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Post by Tricia on May 5, 2005 16:44:52 GMT -6
Can we actually say he was demoted from commanding the expedition? To my knowledge there was no official orders placing him in command. In fact, what he was demoted from originally was accompanying the expedition at all. That's when Reno began positioning himself to lead the 7th. I would think it was this positioning with Terry that got him designated to take the better part of the 7th on the Rosebud River scout, much to Custer's chagrine. It was Terry's way of rewarding him for his willingness to serve as the field commander of the 7th in Custer's absence. However, to answer Two Moons question, I think Custer's psychological makeup required him to place too much trust in his subordinates. He assumed they were as motivated as he was. After all, a victory for the 7th Cavalry would help everyone's career, but especially his. Had he succeeded he no doubt would have been made colonel of the regiment and be on the fast track to brigadier in the Regular Army. Walt Walt--I generally agree with your summation. And yes, GAC was to remain home during the Summer campaign, until Terry interceded. I do have a question for the C-Troop "meistro"--didn't Tom Custer aide Reno with preparations for the 1876 expedition? I know the acquisition of horses became problematic--and might have contributed (granted in a sideways kind of way) to the loss at LBH ... LMC
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Post by Walt Cross on May 6, 2005 7:36:38 GMT -6
While I have no particular source to cite, I'm sure Tom did his duty and prepared for the expedition whether it was to be led by his brother or not. He would have a stake in the regiments success even if George wasn't there. That brings up some alternative scenarios doesn't it?
Walt
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