The three brigades of boats--A.

B.
and C .-- seventeen in all, got off from Shebandowan shore on the evening of July 16th; by the 4th of August Rainy River was reached, and at Fort Frances Colonel Wolseley met Captain Butler, who had acted as intelligence officer, having adroitly passed under Riel's shadow, and being able now to give the news required.

It was still the statement and belief of Riel that "Wolseley would never reach Fort Garry." Crossing Lake of the Woods the regular troops were pushed ahead, and on descending Winnipeg River they reached Fort Alexander and Lake Winnipeg on August 20th.

Here Commissioner Donald A.Smith, having come through in a light canoe, met Colonel Wolseley.

After a short delay Colonel Wolseley's command hastened to the Red River, ascended it, and cautiously approached Fort Garry.