New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-05-14
THE CAPTURE OF BATOUCHE.

General Middetons operations against the
rebels entrenched at Batouche, which began III
an attack on the rifle pits last Saturday, nave
issued, after four days fighting, in the capture
of the village by a gallant and determined
charge The rebel positions were very strong.
Their rihe-pits extended several miles in hall
circle in front of BatOuche, and they had inner
lines of defence, their centre being the village
II was at first intended that the steamer north
cote which had been protected rs far as posi-
BILE by plating her with sheet-iron, should JOIN
in the attack; but in passing up the river she
was assailed by Riel's sharpshooters, and so
roughly handled that she had to drop out OF fire
as quickly as she could,a thenceforth nothing
was heard of her. The first operations against
Batouche resulted in a partial success for the
troops, but they did not drive the enemy from
his positions. The two following days
desultOry fire, under cover on both sides, was
maintained, with no practical results. 1t was
then evident that the rifle-pits must he carried
by storm, at any cost, and late on Tuesday Cen
eral Middleton concluded his dispositions and
the troops advanced pluckily. On approaching
the line of pits they sustained destructive fire,
but were not checked by it, and before the reb-
els could reload the Canadians were among
them with the bayOnet
Riers men then abandoned the pits and fell
back on Batouche, hating wherever the Drush
afforded cover, and contesting the advance OF
the troops The latter, however, were by TINS
time warm, and pressed forward, driving the
rebels back into and finally out of the village,
and fortunately accomplishing their end so
quickly that Riel had not time to massacre his
prisoners, as he had declared his intention of
doing. His conduct in regard to these prison
ers. however, was disgraceful, and they were
only saved from butchery by few minutes.
This is the first immutaby severe punishment
inflicted on the rebels, and if it is followed up
promptly it may go far toward breaking the
neck of the rebellion. Some of Rers aids have
been captured. and he is said to have lost
heavily in the four days fighting, especially
during the final charge. An effective cavalry
force, if the country admits OF pursuit. would
probably at this juncture dispense the disheart-
ened remnant of Riels followers, but IL they are
permitted to retreat unmoested they may en-
trench themselves again elsewhere and give
more trouble If, however, their supplies have
been captured and their ammunition, they Will
find it difficult 10 rally, and the decisive charac-
ter of their defeat will prevent new recruits
from joining them. General Middleton's eau
ton has proved wise. and though the final adj
vance was costly the results are worth the sac
| riice.
Colonel Offers force at Battleford is
not out of danger, and unless supplies and
achievements can be conveyed to him quickly,
it does not seem probable that he will venture
to attack the Indians on Poundmaker's reser-
walton again. Meantime the Dominion Govern
ment is said TO be seriously embarrassed by the
demand for reinforcements.