The Portland daily press., 1885-05-11
RIEL'S REBELLION.
Gen. MiddIeton's Forces Give Bat
tie to the Rebels.
Canadian Reports State Neither Side
Was Victorious.

WINNIPEG, May 10-Reports from the front
are to the effect that battle between Middle
ton 8 forces and Riel, at Batouche, has been
raging since yesterday morning. 1t began by
canHonading the log earthworks of the insuf-
gents by Mlddleton's artillery CORDS. The re-
suit so far is understood to bs drawn battle,
An attempt will probably be made when the
works have been reduced, to storm the nosi-
tion simultaneously from the front and flank,
when frightful fatalities are likely to result as
the enemy are well armed and deadly in their
aim.
ST. PAUL, Min, May 1O.-Gen. Crooke, one
OF the Minnesota Indian war veterans was in
terviewed this evening as to the outlook for a
general Indian uprising in the Northwest Ter
rtory. He says Middleton must achieve de-
cisivs victory, or all the Indians will have on
their war paint in q week, and should the
half breeds achieve signal victory over Mid
dleton, the result would be most disastrous.
LATER.
WINNIPEG, May 10-The following account
OF the battle between Gen. Middleton g forces
ana the Insurgents has just been received:
BAToUcHE CROSSING,
Via Olark's Crossing, May g.
We left camp at o'clock this morning, leay-
ing all supplies and tents behind We march
ed seven miles without seeing or hearing any,
thing of the enemy. The morning was bright
ard warm. Suddenly there came the sound of
steamers whistle, blowing continuously, and
90 VIC uEcW ubaE6E VIC 0e&ru tD0 sound OF
heavy firing on our front, in the direction of
theriver. We pushed ahead and soon came
Hpon two houses near the bank of the river
which here is very prscipitous. An advance
party OF rebels were met, who fred and then
retired behind the house towards the hollow.
Gatling gun was brought TO bear on them,
but they ran into house near the church of
st. Lament, which was also fired upon by the
gun, when they ran out into the bush. Bat
tery. A came up by this time with rush, and
Ynfr int kfou. -
the rebels, and the Grenadiers then advanced.
marching steadily into action, and deployed
into line, continuing to advance in skirmishing
order till the church was reached, when a
priest came out OF the house waving white
flag. Gen. Middleton and his staff advanced
and shook hands with him, when three other
priests and five sisters of charity came ont.
Father Maulin informed me that steamer
arrived at a point q little above Bstouehe, at
$50 a. n., when the rebels immediately COM
menced firing upon her from both banks She
shortly after struck on mud bank, but swung
clear again, and just before our arrival passed
the Crossing. He also said the rebels had six
killed and twelve wounded at Fish Greek.
The Grenadiers then advanced, skirmishing
through the brush on the right of the trail,
Gatling gun being pushed forward down de-
clivity toward Batouche, and is now plainly
visible in tue valley below. Here the battery
unllmbered on the top of ridge, sending
shells into the eDemy, and while doing SO we're
O.
crept up through the brush, not being disooy-
cred till twenty yards distant, They made a
rush for the guns, firing and yelling as they
ran. Capt. Howard, formerly of the United
States Army, who operates the Gatling gun,
saw tue danger, and ran the gun couple OF
yards in front of the battery, and opening fire
literally moved the rebels down Those re-
manning, turned and ran from the gun. Reach
ing the shelter OF the brush, they opened fire
sgsin, and how Howard escaped from injury
was marvellous, as the bullets were fiyine ali
around him, but he gallantly maintained his
position, and the rebels, unable to stand the
terrible fire. returned to the pits constructed
In the rayine running from the river. Our
loss is one killed and seven wounded, The
rebels fire gradually ceased, but the troops
however, kept up scattering fire along the
line, gradually slackening until O'clock
when only a few dropping shots were heard.
No more OF our troops have been hurt
William Bruce lately prisoner of Riels
forces, but who escaped Tuesday was brought
in by scouts. He says Riel's force ia a little
over 500, half of whom were on the other side
OF the river when he left. He also SAYS that
when ammunition was served to the rebels
there was only one keg OF powder, and that
was damaged. Bullets are also scarce. The
women and children had been sent to the 9TH
er side OF the river, and the prisoners ars we'll
so far as he knows.
The firing has now entirely ceased, but may
oe resumed at any moment. No news has
been received from the steamer, but she keeps
blowing her whistle, hence it ia concluded
that she is safe. The sound apparently comes
from or miles down the river.
$50 g. ma body of rebels have Just open.
ed fire from the Bluff near the river on our
left front evidently our skirmishing line
They have tired three villages, but are shooting
too high. The Winnipeg battery are shslling
houses In the distance, where large numbers Of
rebels are gathered.
MONTREAL, May 10,-Much excitement
exists here over. the news of the en-.
gsgement at Ratouche,
OTTAWA, May 10.--The feeling here over
the news from the Northwest today is intense.
The papers have issued extras, giving accounts
OF the battle, the newspaper offices were
crowded all day and the fight was the sole top
lc OF conversation everywhere. It is under
stood the government have received a report
confirming the news received by the press AS
the despatch leaves, scattered firing is going
on. We expect to clean out the rebels to-mor-
row and shall communicate with the boat lat.
er.