At Battleford, the townspeople and settlers were panicking. Several reserves were nearby. The people left their homes and farms and moved into the NWMP barracks. Inspector Morris ordered bastions built and food and water brought into the fort. His 43 men were placed on alert and telegrams were sent to Swift Current asking for reinforcements.
The Natives in the area began breaking into houses on the farms, then in the towns of Battleford and South Battleford. They carted away supplies from the general stores, killed cattle and took horses. The Cree returned to their reserve, but the Stoneys and Metis continued to loot the towns. On April 12, the NWMP left Swift Current to meet with Colonel Otter's 745 troops. On April 23, they arrived at Battleford.
