May 30 - All morning writing up the Nominal Rolls with paymaster Reid for the regiment. Scout arrived here from the north [with word] that Col. Strange had a fight with Big Bear two days ago. Indians strongly entrenched in the bush lands and timber in a very rough country. Could not dislodge them and had to retire on Fort Pitt, 160 miles up-river from Battleford, to await reinforcements. We have orders to move to Fort Pitt at once.