and messages were sent to all points. Unfortunately the operator at Dundas
was not in his office, and although the call was repeated for an hour no
response was made. Had this gentleman been at his post, the people of
Dundas would have been prepared to receive the bandits on their arrival.
It has been expressed as a wonder by many that the gang, before making the
raid, did not cut the telegraph wires, but it appears from the confession
of one of them, that their plan was a much better one. They intended to
have destroyed the telegraph instruments before leaving, only the
unexpectedly hot attack which was made upon them by the plucky boys of
Northfield, completely demoralized them.
The first indication received at St. Paul of the daring raid, was from the
following telegram to Mayor Maxfield:
“Eight armed men attacked the bank at two o’clock. Fight on street between
robbers and citizens. Cashier killed and teller wounded. Send us arms and
men to chase robbers.”