Why didn't they send scouts from the RB defense site?

[Deleted]

Or did they? I can't figure out why they weren't sent prior to the movement to the Weir Peaks. On the other site HR said that the Rees were sent but I'm not sure about that. LBM

[fred]

Nov 10, 2015 14:42:43 GMT -6 @littlebigman said:

I can't figure out why they weren't sent prior to the movement to the Weir Peaks. On the other site HR said that the Rees were sent but I'm not sure about that.

As usual, HR is talking through his hat. I have never seen a shred of credible evidence claiming the Ree scouts were ever sent to Weir Point.

As for the rest, I believe Benteen-- would you include Reno in this?-- wanted to assess the situation, put out skirmishers, and figure out exactly where he stood-- calming down Reno-- before he took any action. At that time, there was no concern about Custer: the concern was right there in front of everyone. Plus, there was still some concern about the packs. By the time things got pretty much sorted out-- let's not forget Reno's side trips-- Tom Weir had already moved forward, followed by Edgerly and his command.

Like so much more, this is a timing issue and not a lot of time passed before Weir moved. My work shows Weir left less than a half-hour after the volley firing, which was also just about the time the last of Benteen's battalion was arriving. And a lot was going on in those minutes. Benteen needed to consolidate before he took any action. I know I would have done the same thing before I risked a soul.

Best wishes,
Fred.

[montrose]

How was Reno to communicate an order to the Rees?

Dorman and Bloody Knife were dead. Gerard was hiding.

[Deleted]

Thank you Fred and Montrose. I guess what I'm thinking is when Reno and Weir were "discussing" the move ahead (I know there's some controversy about whether there was an altercation or not), if I were Reno I would have sent scouts ahead to begin with and then wait for them to return before making a decision or not. Weir would have been a good choice as scout. But I have no experience as an officer under fire so what do I know?

Pete

[fred]

Nov 10, 2015 17:53:31 GMT -6 @littlebigman said:

I guess what I'm thinking is when Reno and Weir were "discussing" the move ahead... if I were Reno I would have sent scouts ahead to begin with and then wait for them to return before making a decision or not. Weir would have been a good choice as scout. But I have no experience as an officer under fire so what do I know?

Pete,

Well, you know a helluva lot in my opinion, but you would not have been wrong doing it as you suggest.

I think my point here is that this is an arbitrary decision, some would do it, others would not. I would probably-- myself-- fall in the latter category, preferring to consolidate, set up skirmishers, and figure out what's going on before I send out anything... and especially since I know Custer's general direction and believe he could handle anything that came his way... which appears to be the case here. You would not be wrong doing it your way. So, to me, it is simply a matter of choice, no condemnation in either situation.

Best wishes,
Fred.

[magpie]

HR has a Little Sioux narrative and has him crossing at a Ford that is real almost directly adjacent to Weir point. Go on Google Earth and there is a pickup trail going around and down to the River. HR has a menu presentation with a pig flying across it that puts all the evidence together. So the Rees apparently ran the pony herd they captured between Reno's deployment and the village across the LBR to the East side coming out just South (?) of Weir Peak. We know Reno can sign. We have Hereenden ( does he know Ree ) walking up from the bottoms after 80 minutes to 2 hours from what start time I am uncertain about, the Crows are helping his party up. Nearby, 3/4 mile (?), we have the Jason Pistch bachelar camp (Spotted Tail's ?). We have White Bull (?) that Tunkasilla quotes taking a position behind the bluffs and 4-6 Sioux hunters who were driven out of Medicine Tail by the bullets fired by Crow Scouts ahead of Custer as he approaches Greater Ford B. A lot going on. The problem for those that dismiss it is it all seems to mutually collaborative. I didn't read his Blade (?) narrative but he carries a message from Benteen to Custer according to HR. Problem for us is so far 90% of what HR say's he can immediately provide good and often hard evidence for.

[herosrest]

Ducemus
It is very difficult for brothers to condemn one another. Custer of course, was a sister.

in Law.