Louis Riel personally singled out Major Charles Arkoll Boulton for execution. Thomas Scott was shot instead, but Boulton never lost his visceral hatred for the "rebel chief".
A leader of the Canadian forces during the Red River Rebellion of 1869-70, Boulton was a seasoned veteran when Métis rose again in 1885. Recruiting his own force of mounted infantry he served in the heart of the action at Fish Creek and Batoche, witnessing scenes of massacre and horror, listening to First Nations leaders as they pleaded their cases, visiting the headquarters of the Métis, speaking with the English general Frederick Middleton. Boulton was privileged to be both participant in and observer of the drama of passion and ambition that idelibly marked the history of the Canadian West.
First published in 1886, the narrative reproduced in I Fought Riel presents an incredibly vivid portrait of this important passage in the history of the West. With an insightful introduction by Heather Robertson.

CHARLES ARKOLL BOULTON was born in 1841 in Cobourg, into one of Canada\s most influential families. Educated at Upper Canada College he pursued a military career both at home and abroad. In recognition of his service he was appointed to the Canadian Senate in 1889.'

Major Charles A. Boulton's profile page

HEATHER ROBERTSON is one of Canada's most accomplished and acclaimed authors. Her many books include Reservations Are for Indians, Grass Roots, A Terrible Beauty and Willie: A Romance. Born in Winnipeg, she has long lived in Toronto.

Heather Robertson's profile page