Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1885-05-15
A NORTHW BATTLE.
VICTORY lNcLlNEs TO THE TROOPS.
The Battle Ssill in Progress ~ the De-
spatches Lcave-The Troops Surprised
But the Calling Saved the Day
Particulars of the Battle.

morning. 1t began by cannonading the
log and earthworks of the insurgents by
Middleton artillery corps. The result 80
far is understood to be Il drawn battle.
An attempt will probably be made when
the works have been reduced to storm the
position simultaneously from the front
and flank, when frightful fatalities are
likely to result as the enemy are well
armed and deadly in aim.
WINNIPEG, Man, May 10.-The follow
ing account of the battle between Gen. Mid
dleton's force and the insurgents has just
been received "Batouche's Crossing, via
Clarke's Crossing, May 8. We left camp
ut six this morning leaving all supplies
I'd tents behind. We marched seven
miles without seeing or hearing any thing
of the enemy. The morning was bright
and warm suddenly came the sound of
steamers whistle blowing continuously,
and as we drew nearer we heard the sound
of firing on our front in the direction of
the river. We pushed rapidly ahead and
soon came upon two houses near the
bank of the river which here is
very precipitious An advance party of
rebels were met, who fired and retir-
ed behind Il house towards a hollow.
The Calling was brought to bear on them
when they ran into house near the
church Of Saint Laurent, which was also
fired upon by the Calling when they ran
out INTO the bush. The "a" battery by
this time came up with rush and got
into position sending several shells after
the rebels. The grenaders now advanced
marching steadily into action and deploy-
ed into line continuing to advance in
skirmishing order till the church was
reached when pripSt n "a hon 10
waving white i1ag. Cen Middleton and
stan advanced and shook hands with him
when three other priests and five sisters of
charity came out. number of half
breeds children were also inside in charge
ofthe sisters. FatherAlauln informed them
that the steamer arrived at Il point little
above Batouche at $50 p. m. The rebels
Immediately commenced firing on it from
both banks. 1t shortly after struck mud
bank, but swung clear again and lust be-
fore our arrival passed through. He also
said that the rebels had six killed and
twelve wounded at Fish Creek
he grenadlerS advanced diminishing
through the bush on the right of the trail,
the Gazing gun being pushed forward
down the decllvity toward BatOuche now
plainly visible III the valley below. Here
the battery numbered on top of the ridge,
sending shells into the enemy, and while
doing SO We're almost surprised by "a mum
Der of reDeIs who crept up through the
bllSiI, lIOI bclIlS ulSCONtGeu UDtlI SUU NuGuS
distant. They made Il rush for the guns,
firing and yelling as they ran. Captain
Howard formerly of the United States
army, who operates the Calling gun saw
the danger, ran the gun couple of yards
IN from OF the battery and opening fire
literally moved the rebels down. Those
remaining turned and ran from the gun
reaching the shelter of the bush. They
opened fire again and Towards escape
from injury is marvellous. Bullets were
flying all around him, but he gallantly
maintained his position and the rebels
unable to stand the terrible fire returned
to the pits constructed in q ravine running
from the river. AT noon our loss was one
killed and seven wounded. The rebel
fire has gradually ceased. The troops
however are still keeping up scattering
lie along the line gradually slackening
until clock, when only few dropping
shots were heard. No more of our troops
have been hurt. William Bruce lately
prisoner OF Riel's, but who escaped on
Tuesday, was brought in by scouts. He
says that RleI force is a little over 300 half
OF whom were on the other side of the river
when he lett. He also says that when
ammunition was served to the rebels only
one keg OF powder remained. Bullets are
also scarce. The women and children had
been sent to the other side of the river and
the prisoners are safe so far as he knows.
6OO p. m.-Ihe firing has now entirely
ceased, bat may be resumed at any mo-
ment. No news has been received from
the steamer but she keeps blowing her
whistle, hence II is concluded she is safe.
The sound apparently comes from two or
three miles down the river.
$50 p ma body of rebels have just
opened ilre from the bluff near the river
on our LETT evidently on our skirmish-
erS' They have fired three volleys, but
are shooting too high. The Winnipeg
battery are sheIling the houses in the
distance, where large numbers of the reb
els are gathered. \ second shell crashes
through the first house. Another shell
blows off the roof of the house beyond AS
the Dispatches leave scattered firing is 90
ing on. We expect to clean out the rebels
tomorrow and to communicate with the
boat later.
A ST. Paul despatch says: Gen. Cooke
one of the Minnesota Indian war veterans
was interviewed this evening as to the
outlook II general Indian uprising in tn,
Northwest was to occur. He says Middle
ton must achieve a decisive victory or al
the Indians will have ON their war paint
in week. Should the halfbreeds achiev,
signal victory over Middleton the resul
would he most disastrous.
Precautionary step, Taken to Prevent al
Uprising of American Indians-Half-
breeds at Deer Forks Plumber
ing the settlement.
WINNIPEG, May THE United State
putilolllitS ellC ldhllS SJcp
towards preventing an uprising of Indian
along the international boundary in con
sequence of representations made by Con
sui Taylor of Winnipeg, to the war de
partment. The Goth regiment, which ha
been stationed at Fort Leavenworth, ha
been ordered to Fort Assnibone, south O
Fort Macleod and in close proximity t
the Blackfeet country. The goth is an oil
and favorite regiment, composed of vet
eran frontiersmen. 1t was this regimen
that, in 1871, under Col. Wheaton, SUI
pressed the Fenian invasions, The Cor
sui says that in obedience to special order
from Fort Smelling, Company /, Sevent
Cavalry, of Fort Totten, under Captai
NOwlan and Lieut.. Waterman, starte
for the Turtle Mountains u few days az
to prevent Indians and half breeds fror
joining Riel This is simply precau
tiOnary measure
The Settlement at Deer Forks Plundere