HISTORICAL EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE ON THIS DAY IN CANADA

15 May

Lt. A. Howard behind a Gatling Gun

Riel Surrenders

Although Poundmaker and Big Bear were still at large, Louis Riel surrendered to General Middleton on May 15, 1885, and the Northwest Rebellion was over. The decisive battle had been fought at Batoche two days before. Gabriel Dumont escaped across the border into the United States, but Riel wrote a note on an envelope and had two Métis take it to Middleton. It said: "I don't like war."

Middleton would not receive Riel until May 15, and then sent him to Medicine Hat on board the Northcote under close guard. From there he was taken to Regina by train and put in prison. Middleton later described his meeting with Riel in an official report: "I found him a mild-spoken and mild-looking man, with a short beard and an uneasy frightened look about his eyes, which gradually disappeared as I talked to him." He decided that Riel was sane enough to stand trial.

The Northcote played an important part in the battle. As it arrived with supplies at Middleton's jumping-off place for the assault on Batoche, it was supposed to blow its whistle as the signal for the attack to begin. The Métis had strung a cable across the river, and it ripped off the Northcote's funnels. The whistle came down with them and was not able to blow!

The Métis were hidden in pits, with breastworks of earth and logs. They were placed in such a way that Middleton's troops had to attack across the skyline and could be easily seen. Middleton moved cautiously for two days, though some of his officers were impatient for a more daring type of attack.

On the third day, Middleton decided to attack the rifle pits. He took the Gatling gun and a small force of men to one sector, and arranged for the main body of troops to attack from the south when they heard his guns firing. However, there was a strong wind and his gunfire could not be heard. Middleton galloped to the main position on his white horse to scold the Midlanders and Grenadiers for not having gone into action. This was exactly what Colonel Williams and Colonel Grassett wanted. When they saw Middleton galloping towards them, they ordered their troops to rush the rifle pits in a daring charge. The battle was over in a few minutes, as the Métis had run out of ammunition and were only firing small stones and nails.

15 May

-1650    The Iroquois defeated the powerful Neutral Indians.

-1760    Admiral Swanton and the British fleet arrived at Quebec, causing General Lévis to retreat to Montreal.

-1789    The final report on payments to United Empire Loyalists for losses was made.

-1814    United States troops burned Port Dover, Ontario.