It becomes known on March 18 that the North-West Mounted Police garrison at Battleford is being reinforced.

Although only one hundred men men had been sent in response to warnings from father Alexis André and NWMP superintendent L.N.F. Crozier, a rumor soon begins to circulate that five hundred heavily armed troops are advancing on the territory.

Métis patience is exhausted, and Riel's followers seize arms, take hostages, and cut the telegraph lines between Batoche and Battleford.

The Provisional Government of Saskatchewan is declared at Batoche on March 19, with Riel as the political and spiritual leader and with Dumont assuming responsibility for military affairs.

Riel forms a council called the Exovedate (a neologism meaning "those who have left the flock"), and sends representatives to court Poundmaker and Big Bear.

On March 21, Riel's emissaries demand that Crozier surrender Fort Carlton, but this is refused.

The situation is becoming critical, and on March 23, Dewdney sends a telegraph to Premier John A. Macdonald indicating that military intervention might be necessary.

Scouting near Duck Lake on March 26, a force led by Gabriel Dumont unexpectedly chances upon a party from Fort Carlton.

In the ensuing Battle of Duck Lake, the police are routed, and the natives also rise up once the news becomes known.

The die is cast for a violent outcome, and the North-West Rebellion is begun in earnest.