The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-05-13
A Brush With the Rebels.

W"J VI oia1h > SlOoslAgs Has .IuSG Uteu
received:
We left camp at this morning, leav-
ing all supplies and tents behind. We
marched seven miles without seeing or
hearing anything of the enemy. The
morning was bright and warm Sud
denly there came a sound Of steamers
whistle blowing continuously. AS we
drew near we heard the sound of heavy
firing in the direction of the river. Our
line of march was as follows: First,
Bouillon scouts, accompanied by gat-
ling gun and srenadiers formed the adj
vance guard, while battery and the
9Oth battalion supported them, with the
! Winnipeg battery and Midland battalion
III reserve. The troops, scouts and gat-
ling then pushed rapidly ahead and
came upon two houses near the bank Of
the river, which here is precipitous. An
advanced party Of rebels were met
who fired and retired behind the house
near the church of st. Laurent, which
was also fired on by the gatling, when
they ran out into the brush. A battery
by this time came up with a rush and
got into position, sending several shells
after the rebels. The grenadiers now
advanced, marching stately into action,
and deployed into line, continuing to
advance in skirmishing order till the
church was reached, when priest came
out Of the house waving q white flag.
n i 4
shook hands, when three other priests
and five sisters of charity came cut A
number of half-breed children were also
inside ia charge of the sisters. Father
arrived at point a little above Batouche
at $50 a. Iii. The rebels Immediately
commenced firing on it from both banks |
It shortly afterWard struck on amud |
bank, but swung clear again, and just
before our arrival passed the crossing. |
He also said the rebels had six killed |
and twelve wounded in the Fish creek |
fight. We just got glimpse of the |
steamer down the river. She must have
had hard fire as her smoke stack was
gone.
The grenadiers advanced, skirmish-
ing through the bushes on the
right of the trail The gatling was
pushed forward down a declevity to-
wards Batouche, now plainly visible in
the valley below. Here the battery was
uniimbered sending shells into the
valley, and while doing so was almost
surprised by a number of rebels. who
crept up through the bushes, not being
discovered until they were twenty yards
distant They made a rush for the guns
firing and yelling as they ran. Capt.
Howard, who operates the gatIing gun,
saw the danger, ran the gun couple of
yards in front of the battery, and open
ing fire, literally moved the rebels
down. Those remaining turned and
ran from it. Reaching the shelter of
the brush they opened fire again and
escape was something mar
yelous. With bullets flying all around
him he CALAMITY maintained his posi-
tion, and the rebels, unable to stand the
terrible fire. returned to the pits con
structed in q ravine running from the
river.
II a. m.-As now write Capt French
with his scouts and part of the dis
men of a battery are down in
! ravine. The firing is continuous on
he left and center, but scattering on the {
right. After gallant but vain efforts to d
lrive the rebels from their rifle pits, I
French S scouts and the battery men re-
ired. The wounded are now being /
in. 5
VIM. Druce, lately a prisoner of Riel,
,ut who escaped on Tuesday, was !
brought in by scouts. He says that ;
3ie's force is little over 400, half Of a
whom were on the other side Of the i
iver when he left. Ee also said that ! !
yhen ammunition was sent the rebels 4
My had one keg of powder remaining. il
Bullets are also scarce. Women and Z
hildren have been sent to the other 7
idle Of the river. Prisoners are safe, 50 .,
II as he knew. Beardy is not with ii
siel, but has been sent for Riel Du- q
lont, Gameau and other leaders are in !.
siel's camp. No news has been receiv- !,
q from the steamer, but she keeps b,
lowing her whistle, hence it is con-
luded she Is safe. The sound appar- {, 8
ntly comes from two Or three miles = !.
own the river. Early ii the morning se
roWds of women, children and wound g
men were seen hurrying into the $ $
rI1sh an the other side Of The rivar s