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Post by d o harris on Apr 12, 2006 9:50:40 GMT -6
"Here's goes for a brevet or a coffin."
I have no idea either what Elliot may or may not have been ordered to do. Because the Sgt Major was with Elliot it is entirely reasonable to infer he had received some instructions. What I was getting at is that Benteen's letter may have in part been motivated by a sense of personal guilt, even in the absence of culpability.
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Post by michigander on Apr 12, 2006 12:51:10 GMT -6
Elliott was not ordered to pursue the indians. And he said "Here goes for a brevet or a coffin!" Elliott action was under no orders because it was his own repentine decision under the circumstances (he led the companies). Custer and HQ knew nothing about where was Elliott and what he was doing at that moment cause he was intended to be elsewhere, northeast. The plan was this: Elliott had to pass behind the hills to the east and charge from northeast with his companies G, H, M. Capt. Thompson had to recross the river and come up from South with Companies B and F. Nyers had to to deploy in the woods west of the village and Custer himself with Companies ADC, scouts and sharpshooters attack in the center from North. Then, came a statement that I think important for the understanding of LBH and Custer's views: "The assault will take place at daybreak, unless we are discovered, then immediately."
You're right Harris. There was a gap through which the indians fled, but not fault of Benteen, in fact it was because of Myers and Thompson delayed attack. I don't think Benteen was the kind to have sense of guilty. He was a very professional soldier and knew to have done well his duty, that was recognized by Custer in his report.
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Post by pjsolla on Apr 13, 2006 2:33:14 GMT -6
Companies C,I, & L were up along Luce and Nye/Cartwright Ridge as Custer made his way to the river. They followed that route after the command separated at Separation Halt (Gray) and divided into the left and right wings.
It is said that the "volley firing" was done to keep Indians away from Custer as he rode down MTC to the river.
If I am not mistaken, some 600 or 800 cartridge casings were found at the Luce Ridge and/or Nye/Cartwright Ridge area.
PJS
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Post by pjsolla on Apr 13, 2006 2:47:47 GMT -6
I cannot accept that Custer may have been wounded because if he was wounded that badly, he never could or would have made that second trip to the river to Ford D. He, in fact, would have stopped at Calhoun Hill and stayed there. And in hindsight, that might have been the better choice.
A critically wounded Custer could not have stayed in the saddle long enough to make that river trip.
And lets say he was wounded, the only two wounds that showed up on him were the head wound and the chest wound. And that chest wound would have been serious enough to have prevented him from riding.
PJS
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Post by michigander on Apr 13, 2006 11:48:31 GMT -6
Agreed
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Gumby
Full Member
Posts: 202
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Post by Gumby on Apr 13, 2006 21:22:31 GMT -6
I also disbelieve the Custer wounded or killed at MT Ford. I don't believe the other officers would have continued to manuever north. I believe they would have retreated south or stayed in the MTC/Calhoun Hill area.
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