now be appreciated. Few doubt there will be 8 bloody Indian war, as, fired by victory at the outset runners will be sent out to all the tribes, who will probably join the revolt.
 A courier brings news that Gabriel Dumont, the lieutenant of Riel, was among those killed in the engagement of Friday. Dumont had command of the rebel force during the battle.
 In bis report of the engagement, Gen. Mid dleton says: The troops behaved very well in this their first affair. The killed and wounded are, I regret to say, too numerous.
 A Fort Qu'Appelle message says: '1nforma ton has reached here from a trustworthy source that plan of attack is being concocted by half breeds and Indians. Thero are about 500 male half breeds in this district. While all are profuse in professions of loyalty, they have relatives and friends fighting in the north, and their sympathies are with the insurgents. The Indians have been disaf- fected for some time, owing to harsh treat ment by those in authority, and notwithstand- ing the message they have sent to Sir John Macdonald, it is known that they are secretly preparing for 8 rising. Those in position to know consider the situation extremely grave, surrounded as Qu'Appelle is by twenty Indian reserves. Arms are being distributed to settlers for protection. Every precaution is being taken by Col O'Brien with the force at his command, and by the local authorities. The Sioux bands in the neighborhood are said to have been threatened with extermination if they do not join the malcontents."
 Advices from Gen. Middleton on Friday say that he cannot move until supplies and ann munition reach him.
 private telegram to the sympathizers of Riel in Winnipeg says there were only twenty five rebels engaged in the recent fight, and these drove back the Canadian troops.
 It is rumored that Riel has moved all his forces from Batouche and intrenched himself again in the ravine where the previous battle occurred. He is reported to have 800 fighting men well armed, and to have said that he would clean out the Government forces as surely as the Philistines of old were cleaned out.