Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-04-16
ABATTLE NEAR ATHAND.
An Engagement soon Expected in the North

A Winnipeg special says A special
correspondent at the seat Of war tele-
graghs this evening as follows at
has been decided that the whole Of this
division will advance to Batoches when
Joined By the Grenadiers and Major
Bolton. We will probably meet the
rebels, who are encamped on both sides
of the river, either on Saturday or
Sunday. Colonel Irvine will proba-
bly, make a sortie from Prince AL
bert with 300 men, and will attack
the rebels on the north side, while this
command will fight the larger force
on this side. Indian scouts say that
Blackfeet runners have reached Battle
ford and told the Indians there that
thousands Of their tribe would arrive
to help them. Riel is making an adj
vance with fully 1000 men, including
Sioux Indians. Indians are joining
him every day. Big Bear is now on his
way TO join him. Mcleod, who has
just come in with dispatches, says the
Indians intend taking Battleford by
night. They captured Bill Scanthing,
who was sent with dispatches from
Prince Albert. A dispatch from Swift
Current this evening states that Colonel
Otter, commander Of the Queens Own
battalion, of Toronto, has received
instructions 10 abandon the river expe-
dition and form flying column fer the
relief of Battleford.
A st. Paul (Minn.) telegram says:
The Pioneer Press correspondent with
General Middleton telegraphs from
Humboldt as follows: Whatever opin-
ion may have been formed of a farcical
nature Of the expedition was changed
last night by the receipt of news from
the north per messengers who have met
and conversed with the insurgent half
breeds. They say that the half-breeds
are now encamped on both sides of the
river ut Batoches, the larger force being
on this side, and that having large guam
titles of provisions number of half
starved Indians have joined them. This
command, after five days marching, in
which over 100 miles have been covered,
through mud and water, rests here for
a day to await the arrival of reinforce
ments."
Official reports from Battleford show
everything quiet there Tuesday night.
Captain Morris, in charge there, tele-
graphs that he sent scouts out to try
and ascertain what had become of
large number of Indians who had been
encamped near there ever since the raid
was made on the town, but they could
find no trace of them. 1t is generally
believed they have gone north to form
a junction with Indians at Frog Lake,
when the combined forces will advance
eastward to Join Riel. To meet imme-
date expenses in connection with the
rebellion Sir Leonard Tilley laid mes
sage from the Governor-General on the
table of the House Tuesday night
recommending that Parliament author
ize a special credit vote Of 100000.
The Toronto Mail, the organ of the
Dominion Government, publishes an
editorial to-day on the Northwest rebel
lion, which is evidently inspired by
Sir John Macdonald, and is very signi
ficant of the probable action of the Gov
eminent. In reference to the outbreak,
the AaR says the grievances of the
half-breeds will have to be heard some
day, and the sooner the public under
stands them the better. An unreasOn-
ing cry for blood and revenge would be
q misfortune. The expedition is proba-
bly, costing 100000 per day, and al
ready. in all probability, some 100000
has been spent or incurred. Fighting
for the mere sake of fighting or for re-
venge is poor business, and our people
will be best pleased with blsodless, if
successful, campaign. If Riel offers to
submit, no doubt wisdom will guide
the deliberations Of those who will have
the charge Of the negotiations.
IiIy telegraph to the Dispatch.l
WINNIPEG, April l5.-A Battle
ford dispatch says the country north Of
there was burned yesterday for miles
by Indians travelling westward. All
the farms on both sides of the river
were raided and horses and cattle driven
away. Signal fires are seen all around.
The garrison, however, are powerless
TO do anything except to hold them
selves in readiness to repel an attack.