Farm instructor Craig is struck wih an axe


"Farm instructor Craig is struck wih an axe. Start of the so-called Cree rebellion"
Saskatchewan Herald 6/25/1884 The Indian Trouble For some months past rumors have been current of prospective troubles with the Indians, but none could be traced to any reliable source, and it seemed as though the peacefulness which has so long reigned between the red man and the paleface was to remain unbroken. That there was discontent, however, could not and was not concealed, but all thought that the Indians knowing their numerical weakness and how poorly they would be provisioned for a war would not dare to entertain the idea of taking up arms against the authorities. Last week saw all these expectations suddenly scattered and an outbreak fraught with untold horrors only avoided by a miracle. It may not be generally known that Lucky Man and Little Pine have been allotted reserves on Battle River, the former adjoining Poundmaker on the west, the latter's reserves being some miles farther up the river. In the past, however, Little Pine's men have been living on Lucky Man's reserve, but their intention was to proceed to their own reserve this week. On Tuesday, the 17th, matters were brought to a climax, Instructor Craig was in the warehouse issuing rations to Indians who had earned them when two men came in and asked for provisions. One of them, who had been on the sick list for a few days, received his portion, but according to Craig's story-the other, an indolent, troublesome fellow, also demanded rations. Craig promised him that if he would work he would feed him, but not otherwise. The demand was renewed several times and as often refused, and losing his temper the Indian seized an axe handle and struck Craig several blows with it. It so happened that a small detachment of police had arrived on the reserve the previous evening, but they deem it injudicious to attempt an arrest unassisted. * * * * * On Wednesday morning Supt. Crozier, Inspector Antrobus and about thirty men left for the reserve, every available mount in the barracks being taken. Orders, however, were left for all horses in the neighbourhood to be held in readiness at a moment's notice. Upon arriving at the reserve Supt. Crozier found the Indians gathered from all parts of the district for the purpose of holding their annual thirstdance and indulging in threats as to what they would do in certain cases. He at once ordered the cattle and provisions to be removed from Lucky Man's reserve to that of Poundmaker's, at which place he constructed a bastion of logs, rendered bullet proof by tiers of sacks of flour and oats. The horses were put in the corral behind the house, and earthworks thrown up to protect them. This work extended far into the night, but when completed presented a formidable appearance and could have been held for some time against considerable force. Owing to the threatening attitude of the Indians a messenger was dispatched to Battleford for additional men and ammunition, and early on Thursday morning Sergeant-Major Kirk left with thirty additional men on horses that had been collected from civilians. Notice was given that any women and children who so desired might be quartered in the barracks, and the rifles and ammunition of the Battleford infantry were issued to volunteers, many members having left the limits. The Indians upon the arrival of the police, gathered in their horses, sent their women and children away, and hung out their medicine bags, which according to their customs, meant an open declaration of war and an invitation to the red coats to "come on." * * * * * On Thursday Major Crozier sent the instructor on Strike-him-on-the-Back's reserve to the camp to explain the object of his visit and to ask if they intended to give up the prisoners. Upon receiving their reply, Major Crozier unarmed and unaccompanied by any men save an interpreter, visited the camp and held a council with the chiefs. He explained to them that the men had been accused of a breach of the law and that he had received orders for their arrest-orders which he had no choice by to obey-and asked that the prisoners be given up to him quietly. He promised them a fair trial, and guaranteed that if they were innocent, as they claimed to be, they would be released. At first they were determined in their refusal to give up the men, but after some delay it was proposed by some of the Crees that the trial should be held in the Indian camp. To this Major Crozier assented, although he explained to them that he would prefer to hold it at he farm house, where he had his table and book and papers. Chief Poundmaker objected to holding the trial in the camp and expressed his preference for going down to the instructor's house because as he was overheard by the interpreter to explain to the remainder that should the police open fire on them, some of the women and children-who had returned during the forenoon-might be killed. * * * * * About 4 a.m. on Friday Major Crozier left the Indian camp, having received a promise from the Indians that they would come down at nine o'clock with the prisoners. As they did not come at the appointed time he again visited the camp and remained with them talking until between four and five o'clock that evening, at which time he had succeeded in inducing them to come within a half-a-mile of the instructor's house. Here he left them and returned to the fortifications. Mr. Wm. McKay, of the Hudson's Bay Co. who had arrived in company with Mr. Gisborne, remained a short item after Major Crozier left, and reports that Poundmaker addressed the Indians and said in effect that as he found his men were unwilling to yield up the prisoner he would deliver himself up to the police, and left for the barracks in company with Big Bear and two or three other Indians. Finding that further negotiations were useless, Major Crozier, and a few men on foot then marched up to where the Indians had taken up their position, having given orders before he left that the rest should come up immediately prepared for action. Mr. McKay also drove back and at Major Crozier's request interpreted between that officer and the principal man wanted. The Indian told his version of the story, which was to the effect that he had been unwell and wanted some provisions for himself and a sick child, when Craig attempted to put him out of the house. The Indians now wanted to have matters dropped altogether. To this Major Crozier replied in the negative and ordered the man to give himself up. Mr. McKay interpreted this to him, and as Major Crozier stepped forward to arrest him he jumped back and attempted to escape. Four men were detailed to take him which they did. * * * * * Now ensued a scene of the most indescribable confusion and uproar, many of the Indians crying out "Now is the time to shoot," while others implored them to wait until the police fired the first shot. The mounted men, who had arrived in the meantime, extended in rear of the party on foot and were ordered to dismount and cock carbines-a manoeuvre which caused the Indians to scatter. In the melee two policemen who belonged to the party on foot were overpowered and disarmed. Indeed, for a few minutes things looked very darkly, and it was nothing short of a miracle that prevented bloodshed, for had a rifle or a revolver gone off accidentally in the scuffle, there is no telling what might have been the result, as firing would undoubtedly become general, and war to the knife have been declared. The prisoner was safely lodged in the guardroom and placed under a strong guard, while sentries were posted on all sides of the fortified buildings. For some time after the arrest had been consummated the Indians appeared to be greatly excited and galloped about in all directions, shouting and flourishing their weapons. In the confusion which followed the arrest Interpreter Laronde was surrounded by the Indians and made a prisoner, but after it had been explained to them by himself and Mr. McKay that the part he had taken in the troubles was only in the discharge of his duty they allowed him to go. As Mr. McKay was about to leave the scene he heard an Indian say, "I have one of their rifles, anyway;" whereupon he stopped and demanded to know who had it. Poundmaker showed it, but where asked for it said he wanted the police to send him provision first. Mr. McKay was firm, however, and ultimately succeeded in securing the rifle as also a belt and revolver that had been taken. One Indian in the party, when he saw that Poundmaker was persistent in his refusal to surrender it, stepped forward and placed his own rifle in the chief's hands, telling him that he had no excuse for not delivering it up. The other rifle was also recovered and returned to the police by a friendly Indian who fell in the ranks of the police and announced his intention of dying with the white man. * * * * * A quantity of flour and bacon was distributed among those Indians who were positively identified as having taken a stand favourable to the police and while this was being given out instructor Craig pointed out amongst the onlookers the Indian who had assisted the first prisoner in committing the assault. He was at once arrested and placed in the guardroom with his companion. Shortly after nine o'clock the police left with their prisoners for Battleford, where they arrived about 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, completely wearied out, many of them having been awake and on the move for fully forty-eight hours. An attempt was made on Thursday to establish telegraph communication with the reserve, owing to the great uncertainty which prevailed but was only partially successful. A party composed of Mr. Hugh Richardson, telegraph operator, and Messers. Wm H. Smart and Wm. Laurie drove up on the north side of the Battle River where the trail to Poundmaker's crosses the telegraph line, and which point is distant about five miles from the reserve. Here the line was out and an instrument connected, but suspecting something was wrong an examination was made and the wire was found tied down in a slough with willow withers, a short distance from the place chosen for the temporary telegraph office. This was remedied and Battleford was successfully raised. A message had been sent from Battleford to Major Crozier notifying him of the arrangement but as no word had been received from the reserve it was decided to send a messenger into the camp to get news. This was done by one of the party crossing the river and visiting the scene of action. A message was received for transmission, but upon Mr. Richardson's endeavoring to get it off the line was found to be wide open. Some more despatches having been brought over-some of a very important nature-it was decided to drive into town with them, when, if the police had not returned, it was intended to return along the line, placing it in repair and resuming their posts. The young men found, however, that the police were in town almost simultaneously with themselves, and all further necessity of another trip obviated. It was unfortunate indeed that the line could not have been used more than it was; still the party deserve commendation for their enterprise and pluck for starting out on an expedition into the enemy's country in the face of the alarming rumors in circulation, and without food or bedding-in fact with no equipment but their rifles and the telegraph operator's kit. * * * * * The departure of the first detachment of police for the reserves did not occasion much surprise, but when the order came for every available man to take the field it looked as if matters might become serious. It was at once decided to call out the volunteer infantry company, to act as a home guard in the meantime, and to co-operate with the police if necessary. The company had not been paraded for several years, and on calling roll it was found that there was scarcely a corporal's guard of the original members in town. There was no difficulty, however, in finding reliable volunteers, and in the course of the day the rifles and accoutrements had been issued. The men met at the barracks in the evening, and a patrol told off to guard the principal approaches to the town. In the absence of any news from the reserves, as explained by the cutting of the telegraph line, pickets were thrown out on Friday night also. The offer of quarters to any who might wish to avail themselves of the greater security they offered in case of attack was taken advantage of by several families from the country as well as from the town, while some remained at home, resolved to sit by their own firesides until definite danger threatened. The telegram received on Friday afternoon, that a messenger was then in camp and would be back at six o'clock, made everyone anxious for that hour to arrive; but the line going down in the meantime left us as ignorant as ever of the position of affairs. The news that no collision had occurred up to three o'clock was generally accepted as an evidence that the Indians had resorted to their safer tactics of speech. This was confirmed later in the evening by some civilians who brought word that when they left the talk was still going on, but that Major Crozier would start for home that evening and bring the prisoners with him. At half-part four on Saturday morning the party returned, bringing in the prisoners, and except that a mounted picket was put on at night everything went on as usual. * * * * * The thanks of the community are undoubtedly due to Major Crozier for the successful manner in which bloodshed was averted; for had but one shot been fired the human mind could not foresee what would have been the result. The courage and coolness of this officer in going amongst the Indians unarmed and alone is serving of the greatest praise, and at the same time he had taken such precautions that, had war been declared, the Indians would certainly have been defeated in the first conflict with the authorities. Captain Antrobus and the noncommissioned officers and men of "D" Division are deserving of the gratitude and admiration of all whose interest it was and is to see peace preserved and the lives and property of settlers protected. Not a man flinched, but all alike were ready, should the word of command be given, and the need arise, to risk their lives in discharge of their duty. When the treatment received by the police at the hands of the Indians is considered, their wonderful control of temper is the more commendable. A number of civilians, too, voluntarily visited the scene of the troubles and placed themselves under the direction of the police. These gentlemen, as well as the volunteers who took all necessary precautions to protect the town against surprise also deserve praise. On Sunday word was received by Indian Agent Rae to the effect that on the previous day Instructor Jefferson had been interviewed by the Indians, who demanded the keys of the warehouse, and that he had given them up. This news created another flutter of excitement, which was, however allayed on the reception of later news that there was no truth in the statement. In view of the excitement that prevailed, a mounted patrol was maintained during the night, but was discontinued owing to confidence being once more restored. A notice was issued warning all parties not "to give or sell arms or ammunition, fixed or otherwise, to Indians, or to any person or persons who may be in the least suspected of giving or selling the same to Indians or such other person, without the permission of the Indian Agent in writing. A detachment also went to Bresaylor and took possession of all ammunition in the hands of Indian traders there. * * * * * One Indian, when he saw the police marching to the Indian camp, arrayed himself in their ranks, avowing his intention of dying with the white man in the event of a contest. Big Bear's younger son came in on Sunday from the reserve with a police revolver which he had recovered in the camp. Poundmaker sent tobacco to Littler Bear's Head, the Assiniboine chief, with an invitation to visit and act with him. The latter, however returned the gift with the intimation that he was not a Cree and a suggestion that it should be taken to Red Pheasant, the Cree chief on the Eagle Hills reserve. The last named also returned the tobacco with an enquiry as to who was to furnish him in future with flour and bacon in the event of his taking up arms against the whites. Sergt. Brooks and a detachment of six men arrived from Red Deer Forks on Monday morning, where they had been on a twelve-day trip on the look out for horse thieves. As soon as the men heard of the troubles on the reserves they asked for permission to go to the front, and on receiving an affirmative answer left for the front at once. On Sunday, after the men of D Division had had their dinner, Major Crozier entered the mess room and thanked Capt. Antrobus and the non-commissioned officers and men of the Division for their conduct during the recent troubles, remarking that he was highly pleased to know that he had a body of men under him in whom the most implicit reliance could be placed. At the conclusion of the Major's remarks the men gave him three hearty cheers and a tiger. * * * * * When the settlers of Saskatoon heard of the trouble they telegraphed an offer of the assistance of fifty armed men if their services were required. Saskatoon is the nearest settlement to Battleford, but no direct trade relations have as yet been established between them to promote acquaintance, and this makes the merit of their kindly offer the more to be appreciated. * * * * * On Monday morning the prisoners were brought up before Major Crozier for preliminary examination, but that officer explained to them that he desired them to have their witnesses as well as the white man and as their witnesses were not in he would adjourn the case until such time as they should arrive. He further stated to them that when they were arrested it was not by any means only for punishment but for trial. He believed that an Indian should always receive a fair trial, and informed the prisoners that as many of their people as wished could come into the trial and give evidence, and the Indian's side of the case as well as the white man's would be heard in full.

"Farm instructor Craig is struck wih an axe. Start of the so-called Cree rebellion"

Saskatchewan Herald
6/25/1884
The Indian Trouble
For some months past rumors have been current of prospective troubles with the Indians, but none could be traced to any reliable source, and it seemed as though the peacefulness which has so long reigned between the red man and the paleface was to remain unbroken. That there was discontent, however, could not and was not concealed, but all thought that the Indians knowing their numerical weakness and how poorly they would be provisioned for a war would not dare to entertain the idea of taking up arms against the authorities. Last week saw all these expectations suddenly scattered and an outbreak fraught with untold horrors only avoided by a miracle.
It may not be generally known that Lucky Man and Little Pine have been allotted reserves on Battle River, the former adjoining Poundmaker on the west, the latter's reserves being some miles farther up the river. In the past, however, Little Pine's men have been living on Lucky Man's reserve, but their intention was to proceed to their own reserve this week. On Tuesday, the 17th, matters were brought to a climax, Instructor Craig was in the warehouse issuing rations to Indians who had earned them when two men came in and asked for provisions. One of them, who had been on the sick list for a few days, received his portion, but according to Craig's story-the other, an indolent, troublesome fellow, also demanded rations. Craig promised him that if he would work he would feed him, but not otherwise. The demand was renewed several times and as often refused, and losing his temper the Indian seized an axe handle and struck Craig several blows with it. It so happened that a small detachment of police had arrived on the reserve the previous evening, but they deem it injudicious to attempt an arrest unassisted.
* * * * *
On Wednesday morning Supt. Crozier, Inspector Antrobus and about thirty men left for the reserve, every available mount in the barracks being taken. Orders, however, were left for all horses in the neighbourhood to be held in readiness at a moment's notice. Upon arriving at the reserve Supt. Crozier found the Indians gathered from all parts of the district for the purpose of holding their annual thirstdance and indulging in threats as to what they would do in certain cases. He at once ordered the cattle and provisions to be removed from Lucky Man's reserve to that of Poundmaker's, at which place he constructed a bastion of logs, rendered bullet proof by tiers of sacks of flour and oats. The horses were put in the corral behind the house, and earthworks thrown up to protect them. This work extended far into the night, but when completed presented a formidable appearance and could have been held for some time against considerable force.
Owing to the threatening attitude of the Indians a messenger was dispatched to Battleford for additional men and ammunition, and early on Thursday morning Sergeant-Major Kirk left with thirty additional men on horses that had been collected from civilians. Notice was given that any women and children who so desired might be quartered in the barracks, and the rifles and ammunition of the Battleford infantry were issued to volunteers, many members having left the limits.
The Indians upon the arrival of the police, gathered in their horses, sent their women and children away, and hung out their medicine bags, which according to their customs, meant an open declaration of war and an invitation to the red coats to "come on."
* * * * *
On Thursday Major Crozier sent the instructor on Strike-him-on-the-Back's reserve to the camp to explain the object of his visit and to ask if they intended to give up the prisoners. Upon receiving their reply, Major Crozier unarmed and unaccompanied by any men save an interpreter, visited the camp and held a council with the chiefs. He explained to them that the men had been accused of a breach of the law and that he had received orders for their arrest-orders which he had no choice by to obey-and asked that the prisoners be given up to him quietly. He promised them a fair trial, and guaranteed that if they were innocent, as they claimed to be, they would be released. At first they were determined in their refusal to give up the men, but after some delay it was proposed by some of the Crees that the trial should be held in the Indian camp. To this Major Crozier assented, although he explained to them that he would prefer to hold it at he farm house, where he had his table and book and papers. Chief Poundmaker objected to holding the trial in the camp and expressed his preference for going down to the instructor's house because as he was overheard by the interpreter to explain to the remainder that should the police open fire on them, some of the women and children-who had returned during the forenoon-might be killed.
* * * * *
About 4 a.m. on Friday Major Crozier left the Indian camp, having received a promise from the Indians that they would come down at nine o'clock with the prisoners. As they did not come at the appointed time he again visited the camp and remained with them talking until between four and five o'clock that evening, at which time he had succeeded in inducing them to come within a half-a-mile of the instructor's house. Here he left them and returned to the fortifications. Mr. Wm. McKay, of the Hudson's Bay Co. who had arrived in company with Mr. Gisborne, remained a short item after Major Crozier left, and reports that Poundmaker addressed the Indians and said in effect that as he found his men were unwilling to yield up the prisoner he would deliver himself up to the police, and left for the barracks in company with Big Bear and two or three other Indians.
Finding that further negotiations were useless, Major Crozier, and a few men on foot then marched up to where the Indians had taken up their position, having given orders before he left that the rest should come up immediately prepared for action. Mr. McKay also drove back and at Major Crozier's request interpreted between that officer and the principal man wanted. The Indian told his version of the story, which was to the effect that he had been unwell and wanted some provisions for himself and a sick child, when Craig attempted to put him out of the house. The Indians now wanted to have matters dropped altogether. To this Major Crozier replied in the negative and ordered the man to give himself up. Mr. McKay interpreted this to him, and as Major Crozier stepped forward to arrest him he jumped back and attempted to escape. Four men were detailed to take him which they did.
* * * * *
Now ensued a scene of the most indescribable confusion and uproar, many of the Indians crying out "Now is the time to shoot," while others implored them to wait until the police fired the first shot. The mounted men, who had arrived in the meantime, extended in rear of the party on foot and were ordered to dismount and cock carbines-a manoeuvre which caused the Indians to scatter. In the melee two policemen who belonged to the party on foot were overpowered and disarmed. Indeed, for a few minutes things looked very darkly, and it was nothing short of a miracle that prevented bloodshed, for had a rifle or a revolver gone off accidentally in the scuffle, there is no telling what might have been the result, as firing would undoubtedly become general, and war to the knife have been declared. The prisoner was safely lodged in the guardroom and placed under a strong guard, while sentries were posted on all sides of the fortified buildings. For some time after the arrest had been consummated the Indians appeared to be greatly excited and galloped about in all directions, shouting and flourishing their weapons. In the confusion which followed the arrest Interpreter Laronde was surrounded by the Indians and made a prisoner, but after it had been explained to them by himself and Mr. McKay that the part he had taken in the troubles was only in the discharge of his duty they allowed him to go.
As Mr. McKay was about to leave the scene he heard an Indian say, "I have one of their rifles, anyway;" whereupon he stopped and demanded to know who had it. Poundmaker showed it, but where asked for it said he wanted the police to send him provision first. Mr. McKay was firm, however, and ultimately succeeded in securing the rifle as also a belt and revolver that had been taken. One Indian in the party, when he saw that Poundmaker was persistent in his refusal to surrender it, stepped forward and placed his own rifle in the chief's hands, telling him that he had no excuse for not delivering it up. The other rifle was also recovered and returned to the police by a friendly Indian who fell in the ranks of the police and announced his intention of dying with the white man.
* * * * *
A quantity of flour and bacon was distributed among those Indians who were positively identified as having taken a stand favourable to the police and while this was being given out instructor Craig pointed out amongst the onlookers the Indian who had assisted the first prisoner in committing the assault. He was at once arrested and placed in the guardroom with his companion. Shortly after nine o'clock the police left with their prisoners for Battleford, where they arrived about 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, completely wearied out, many of them having been awake and on the move for fully forty-eight hours.
An attempt was made on Thursday to establish telegraph communication with the reserve, owing to the great uncertainty which prevailed but was only partially successful. A party composed of Mr. Hugh Richardson, telegraph operator, and Messers. Wm H. Smart and Wm. Laurie drove up on the north side of the Battle River where the trail to Poundmaker's crosses the telegraph line, and which point is distant about five miles from the reserve. Here the line was out and an instrument connected, but suspecting something was wrong an examination was made and the wire was found tied down in a slough with willow withers, a short distance from the place chosen for the temporary telegraph office. This was remedied and Battleford was successfully raised. A message had been sent from Battleford to Major Crozier notifying him of the arrangement but as no word had been received from the reserve it was decided to send a messenger into the camp to get news. This was done by one of the party crossing the river and visiting the scene of action. A message was received for transmission, but upon Mr. Richardson's endeavoring to get it off the line was found to be wide open. Some more despatches having been brought over-some of a very important nature-it was decided to drive into town with them, when, if the police had not returned, it was intended to return along the line, placing it in repair and resuming their posts. The young men found, however, that the police were in town almost simultaneously with themselves, and all further necessity of another trip obviated. It was unfortunate indeed that the line could not have been used more than it was; still the party deserve commendation for their enterprise and pluck for starting out on an expedition into the enemy's country in the face of the alarming rumors in circulation, and without food or bedding-in fact with no equipment but their rifles and the telegraph operator's kit.
* * * * *
The departure of the first detachment of police for the reserves did not occasion much surprise, but when the order came for every available man to take the field it looked as if matters might become serious. It was at once decided to call out the volunteer infantry company, to act as a home guard in the meantime, and to co-operate with the police if necessary. The company had not been paraded for several years, and on calling roll it was found that there was scarcely a corporal's guard of the original members in town. There was no difficulty, however, in finding reliable volunteers, and in the course of the day the rifles and accoutrements had been issued. The men met at the barracks in the evening, and a patrol told off to guard the principal approaches to the town. In the absence of any news from the reserves, as explained by the cutting of the telegraph line, pickets were thrown out on Friday night also.
The offer of quarters to any who might wish to avail themselves of the greater security they offered in case of attack was taken advantage of by several families from the country as well as from the town, while some remained at home, resolved to sit by their own firesides until definite danger threatened.
The telegram received on Friday afternoon, that a messenger was then in camp and would be back at six o'clock, made everyone anxious for that hour to arrive; but the line going down in the meantime left us as ignorant as ever of the position of affairs. The news that no collision had occurred up to three o'clock was generally accepted as an evidence that the Indians had resorted to their safer tactics of speech. This was confirmed later in the evening by some civilians who brought word that when they left the talk was still going on, but that Major Crozier would start for home that evening and bring the prisoners with him.
At half-part four on Saturday morning the party returned, bringing in the prisoners, and except that a mounted picket was put on at night everything went on as usual.
* * * * *
The thanks of the community are undoubtedly due to Major Crozier for the successful manner in which bloodshed was averted; for had but one shot been fired the human mind could not foresee what would have been the result. The courage and coolness of this officer in going amongst the Indians unarmed and alone is serving of the greatest praise, and at the same time he had taken such precautions that, had war been declared, the Indians would certainly have been defeated in the first conflict with the authorities. Captain Antrobus and the noncommissioned officers and men of "D" Division are deserving of the gratitude and admiration of all whose interest it was and is to see peace preserved and the lives and property of settlers protected. Not a man flinched, but all alike were ready, should the word of command be given, and the need arise, to risk their lives in discharge of their duty. When the treatment received by the police at the hands of the Indians is considered, their wonderful control of temper is the more commendable. A number of civilians, too, voluntarily visited the scene of the troubles and placed themselves under the direction of the police. These gentlemen, as well as the volunteers who took all necessary precautions to protect the town against surprise also deserve praise.
On Sunday word was received by Indian Agent Rae to the effect that on the previous day Instructor Jefferson had been interviewed by the Indians, who demanded the keys of the warehouse, and that he had given them up. This news created another flutter of excitement, which was, however allayed on the reception of later news that there was no truth in the statement. In view of the excitement that prevailed, a mounted patrol was maintained during the night, but was discontinued owing to confidence being once more restored.
A notice was issued warning all parties not "to give or sell arms or ammunition, fixed or otherwise, to Indians, or to any person or persons who may be in the least suspected of giving or selling the same to Indians or such other person, without the permission of the Indian Agent in writing. A detachment also went to Bresaylor and took possession of all ammunition in the hands of Indian traders there.
* * * * *
One Indian, when he saw the police marching to the Indian camp, arrayed himself in their ranks, avowing his intention of dying with the white man in the event of a contest.
Big Bear's younger son came in on Sunday from the reserve with a police revolver which he had recovered in the camp.
Poundmaker sent tobacco to Littler Bear's Head, the Assiniboine chief, with an invitation to visit and act with him. The latter, however returned the gift with the intimation that he was not a Cree and a suggestion that it should be taken to Red Pheasant, the Cree chief on the Eagle Hills reserve. The last named also returned the tobacco with an enquiry as to who was to furnish him in future with flour and bacon in the event of his taking up arms against the whites.
Sergt. Brooks and a detachment of six men arrived from Red Deer Forks on Monday morning, where they had been on a twelve-day trip on the look out for horse thieves. As soon as the men heard of the troubles on the reserves they asked for permission to go to the front, and on receiving an affirmative answer left for the front at once.
On Sunday, after the men of D Division had had their dinner, Major Crozier entered the mess room and thanked Capt. Antrobus and the non-commissioned officers and men of the Division for their conduct during the recent troubles, remarking that he was highly pleased to know that he had a body of men under him in whom the most implicit reliance could be placed. At the conclusion of the Major's remarks the men gave him three hearty cheers and a tiger.
* * * * *
When the settlers of Saskatoon heard of the trouble they telegraphed an offer of the assistance of fifty armed men if their services were required. Saskatoon is the nearest settlement to Battleford, but no direct trade relations have as yet been established between them to promote acquaintance, and this makes the merit of their kindly offer the more to be appreciated.
* * * * *
On Monday morning the prisoners were brought up before Major Crozier for preliminary examination, but that officer explained to them that he desired them to have their witnesses as well as the white man and as their witnesses were not in he would adjourn the case until such time as they should arrive. He further stated to them that when they were arrested it was not by any means only for punishment but for trial. He believed that an Indian should always receive a fair trial, and informed the prisoners that as many of their people as wished could come into the trial and give evidence, and the Indian's side of the case as well as the white man's would be heard in full.