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Post by AZ Ranger on Jul 31, 2006 7:19:46 GMT -6
Hi Mike
Even after the packtrain regathers it is faced with two choices come quick which spreads it out again or come slow as the slowest animals and keep it together.
AZ Ranger
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Post by mcaryf on Jul 31, 2006 7:53:40 GMT -6
Hi AZRanger
I think they closed up not too far from Reno Hill and then tried to move together. After all the Indians might easily have spotted them and I would not want to bet on Reno charging off his hilltop to the rescue!!
Actually neither McDougall nor Mathey are absolutely frank at the RCOI because they both fail to mention any message and in particular the arrival of Kanipe with his orders to get on quickly cutting off packs from mules if necessary etc.
However, I have a reasonable sympathy with them, I would not like to be in the role of defending dozens of recalcitrants mules from a horde of warriors bent on booty.
The packtrain would have been one obvious casualty if Benteen had moved as fast as some people would like to join Custer and Reno had stayed in the timber.
Regards
Mike
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dcary
Junior Member
Posts: 83
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Post by dcary on Aug 21, 2006 13:16:15 GMT -6
1. I believe Benteen's 900 estimate referred to those fighting Reno when his column first looked on this fight. But he gave a larger estimate comparing the movement of the entire village to a division or corps unit of the Union Army.
2. I've never seen any great degree of 'dawdle' in Benteen. Both Kanipe and Martin refer to Reno being in action, which means that their entire journeys elapsed while Reno was either advancing down the valley or fighting. Benteen is notified, then, a significant period of time after the messengers saw this -- and he then comes upon Reno as he begins his breakout to the rear. I have also seen estimates that the skirmish line occupied 15-30 minutes, the woods only five or so. I just don't see a great deal of tardiness here.
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