Posted on 12/10/2010 4:41:49 PM PST by Bad~Rodeo
Edited on 12/10/2010 4:46:25 PM PST by Admin Moderator. [history]
BILLINGS, Mont.
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I think Custer gets a bad rap from history. Unfortunately a lot of was due to his wife’s behavior after his death.
I'm not familiar with the story, please elaborate
Leading his troops into a slaughter while chasing a bunch of people who wanted to *leave* the US still makes no sense. That’s what got him a bad rap from history. Too bad this action all but negated the amazing record he had in the Civil War.
Custer was bold and daring but didn’t understand risk or how it relates to probability and the statistics he became a part of.
Sort of like Patton in Italy. Funny how the best generals are always just a little off kilter.
A few years ago I read an the book: "Custer and Crazy Horse" and in that book there is an excellent explanation.
Custer had considerable experience with fighting Indians and in virtually every case he and his men were badly out numbered. However, the Indians always used a sort of "hit and run" style of attacking. The Indians having much less fire power would always flee, in spite of their superior numbers.
That day Custer had no reason to believe the tactics would be any different, he also was not aware of the full size of the force he was up against.
That day, the Indians did not flee, they had in fact adjusted the battle plan and Custer paid the price.
Once again we agree. “Custer’s Luck” ran out when he left those Gatling guns behind. Things could have been a lot different. It can’t be disputed, he was one brave dude. Just made a few bad decisions in the Black Hills. And then there is “Libby” who also helped stick it to Major Reno.
The thing was that those indians were trying to get into Canada. Why he, or anyone, wanted to stop them makes no sense. Why not just let them go and be Canada’s problem?
She refused to allow an investigation and at that time it was customary for the military to honor the widow’s wishes.
There is actually a lot that has been uncovered in recent years that put the whole Hollywood version of Custer’s last stand into doubt. Most recent was a document uncovered in an archive that basically says Custer was free to attack at will. Supply lines stretched far further than Custer was comfortable with. Army ordinance dept sent them with unfamiliar single shot rifles so they wouldn’t waste ammo. Copper casings that swelled and stuck in the breech requiring that they be pried out with a knife after firing. Wildly conflicting accounts from the indians leave plenty of room for doubt. Evidence still found on site that doesn’t match what history says.
Looks like mistakes were made further up the chain of command and Mrs Custer’s decision to prevent an investigation was used as cover. The fact that he had a reputation of being a loose cannon didn’t help his case.
Over all, he made mistakes like ditching the heavy artillery but he was a good soldier who cared a great deal about his men. (See the photo at the bottom of my FR homepage)
Wikipedia actually has a pretty complete write up on Custer’s last stand.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Little_Bighorn
The Indians WERE NOT trying to get into Canada. That came later, wehn the Army campaigned against them in the winter. When they left the encampmnet at the Little Big Horn, the Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho rode south and southeast.
In 2003, my new bride and I took a coach tour of the western National Parks. One of the stops was at the Little Bighorn National Battlefield Monument. It was the stop I had anticipated the most. The NPS guide was from the Crow Nation and gave an excellent presentation. He showed where Custer had first been buried, and then explained that he had been disinterred and reburied at West Point. All that they needed was some background music playing “Garryowen.”
I will, thanks
Thanks for the link. I did a quick read. Seems fair and accurate to me. That’s rare these days. Thanks again.
Custer always said that his brother Tom should have been the general, and he the Captain.
I believe two of his brothers and a nephew were among those killed at the Little Bighorn.
First Custer’s last stand. Then Custer’s last flag. Soon, Custer’s last flag stand.
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