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Post by Walt Cross on Mar 25, 2005 7:56:25 GMT -6
On 27 February 1890 Benteen was breveted a brigadier general by the U.S. Senate for his gallant and meritorious actions at the battles of the Little Big Horn and Canyon Creek. He was the only officer breveted for LBH. This award had been frozen since 1869. Anyone know why the award was held up?
On Godfrey's account of the battle Benteen stated "Godfrey, showed the white feather along with three other officers at the Little Big Horn." Anyone care to guess who the other three officers were?
Lastly, its quite a coincidence that Benteen died and was buried on June 25, 1898. Exactly 22 years to the day of Custer's annihilation.
Greenpheon
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Post by markland on Mar 25, 2005 9:25:20 GMT -6
Walt, in Hardoff's Indian Views of the Custer Fight, he has a portion relevant to LBH of the diary of Sgt. Charles White, M co., who states (pg. 19), "...Lieut. E. G. Mathey went to the hospital during the firing in the afternoon of the 25th up to 10 a.m. on the 26th, when he got ashamed of himself and took a carbine and joined Capt. Moylan, who lay behind some dead mules that had been shot during the engagement. The most cowardly officers I ever saw were there and some of the bravest whom I have ever seen."
So, based upon that, as well as Hardoff's note which states that Benteen was talking about Mathey in regards to the "white feather", I feel we have two of the three in Mathey and Moylan. My nomination for the 3rd would either be Varnum or Reno.
Benteen was a bit of a two-faced snake at times wasn't he?
Billy
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Post by twomoons on Mar 25, 2005 9:39:53 GMT -6
Good questions Walt, I'll have to check my compendium of the Little Big Horn to find that, if someone doesn't beat me to it!
Relevant points Markland. Perhaps?
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Post by Walt Cross on Mar 25, 2005 12:15:18 GMT -6
Good stuff fellas, I hold back my nominations until later.
Walt
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Post by crzhrs on Mar 25, 2005 12:18:29 GMT -6
Walt:
Benteen was court martialed in 1887 for unmilitary behavior of various sorts. Benteen plead not guilty but was found guilty. He was suspended from rank and duty for one yeaer at half pay. He served his time in Atlanta and in 1888 reported for duty in Nebraska, but three days later applied for medical discharge. His request was granted.
In 1890 he was awarded the brevet rank of brigaadier for gallant and meritorious service in two battles, Little Bighorn and Canyon Creek. In 1898, on June 17, he was paralyzed by a stroke and died five days later. One of his pallbearers was vp of Coca Cola!!!!
Why his promotion was held up, I don't know. Maybe one has to be retired.
As to the white feather at the LBH, Varnum may have been one. He was seen crying, but considering Reno's rout and the heavy casualties who can blame him. He was, however, one of the few officers who tried to control the men during Reno's "charge" from the valley.
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Post by weir on Mar 25, 2005 15:56:04 GMT -6
Lastly, its quite a coincidence that Benteen died and was buried on June 25, 1898. Exactly 22 years to the day of Custer's annihilation.
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That a sad coincidence, he died for the 22th anniversary of his treason at the Little Bighorn, when he let 210 men dying for his sole hatred of Custer.
And the gallantry of the Little Bighorn for which he was awarded, that's disgusting. At least Marechal Grouchy was not awarded for having abandonned Napoleon at Waterloo.
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Post by Walt Cross on Mar 25, 2005 17:43:53 GMT -6
Thanks Crxhrs. Actually, brevets were awarded during a man's career for acts of heroism or merit instead of medals except the MOH.
Xav, we have all heard your views on Benteen, historical documents say you are wrong, how about backing off that dead horse.
Walt
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Post by weir on Mar 25, 2005 19:59:21 GMT -6
Not dead horse, Mr. Cross. Dead men.
Weir to Benteen and Reno :
If you don't go I will and if we get out of here, somebody shall know of this !
Maybe he was not thinking that some don't want to know.
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