The first shot was fired at a place called Duck Lake. The date: March 26th, 1885. And with that, the whole of Canada's Northwest flared into open rebellion. The Metis, a people of mixed white and Indian blood, had taken up arms to defend their land, believing it to be threatened by incoming settlers from the eastern provinces. Much blood was to flow before the forces of law and order could restore peace. The Indians went on the warpath. Militia, under the Command of General Middleton, were rushed to Saskatchewan over the newly-built CPR. Red-coated troopers of the Mounted Police rode into battle beside irregulars recruited at a few days' notice. Here is the story of the dramatic campaign, from the fight at Duck Lake to the fall of Batoche, and ending with the capture of Louis Riel, leader of the rebels, and one of the strangest, most fascinating personalities in Canadian history. Three fierce battles were fought before this man who had aroused the West to revolt could be subdued. For the government forces had to reckon with Gabriel Dumont, "Prince of the Prairies", Riel's brilliant and daring lieutenant, and a master of guerilla warfare. It was the baptism in blood of the new Dominion of Canada.

From the dust jacket