Custer's 7th: Thomas Weir, HIS FIGHT. The Man Who Tried to Save Custer II

Captain Thomas Weir would urge his fellows again and again to join Custer's fight in the distance at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. But convincing the other officers to go to the sound of the guns was not easy…
Weir did not leave behind a detailed account of his version of events, but by piecing together eyewitness accounts of Weir’s actions and comments, we get a sense of Weir frustration with both Captain Benteen and Major Marcus Reno.
next up: • Custer's 7th: Thomas W... 🎉
Recommended Reading:
The Custer Myth, Colonel Graham
Vanishing Victory: Custer’s Final March, Bruce Liddic
Custer and the Little Bighorn: The Last Battle of the American West, James Donovan
Little Big Horn Diary, James Willert
March of the Columns, James Willert
The Picture Report of the Custer Fight, William Reusswig
Dr. Charles Merkel's dissertation (you can download online), Custer's Forgotten Lieutenant: Thomas B. Weir
Custer Come At Once! The Fort Hays Years of George and Elizabeth Custer, Father Blaine Burkey
Good biographies of Custer or well-researched histories of the Little Bighorn fight by Donovan, Leckie, Stiles, Frost, Utley, Graham, Carroll, Liddic, etc. ...
If you too have a passion for the 7th Cavalry, please consider joining:
Little Bighorn Associates www.thelbha.com/ www.thelbha.com
Custer Battlefield Historical & Museum Association custerbattlefield.org
Custer Association of Great Britain www.english-westerners-society.org.uk
** **PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, & STAY TUNED FOR NEW EPISODES!*
I love hearing suggestions of what you’d like to see next! For more about my current work-in-progress or my published books (The Confusion of Languages and You Know When the Men Are Gone, both with Putnam/Penguin), please see my author website: www.siobhanfallon.com Or follow me on Instagram and Facebook: siobhanfallonwriter

[@pigmanobvious]

All the characters involved in this tragic part of our history did accomplish something that over a very small percentage of us ever will. And that is being remembered by history.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

absolutely!

[@tomsmith5216]

I spent 2 days there, when the temperaturexwas in the 90s.I was in light pants and a t-shirt. I can't imagine what it was like in the uniforms of the cavalry of the 1870s, in the June heat. It's hard to imagine the chaos of the battle, which covered an enormous area. The whole 2 days I was there was spent trying to envision the flow of the battle from thevmaps and accounts of the battle I had with me. I plan to return and explore the place some more this coming summer.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Yes, I always think that too: the overwhelming heat, huge space, tempermental horses and the fear. Every time I return I learn something new. So glad you are getting back there this summer! You know about the construction? You might want to call ahead-- they are redoing the Visitor's Center. I can't remember if that construction will impact access to the battlefield or not... Merry Christmas and thank you for watching!

[@tomsmith5216]

@@SiobhanFallon7 Didn't know about the construction. Thanks for the heads-up! Merry Christmas!! :)

[@striperking6083]

I’ve been there 4 times . 1964, 1968 , 1997 and 2015 . The last 2 times I spent 2 days and studied the terrain and even the Rosebud creek area , . Hoping for one more time .

[@RaoulThomas007]

@@striperking6083The terrain is everything. Custer was not at a defensible position. He had to know that almost immediately. He needed to be resupplied to survive!

[@jaynesager3049]

Wow! Dehydration was also a big factor.

[@Bocajef134]

You never disappoint. This presentation is no exception. Your effervescent delivery is appreciated.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

You are awesome. You always make me smile. Thank you for sending some cheer my way tonight!

[@Robo67-24]

When there scrambled up the hill and dismounted the horses ran away. That there was the end of them. No transport and no where to run and no where to hide. Must have been terrifying.

[@jerryjones188]

You do this history so much justice. Your thorough research, use of maps and photographs, and your presentation lends to a very enjoyable history lesson. Captain Thomas B Weir was a great warrior and a tragic figure. I believe that not reaching to help Custer and his command is what buried Captain Weir with his liquor. I look forward to your next episode. Merry Christmas.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Merry Christmas to you, Jerry! Thank you for the lovely feedback 🙏 I think Weir is the key to so much of the battle and hope that the entirety of his letters are found and shared someday (right now we only have excerpts and the letters to Libbie are in a private collection). Things turn up all the time-- I am always searching for more!

[@stevengamble2956]

Thank you for part 2 of Weir's story, already waiting for part 3 !. You present each story with such enthusiasm and passion, i like the way you 'speak' for each of the charactors, you really bring them back to life. Have a Merry Christmas in Cyprus (been on holiday there acouple of times), and a happy New Year.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Such a lovely message, Steven, thank you!! Thanks for saying you like how I speak for the individuals, know my accents are dreadful but it's the only way to differentiate the speakers 🤷🏼‍♀️🤣 Great to hear from you and Merry Christmas!! 🙏🎄🙏

[@talkietoaster4626]

Excellent video thank you. Im a big fan of your work. This made my day! Cant wait to watch again tonight after work. You always impress with new info i have not heard.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

You made MY DAY! Thank you for your kind words once again! All best and happy holidays!

[@tudyk21]

I have to say, the more I learn of both Reno and Benteen, the less I think of them. Both seem to me to be lacking in character. However, there is undoubtedly mountains of information that I lack, and is gone, but this is the impression that I have.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Yes, I swing back and forth on my thoughts on both of them, and how much of a role they played in this disaster...

[@SiobhanFallon7]

I appreciate hearing from you! Thanks, once more, for watching and commenting!

[@tudyk21]

@@SiobhanFallon7 , I think half the reason I watch your videos is because of your enthusiasm! 😉

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@tudyk21 I might be a tad obsessed 🤣 I am surprised at how much I enjoy this topic myself. You just never know when you will happen upon something new, and that it will change your life.

[@alexsanchez4202]

Great delivery of your thorough report on the war at the Little Bighorn. I appreciated your detailed description of the events.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Very good of you, Alex! Please let me know what you think of Weir Part III-- that's my favorite of the three 🙏

[@michaelmcintosh500]

Donald McIntosh always catches my attention and wonder if he was related. Always enjoy this mutual interest in history!

[@jamesnix729]

Excellent! I think this is one of your best so far.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Really? Yay! Anything that made this stand apart that I should be sure to do in the future?

[@jamesnix729]

@@SiobhanFallon7 I think keep doing what you're doing. The visuals, cut-scenes, narration, etc. highlight how you continue to grow and improve using this medium for story telling.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@jamesnix729 thank you! I need to up my program and find a better (read: newer) lap top and hopefully finally iron out sound issues and glitches. But I enjoy the storytelling and finding all the old photos and fusing them together in a losses narrative. Merry Christmas to you and yours, James!

[@josephstabile9154]

A great and accurate recounting, giving clear insights into the opinions of those who were actually there. Prof. K uhlman's book, "Legend into History" goes to considerable length to establish timelines for the June 25 battle, and seems to coroborate the opinions that there was more than sufficient time to come to Custer's support, had the intention been to promptly obey, especially from the time the order was received. Recall, Martin's was the last received, but others, all stressing urgency, were sent prior to Martin.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Yes! I ought to reread my Kuhlman! great book! Thank you, Joseph, for taking the time to chime in here :)

[@Tellgryn]

The timeline does not work out in any way, it means the Custer would have been fighting for hours and all Indian accounts have it at the time it takes to eat a good meal (30-40 minutes). There is not only that issue the issue of ammunition comes into play with a battle that long, but the ammo will also run out fast fighting that many Indians and it take ammunition to hold them off. The valley fight had Major Reno's commanding running very low by the time they made it to Reno Hill. One commander said they were down to 5 rounds a man, it is likely closer to 25-30 for the 45-70s. Weir got to the point as the battle had ended which is close to 1 hour 30 minutes max from when Reno crossed the Little Big Horn. The number of Indians in the fight are closer to 2500-3000 than the 1500 number many put out today. That number includes the young boys as they were in the fight using bows. The horse heard is close to 20,000 horses which means an average at 3k would be close to 6.7 hoses a warrior. Many timelines of historians are way off, and this is due to Libby and her need to redeem Custer. There is no 4-hour battle at Last Stand Hill, Custer was killed very early in the fight before the command got to Last Stand hill. 2nd Lt. Winfield Edgerly map and later timeline do not match his earlier accounts or the movements of Custers' command, as by that time Reno had already passed away and Libby was the powerhouse, also his account does not match the timeline given by the person charge with noting the times (which he stop on the retreat to the Little Big Horn.) And for more information the famous mount dismount mount command is very, and I mean very doubtful. One person heard it, but in the heat of combat he may have forgotten Major Reno had one company dismount as they gathered to fight their way out and this is but a very few minutes from when Bloody Knife is killed (this I still have to confirm). But I do agree with a Historian long ago, the mount dismount and mount command likely did not happen. Major Reno Stopped twice on the charge back the Little Big Horn, both times gather up his lead element, gave orders and to reload his pistol, which means he stopped a third time on the way, because he ran out of bullets before making it to the Little Big Horn (Varnum is the one shooting his pistol on Reno Hill when they got back.) So the questions are did Weir and Edgerly take their commands into harm's way low on ammo, because once the pack train got to Reno Hill (about 10 minutes after Reno returned with the water detail and getting the Ring) the command still had to make a way to carry the wounded which took time and hand out ammo, even after splitting the ammo everyone in the command is under 80 rounds a man earlier with Capt. Benteen's command. Ammunition is the life blood of any command in the field, if you cannot hold off a push the command is doomed. By the time Major Reno and Captain Benteen get to Weir point the Indians are coming in mass their way, and there is no way they could hold that ground. I can go into much long detail, but as can already be seen there is no way the command could have got to Custer, the time is not there. The issue of the 45-70 has not been covered enough in books, it is the wrong gun for fighting the Indians. The relic one needs from the battle is a broken knife as all three battlefields on the Little Big horn had them, the carbine had a jam issue. Of the 380 carbines that the 7th had still, the breech also failed on a good number of them in combat. On the Last Stand battlefield, it was noted about the large number of broken knifes near the dead solder's bodies. The issue of the order is good question, as hurry and bring packs cannot both be done, Martin did bring that order and the pack train is the factor on movement.

[@Sean-fb7cy]

Excellent video Siobhan

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thanks, Sean!

[@josephcreaden6281]

Great job Siobhan! I love your use of the eyewitness accounts.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you, Joe!!

[@SiobhanFallon7]

I am lucky to have walked much of the battlefield with, and learned so much from, YOU

[@josephcreaden6281]

You are too kind. Hopefully we will have many more of those walks! I learn something new every time I go out there.@@SiobhanFallon7

[@brymtb]

Thank you...excellent 😊

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you! 🙏

[@bougeac]

Brilliant as usual! Always look forward to your videos, keep ‘em coming and merry Christmas!!

[@SiobhanFallon7]

THANK YOU!!! Had lots of tech issues as usual! I will get a new laptop in 2024 and try to properly enter the modern age! 😉

[@Defender78]

@@SiobhanFallon7 great content as usual, Custer stories are always engaging. Just um, maybe a suggestion for your audio... the shrill "S" sounds could use some toning down, aka the 'whistling S' phenomenon, maybe a audio app that could soften them, or.. just an observation.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

thank you! I did notice the audio was funny. I might have to wrap up this series (Part III) using the format I have now (crappy program and crappy tech ;) ) but I will invest in a new laptop in 2024 and hopefully fix some of the issues I keep having. Please don't hesitate to make suggestions. I do want to improve as best as I can. Sometimes I make decisions to leave errors/glitches because I know if I try to redo it will take days or weeks to get a new video up. But I do pay attention to what people say and someday I will get it all right! Happy holidays and I hope to hear from you again !

[@Defender78]

@@SiobhanFallon7 It's not your laptop most likely, it's maybe ur voice input device you're using like a microphone you can clip to your shirt, or a microphone on a pedestal out of view of the camera, I doubt that your laptop is so old that the audio systems are bad, I believe that maybe just experimenting with different microphones, or, maybe even adjusting just some speech patterns might just make the whistling s disappear

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@Defender78 actually I have been doing these on my phone 😬😬😬 and I think the audio is deteriorating-- esp since I recently stuck a paper clip into the mike when I was trying to figure out how to remove my SIM card 😬🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

[@chardtomp]

The whole thing was a formula for disaster. Custer's desperate need for a showy victory to further his own ambitions, the fact that Custer, Reno and Benteen disliked each other, that Benteen and Reno had come to distrust Custer due to the incident with Maj. Elliott at Washita, that the horses were in poor condition by that point in the expedition and had, had almost no rest for a full day going into the fight, Custer's decision to divide the regiment and attack a vastly superior force piecemeal, that it was a sweltering summer day. All of these things had a big impact on how the fight unfolded. It's really something of a miracle that they didn't lose the entire regiment.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

It was a dark day, for sure. Great insights. Thanks so much for joining the conversation!! 🙏

[@Tellgryn]

The distrust in the command goes deep and has a long history. Custer does not want Weir when dividing the command which is why he is with Benteen. Custer wanted Capt. Thomas McDougall, but he had the good luck of having his company report ready last. Capt. Myles Keogh is totally disillusioned with Custer by the start of the campaign, he is looking for a transfer to Terry's staff and it is Keogh who told Terry the troubles with Custer that night on the steamboat. Custer figured it was Benteen as the two have a long history of bad blood. Custer and Keogh are not liked by the troops going into the battle, as Keogh is a mean drunk and heavy drinker like Tom and Weir. This a is just a tip of a huge iceberg. Custer send Benteen on a wild goose chase to the southwest, when that movement could have been done by five Indian scouts and Varnum, but this was due to try to keep Benteen out of action. Custer wanted all the glory, and Benteen's command should have been with Custer that day, as his command report first. Reno is always the odd man out as he is not in the Custer faction or the Sturgis faction. Reno had been working on the 45-70 project for the government and had limited friends in the 7th. Custer send Reno as bait the Indians into contact, as he did in the Civil War and on the Washita. Custer wanted, Cooke, Yates and Calhoun that day with him as his closest faction members, which he ended up with on the grassy green. The hate in the command got worse after the battle as hard drinking in the command became the norm. Custer never forgave Weir for the earlier issue and the same with Keogh. Keogh realized he was odd man out; Weir was still trying to get on Custer's good side.

[@chardtomp]

@@TellgrynCuster and Weir fell out over Libbie didn't they? Custer felt Weir was trying to get busy with her while he was away. You're right about the drinking being a problem. Even worse after the battle as many of the survivors seemed to suffer from PTSD for the rest of their lives.

[@Tellgryn]

@@chardtomp Yes and do not forget Custer deserted his command in the field to head off the Libby affair. The 7th cavalry is a mess by 1876 and needed Custer out of the command. All Custer did in the command was to divide it and because he was always in trouble and getting out of it, when many in the command are basically sent to the wolves after the Little Big Horn battle; it is a mass miscarriage of justice.

[@maxdavid84]

Only the horses in Custer's wing were in bad shape as they had been on the Reno scout and had no time to recuperate. The other two battalions' horses were fine. That Custer drove the regiment too hard since leaving the Yellowstone is a myth.

[@ronaldringler1497]

Another A plus segment. You're the best on the old west.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

You're the best, Ronald! I got a nasty comment yesterday but your message right here is the best antidote. Cannot thank you enough for making my day 🙏

[@ronaldringler1497]

@@SiobhanFallon7 My pleasure. They say truth has it's own rewards. Look forward to viewing more of your top notch research.

[@conwaykangas6467]

Another enjoyable presentation. Weir is a hero as was Keogh. Among others but what Weir did in advancing not only at the Morass without orders and at Reno Hill but as an enlisted man and hearing of the Far West and how they said he was the only officer to visit or treat them as human... that was a long trip to not interact with men that were wounded and some that died on the way. As far as French what was the court martial that prevented him from testifying at the RCOI. As French was described by Sgt. White called him the only officer that acted the part and was like a lion or something similar. Standing up and above all, the only officer on the line before falling into the timber. Weir however was and will be justified for what he seen and how it turned out. IN my mind another Fetterman Massacre as there is no doubt in my mind that Custer was lured into an ambush and much like Fetterman, the battle could be seen from the hills into the valley but to advance was suicide. and here is the rub... Reno would not assist the wounded being killed on his retreat and those with him on the hill must have been a factor on his advance to Custer but what a hard thing, leave the wounded to suffer the same as the valley retreat and what they heard and seen at the time and in this leave those and go to Custer as the fight was still on. Reno said his men were short of ammunition and yet Custer was to hold out two hours or such. Either way it is so many lies covered by more lies and then everyone using the lies to figure out what happened. Ill say this Weir was within that mile and a half from Custer. June is coming for the 150th and I will get something out no matter how clumsy to show this.

[@nomadpi1]

I see a "construct" in your comment. I ask that you read my comment re: Reno, Weir, above.

[@christopherfoster3744]

Hi ! Thank you !

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you!!

[@scottiebrooks]

Excellent work as always! Always excited to see a new video from you! Thank you and Merry Christmas! ✌️🎄❤😊

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you so much, Scottie! Merry Christmas to you and yours! 🙏🎄🙏

[@kcevans4321]

Wonderful series, thank you!

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment 🙏

[@Dorian-wf1iv]

Thank you again for this beautiful video ❤❤❤

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you for watching!!

[@richardcutt727]

I have been on Weir Point too. What Weir and his colleagues really saw was likely adjusted post battle to save the reputation of the 7th at the Reno Court of Enquiry. I think they saw C and L Troops fighting. I think this is why Sgt Butler tried to reach Weir Pt. Maybe they saw him try and fail?

[@SiobhanFallon7]

So horrible to think that Butler (or Foley) were riding desperately to the men at Weir Point. But yes, there is an interview with one of the D Co sergeants that implies they saw a rider or messenger coming toward them. I need to try to find it. Also Edgerly is overhead saying something about watching Custer's fight to COL Sturgis. But it was hearsay, and I was short of time, so I didn't include that, but I ought to have both of those accounts onhand. Thank you for the inspiration and the comments!

[@Bill67604]

What an excellent presentation! Thank you.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you so much, Bill! Please let me know what you think of Weir Part III !

[@bwm3013]

Great video, thanks!

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you!!!

[@user-nl8uw1wt7f]

Very informative as for me it's great that there is still a love of the history for this epic battle. I look forward to more of your stories. Well done

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you so much! I do just love the details of this epic battle. I have enough material for these videos for YEARS! ;)

[@gator83261]

Great video. Please keep going (!)

[@SiobhanFallon7]

I will!!! Thank you 😊

[@Winteryears]

I love your work in producing these lectures. I'm now a fan. Great work, well delivered.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you so very much!

[@basicbrit1]

Bravo!

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you!!

[@tabs9213]

In the 7th you either loved or hated Custer. Most of the favored officers rode with Custers Battlion to be in on the glory. Benteen thought that Custer was arrogant and reckless who would abandon his own soldiers for his own self agrangizement as he had done with Elliot at the Washita. At the Big Horn Benteen with Weir another Custer acoylte was sent to cross the river and proceed South to find hostiles which Benteen thought was more or less a fools errand. Reno a bit farther up was ordered to cross the river with 3 Troops of 120 men was to attack the villiage from the S driving the women.and children escaping.to the N where Custer with 5 Troops would be there to capture them and gain another glorious victory. Only 2 things were wrong this time the hostiles were in a fighting mood and they had overwhelming numbers with a fair number of Winchester repeaters that gave them superior firepower at closer ranges. Custer proceeded N sent several Troops down Medicine Coulee to Ford the river where they were repulsed. Continued N to find the N end of the villiage leaving Calhoun and Keoghs Troop to cover his rear . Possibly finding the N end he returned to Last Stand Hill awaiting Benteen to come up? Where in a very short time he was quickly swarmed and overwhelmed by around 2500 hostiles who now had turned their attention from Reno to him. Meanwhile Reno had been routed from the valley where his command had been decimated running for their lives as the hostiles had chased them the way they hunted Buffalo. Gaining the relative safety of the Bluffs Reno was rattled because while fighting in the timber his Indian scout had been hit in the head with a bullet splattering his brains all over him. About this time Benteens 3 Troops came up and seeing that Renos Troopers were in a bad way with a number of badly wounded that couldn't be moved Benteen who had a solid combat reputation from the CW decided the best move was to await the Pack Train under McDougal thus consolidating the command. Weir impetuously wanted to continue to the N to find and support Custer as the Martin note had ordered. While the heated discussion was going on firing could be heard coming from the N. Weir took off N with his Troop followed shortly by another Troop where upon gaining the high ground of Weir Point they could see hostiles firing into the ground in the distance. Weir now started to come under increasing pressure. from the hostiles returning as it turned out from dispatching Custer. Weir was soon forced to hastily retreat back to the Defensive area. Where for the rest of that day and the next it was a touch and go situation. Where the hostiles only started to leave when they knew Terry was soon to arrive with his column. During the Defensive Fight everybody was wondering where Custer was? Did he hightail it abandoning them? Nobody thought he had been massacred. Terry's advance Party when finding Renos command told of finding Custers massacre site. Benteen and Godfrey with 14 Troopers from co H were the first to survey the massacre site which they described as being "Ghastly" as virtually they had been mutilated beyond recognition with the exception of Custer and Keogh. Keogh because he had a Papal medal which the Indians thought was big medicine and Custer who had a wound in the chest and left temple which possibly meant he committed suicide rather than be taken alive. Indians didn't mutilate suicides. After the 7th returned to camp after the campaign all the surviving officers drank copious gallons of whiskey. With Reno by himself drinking 9 gallons. French in 1877 was cashiered from the Army for Alcoholism. Such was the fright that the 7th had received from their harrowing experience at the LBH. Reno after the fight called for a court of Inquiry to clear his reputation which it did.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Yes. Lots of info there!

[@sunnyjacksmack]

Well done. Thank You

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you for taking the time to comment!! Merry Christmas!

[@sunnyjacksmack]

h@@SiobhanFallon7 Merry Christmas and thank you and your husband for your service.

[@realbay2po]

Siobhan, excellent as always. This guy is so interesting!

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you! I agree about Weir being fascinating! Merry Christmas, Jeff 🎄

[@Jay_Hall]

Excellent! :)

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Many thanks!

[@dustinneely]

@2:28 Lt. Donald McIntosh is a doppelganger for Kirk Douglas.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🙌

[@SiobhanFallon7]

OH MY GOSH HE IS!!! SPARTICUS!!

[@richardcutt727]

Another great video Siobhan. Many original photos and art work that I have not yet seen. Elizabeth Custer was right. A shocking betrayal of their Commander and Weir knew it. After LBH the survivors realised their collusion in Custer's defeat and found it hard to live with.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

So glad there were some new things her for you! Very insightful assessment, Richard. I can't blame Elizabeth for thinking this-- all of her friends seemed to agree. And then when the RCOI did not find Reno guilty, she must have been devastated, thinking the Army let her husband down. Of ocurse there were so many human factors also at work. So good to hear from you. Thanks for commenting and Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@robertsansone1680]

Excellent as always. Thank You. You need not apologize for your films "being so long". They are not nearly long enough. An interesting fact. Thomas Custer, who died with his brother, was the first double Medal of Honor winner. (there were 19 in total) Thanks again.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you! And yes!! Tom Custer winning 2 Medal of Honors deserves more attention!! One of these days I will do a bio on him. So good of you to comments and offer me such kind praise. Thank you and Merry Christmas! 🙏

[@robertsansone1680]

​@@SiobhanFallon7Merry Christmas 🎄

[@gar9429]

Very interesting thank you. One never hears this story from people who detested Custer!

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you! I think Weir's story is key to the fight. Happy holidays to you 🙏

[@user-kq7bf1et1i]

Its sad to think them fellas saw what they thought was help coming to the rescue,only for them to stand on a hill and not move to help,all adds to the mystic of the battle,,good video,thanks

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Yes, it is so terrible that they thought their salvation was coming. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment and share your thoughts with me!!

[@getoffenit7827]

Yeah,What a sobering thought If Weir and Reno could see Custer off in the distance,One would have to assume Custer could see them too..just sitting there not deploying or making any movement towards his position. 'Help' so close but never going to arrive

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@getoffenit7827 Yes. That thought would destroy me in hindsight.

[@JanJohanssonmusic]

A brilliant presentation...

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Wow!! You just made my day! 🎉🙏🎉 thank you!

[@JanJohanssonmusic]

Keep up the great work.@@SiobhanFallon7

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@JanJohanssonmusic you are so kind. Thank you!!

[@od1452]

Thanks..good information. I like that you found original sources . Unfortunately Custer's 7th Cav is a textbook example of what personal rivalries and animosities do to sabotage the chain of command . I hope that is the lesson taught at West Point. Benteen couldn't and didn't want to see the importance of his orders because of his negative feelings toward Custer. Reno was almost as bad... but I do think his courage failed because he thought he was head wounded for a few panicky moments . I can't help but wonder what would have happened if Benteen had stayed on the left flank as he was ordered . I think he would have come out on Reno's left after Reno's attack had started. He would have supported Reno... that might have helped his attack.. But That would mean Custer could not expect help from Benteen. Of course .. what if doesn't matter any more. Custer may not have been perfect.. but the actions of some of his offices and EMs clearly show what a good soldier understood his duty was . Benteen and Reno failed to follow their example that day . Nobody knows how the battle would have turned out if they had followed Custer's orders but soldiers are taught to follow orders because it supports the chain of command and assumes the orders given have a purpose to victory . The aftermath of this battle shows that many knew they didnt support the chain of command and they were too afraid that they would be blamed for the failure. .. so they looked for a scape goat . It was easy to blame the dead.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Absolutely. I want to save your response because you put it so succinctly! I think Benteen was detrimental to the Seventh, undermining his commander every chance he had. I try to imagine what it would be like having an officer like that in my husband's chain of command, never sure what he was whispering. So good to get your insights! Please chime in anytime withfeedback! Thank you, Merry Christmas, and hope to hear from you again! 🙏🎄🙏

[@tommywilmoth5354]

I agree with there being animosity towards Custer from Benteen and Reno that is a fact. But Reno and Benteen did follow orders. Reno attacked the camp from the southern point as ordered by Custer. He had about 160 to 170 men The village upon attack came out in a greater numbers than Reno had under his command. I'n effect had he kept going thru would have been slaughtered before Custer. The only reason he and the ones that retreated was they got ahead and we're able to dig in and defend their position. Had they went into the village they would have been surrounded. Benteen was told to come quick bring packs come quick The pack train was some ,3 to 4i miles further behind than Benteen. He couldn't come quick because he had to wait for the pack train to catch up. And it is common knowledge that they had been in the saddle for almost two days with one two hour break to see from the crows nest. Custer couldn't see what the scouts could see which was the worms moving in the grass . The twenty thousand ponies. Had Custer used his head and let the Men rest a little bit and waited for Terry and the rest of the troops to arrive there would have been a different battle that day. Crook had already got beaten at the Rosebud a couple of days before and was hauling ass back to the fort. And no message of his actions was ever sent to the other troops command. There are a lot of what ifs but Custer said he would support Reno how do you support someone when your engaged with another group of same said indians who outnumber you 3 to 1 the answer is you don't or can't support another when your already under fire. As far as Benteen bring the packs you can't come quick and bring the mules pack train when they are 3 more miles behind you it is physically impossible for that to actually take place had he rode to help Custer they would have been overrun Why didn't they keep going from Weir Point oh that's right they turned around and went back to where Reno was dig in and arrived at the same time the pack train did. Why because the Indians were about to overrun them the same way they did Custer. They all should have stayed together and fought together. A Side man had twelve sons he got them together and handed them twelve sticks wrapped with a couple pieces of rope and gave it to each of his sons to break the sticks each tried and each son failed. The wise man took the bundle of sticks took the rope off and easily broke each stock.

[@od1452]

@@tommywilmoth5354 Thanks for your reply. I respectfully disagree with some of what you say. We can only evaluate this subject on what we each know and can figure out based on our experience and the history we can find . 30 years in the Army tells me Custer's 7th had a big problem in command. He did recognize it and asked that all would put away their ill feelings but Reno and Benteen... especially Benteen didn't. Reno did attack. He was not an experienced Indian fighter and could have relied on his experienced Company commanders input. But he didn't have to... his call. I think the gore from Bloody knife's death unnerved Reno... I'm sure he thought he was wounded in the head.. he put on a bandage. He had been drinking and admitted he was drunk years later. He panicked ( not being too judgmental here but stating what I think happened ) This led to the rout of his wing. They were only slowed down by the efforts of some NCOs and Officers and the fact that they had to go up hill. They were rallying at the top. Reno still is not composed and wants Benteen to help when he shows up. I think here is a very critical moment . Reno is only worried about his command but is asking Benteen to fix it. Benteen decides to forget Custer and help Reno..Benteen gets the message to help ( Come quick) but ( Benteen is pissed off at Custer because he thinks his commanders order to stay on the left are bs ( they are really part of what Terry told him to do.) .) Benteen chooses to tell the messager that he is not the pack train leader any more ( he was days before) The messenger from what I can find goes to the train NCO (?) and they start moving up ammo. What should have happened is ..... Benteen would detail an officer and soldiers to quickly get to the pack train and move up ammo .. making sure to expidite some ammo and not let the emergency ammo get diverted ,it has priority ... He could also send out one company to scout out were Custer is and guide the ammo and reinforcements ( Benteen's command) Because Reno is not at his best.. Benteen should then have made sure some of Reno's company commanders or other officers are able to step up and get Reno's command in shape. Custer's message is priority... not Reno . All this would be done quickly. >>>> yes the distance of the pack train is not really clear.. I have read many conflicting statements.... but they are only minutes away .... not hours .. from what I can find. and the soldiers would now be in a hurry. Would it make no difference...? Nobody knows for sure. Nobody knows what Custer would do if he got more Ammo and reinforcements. He had fought and defeated lndian groups larger than his own. ... Some Indians said they were surprised .. Regardless ... I think His wing commanders let him down. Benteen by his ego and hatred of Custer... Reno because he was drunk ( many of his officers had been drinking too) And not being able to organize his unit into a defence ..without Benteen. Benteen was a competent and brave officer ( He fought bravely the next day and many other times ) ... if he could have put aside his animosity of Custer ... He would have seen his commander was in need and acted decisively on that field that day, ... if he had done so , he would be a hero today. One can read his in his testimony his hatred of Custer and his evasive explanations .... I think he knew he messed up...

[@michaelhart6318]

Thomas Weir: The Man Who Wanted to Ingratiate Himself With Libby Custer. Ole Fred tried to warn Custer about Weir outside of Monument Rocks, KS and was one of the reasons ole George went AWOL.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

🤣 Weir did get along with the ladies... but never seemed to close the deal 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Here is part one where I talk about Weir's relationship with Libbie and Custer's reaction (and my Annie Yates bio talk about Weir quite a bit too): kzbin.info/www/bejne/jX7OfputpdN5jrssi=qK9rQrCdjzpa0Yrv

[@thetruthseeker5549]

Fascinating personal perspectives, well presented. The Army was in horrible shape by the late 1870s, under funding, under recruiting, the added work load of "reconstruction". Robert Utley in his book "Frontier Regulars" describes well the army's loss of proficiencey since the civil war, and how much better it performed out west and on the whole from the 1880s on, once funding and reform was taken more seriously by congress. Too late for Custer though!

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Yes!

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Utley is wonderful. Thank you for the superb comment! Best, Siobhan

[@bartbucklin7433]

Great job, History also will be analyzed. To not change perceptions, but filter the truth.Weir did the correct call in professional soldier In the heat of the moment decision. A valid response, in helping. Well , time was the essence, for all. But was not utilized. Reno, Benteen in my mind, as the history with Custer and the fight pior of first attempt, or attack. Freak him out, and lost it. He chicken out. All in all even if all of the soldiers made it on time. The result would have been the same, it was just to take it a little longer. The the Indians were too powerful mind and Spirit and weapons. My opinion the history for that day was righteous for the native Americans. It was meant to be for history and that's how it went down. I've never been to the Little bighorn I will truly enjoy to walk around and feel the history.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

You would love the battlefield, Buck. It really comes alive when you are there, the terrain and space are so tremendous. It's haunting and inspiring at the same time. Thanks so much for watching! Please let me know what you think of my other videos!

[@user-nl8uw1wt7f]

That's great. Best of luck with your video's

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you!

[@raymonddonahue7282]

excellent

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you!

[@michaelrichardson6051]

Reno is buried in the National Cemetery at the battlefield. Weir and his men would have been wiped out. There were just too many Indians.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Hi there. Thanks so much for watching and commenting. If you haven't already, you might want to check out part three of the Weir series that includes other ideas and accounts of what happened at the Little Bighorn and addresses you comments a bit. See it here at : kzbin.info/www/bejne/inm8aoqofqxrjrM And I also have a Reno bio up you might appreciate! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqGnpqtqq7qEnKc Thanks again!

[@jaynesager3049]

So many common threads in the biographies of the people who lived through those times. Loss of mothers or both parents, heavy alcoholism. Laudanum, an opiate most likely suggested by a doctor to curb the PTSD, does cause violence. There was no real help for these soldiers who carried their battles and survivor’s guilt for their remainders of their lives. Hopefully, they are at peace now. I pray for them.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Me too, Jayne 🙏💕

[@johnzajac9849]

After the Indian victory, Cpt. Frederick Benteen estimated the number of warriors at 8,000, and Lt. Winfield S. Edgerly estimated the number of warriors at 7,000.

[@barbaraanneneale3674]

Another fine video as usual. Amazingly, you dig up material that I have never heard before. the interaction Reno and Weir After the battle is completely new to me. As was the Buffalo Bill incident. I have my Doubts abouthe conditions on the Battlefield. Too many native and current soldier accounts call it dusty and smoky kind of obscuring vision. What could be seen is therefore open to question. But this is a quibble. You force me to reconsider the relationship between the major and the Captain. this is far more significant than I previously thought.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Barbara, I agree with you about the conditions, I am on the fence myself about whether it was clear or dusty/ smoky and what could be seen. But I do think smoke would indicate a great fight going on too, though yes, harder to see the details. I love hearing from you. Thanks for taking the time to give me feedback and say hello!

[@barbaraanneneale3674]

@@SiobhanFallon7 I'm glad you enjoying my comments. That is very flattering. Please keep your excellent videos Coming. And a very happy holiday to you and your family.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@barbaraanneneale3674 and a wonderful holiday and new year to you and yours, Barbara! I am glad you subscribed 🙏🎉 and that you take the time to check in with me after watching. These Weir bios are a true labor of love. He was one of the early hooks that drew me into this subject 😍

[@Tellgryn]

@@SiobhanFallon7 To give you an idea, the Indians had set many fires in the woods along the Little Big Horn, the dust is very bad also to go with the smoke. The fires did not go out to the grass lands near the river and appears to be mainly areas south and north of the woods Reno's command was station.

[@mikerelva6915]

I'm near positive Reno had extreme PTSD from the Civil War and was almost certainly a hardcore alcoholic. He used the alcohol to cope with the PTSD, but as soon as Bloody Knife's brain matter went splattering on him he went into shock and only thought of self preservation. The accounts of his confused commands being all over the place point to this too. And if he wasn't drunk, as he said he wasn't, then being a hardcore night time drinker and without his drink in the morning (which his brain would be craving to function normally) he would have been in a near catatonic state after that morning. Must have been a nightmare. I wonder if Reno knew how his life would turn out if he would have went back to help Custer that day? At worst a quick death would have been possibly better than the disgrace and torture he endured after. The sad reality is Reno was probably the normal one - it's not normal to see the things Civil War and Indian War vets did and come out unscathed. It would almost take a spciopath to come out unscathed from the daily horror they saw and still have the will to keep fighting after then having it re-triggered by your troop getting slaughtered around you and friend Bloody Knife getting his head blown up on you.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

It is incredible to think about what those Civil War vets went through, and how they managed to continue on and take care of their families etc. I agree with you-- but I think of all the men who did not devolve into alcoholics. Maybe they were made of different stuff than we were, or expected life to be violent and short in a way we can't understand today?

[@mikerelva6915]

@@SiobhanFallon7 something I also did not think of until last night was Benteen and Reno had kids, they were Dad's on top of husbands. Custer didn't have kids. Weir didn't have kids. A bachelor or non father will be more willing to give up their lives in a war than a father that has to worry about their child being fatherless....this is without all the PTSD stuff and alcohol issues that probably affected Reno's decisions that day. He had more to lose and cared about his son more than he cared about his fellow soldiers (that he seemed to loathe even, esp Custer). And then we add in the fact that Reno clearly had character issues, was quarrelling all the time, always in trouble, didn't have any problem moving in on a married woman (scumbag selfish move) and he doesn't strike me as the type of guy that would want to give his life to save other soldiers that he didn't even like in the first place. Everything pointed to Reno being all about Reno I've always felt you can look at a person and get an idea of what type of person they are. It's just an intuition I guess but it seems to work. Weir looks like a sweetheart nice guy, Reno looks like an a-hole, Custer a flamboyant attention seeker but a warrior, Myles also a sweet heart good guy like Weir, and Benteen looks like a stuck up snob. George, Tom and Calhoun look like the kind of guys that would have your back in a fight....Reno tho looks like the guy you would be fighting 🤣 The more I think about this battle I think Reno just failed them owing to his personal short comings....if anything he was probably happy to see Custer get it and thought maybe he could move up if Custer was gone (and maybe move in on the beautiful Libby too 😆). I'm sure many of his troop would have died but if he followed orders, but if he and a united Benteen went guns blazing to help Custer they could have at least pushed the Indians off and saved some lives. I am also near positive had Reno been stranded Custer would have tried to save him and his men. Reno climb the ladder and got the job but he really wasn't cut out for being a soldier. Custer though, I think a guy like him was born to be a warrior...which when you think about it is tough and ugly stuff (you are paid to kill people and not be effected by your friends being killed). It wasn't about killing every Indian or even achieving the objective at the point Weir begged Reno to go in, but if they came blazing in with hundreds of horses guns blazing, surely they could have made enough room to get some of Custer's men out of there. And of course Benteen and Reno would over exaggerate now many warriors there were and say they would have been killed too....they wanted to save their careers and their own necks. The more I think about this I think they were the type of "soldiers" that liked the pay and prestige of being a soldier but really were not cut out for the price a soldier may have to pay when his fellow soldiers need their help.

[@gregzeigler3850]

"The battle lasted 3 hours."-Sitting Bull. "The battle lasted 3 to 4 hours."-Crow King. "It was a hotly contested battle."-Moving Robe. The soldiers were organized and they were fighting very hard".-Hollow Horn Bear. Indians have stated that had the rest of the 7th had arrived, the massacre would have never have happened.

[@user-iq7et7xu1r]

I often work near the Godfrey House in Cookestown, NJ which was the home of BG Godfrey, a Civil War and Indian Wars veteran and US Army career officer. He survived Little Big Horn and years later when he retired lived in Cookestown, NJ as a retired gentleman farmer. He dies in 1932.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Oh, I'd love to visit sometime soon! If you haven't seen it already, here is my biography of Godfrey: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4DbZ2eifK2ambcsi=qXNeAgL21dnbzDYh Please let me know what you think!

[@nomadpi1]

I see he lived another 56 (?) years after the battle, according to this comment. That's a long time for a man teetering under the effects of alcoholism.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@nomadpi1 Godfrey did not have any sort of drinking problem. He is the officer who lived another 56 years. Thomas Weir and Tucker French both drank to excess, and though they survived Little Bighorn, neither lived long. I have videos on Godfrey, French, and Weir! Please take a look!

[@richardschultz8001]

Horse back soldiers are called cavalry.....the word needs an L in the pronunciation.....This is a great presentation and accurate in names and places......just add a L in cavalry and keep up the good work!

[@anthonywalters4452]

Excellent piece yet again Siobhan.I Look forward to the next installment.I assume the pieces on Miles Keogh and Tom Custer will be superb too.When this coverage of Custer is all done hopefully you can take a break and give a fair and decent analysis of the Fetterman Fight.Like the Custer massacre all the blame has been put on Fetterman and much of it too coming from testimony of people who had vested interests and people with agendas in doing so.The channel Way Out West has covered it briefly .Even in England in infant school we had a history book about The Battle Of The Hundred In The Hands.It quoted Fetterman boasting he could ride through the whole Sioux nation with eighty men.This is something it is almost certain he never said.Whilst Fetterman did defy Carringtons orders in going beyond the ridge it is probably because he felt he had to to support the cavalry with his infantry who had gone ahead over the ridge.Whereas Custer had his widow Libby to save his reputation and put his side of things Fetterman never had that.

[@gregzeigler3850]

There wasn't nothing for Libby to save. The strategy employed by Custer was the same as Washita and the same employed by Robert E. Lee multiple times for victory. Had Reno had held, then Custer would have had an advantage on the Indian's flank. Had Benteen and the rest of the 7th had come to Custer, the massacre would have never have happened(by the Sioux's leaders'words). The bottom line is that Benteen willingly disobeyed a direct order to join Custer. It's amazing to me, that people know so little history, yet speak like they do.

[@lesliemoiseauthor]

I support you 💯

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you so very much!! 💕📚💕

[@lesliemoiseauthor]

​@@SiobhanFallon7As a historical novelist, I am impressed with the level of your research.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@lesliemoiseauthor thank you! I am surprised myself 🤣🤣🤣 all these years I never realized how much I love history 🤷🏼‍♀️🤣😍

[@lesliemoiseauthor]

@@SiobhanFallon7 Same here! When I was in my 20s I thought, "I never want to be an historical novelist. It's too much work.". 🤣

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@lesliemoiseauthor 🤣

[@nomadpi1]

Major Reno had his scout's brains blown out by a rifle round, spattering his face, while standing exactly beside him just prior to his retreat, while in a running fight with the Indians, to the Reno's Hill. You take that situation happening to you, plus a failed charge, and let's see what your condition of command will be. Reno was trying to ascertain the whole regiment's situation as he was in command of this portion of the regiment. Reno saved his part of the command. That was also Colonel Sturgis' estimation after the battle. Wier's actions portray both an active disobedience to Reno's direct order and a passive resistant to his present commander (Reno). He was trying to get away from Reno's command.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Yes, Weir was trying to get away from Major Reno's command, who he saw as disobedient to the acting commander of the Seventh Cavalry, LT COL Custer. Weir had seen Benteen's last order from Custer, "Be Quick" and he knew they were not doing that. I empathize with Reno for the situation he was in in the timber, having someone brains slatter across his face must have been dreadful. But these men were seasoned veterans who had witnessed mass casualties and chaos during the Civil War. And his role was to lead, not get flustered and lose his head. Some were capable of doing this better than others. You saying to me "let's see what your condition of command will be" acknowledges that you seem to think that retreat was a mess, but that he had an excuse. It's a matter of whether his excuse was good enough. Lt Jesse M. Lee at the Reno Court of Inquiry who acted as the recorder, who interviewed all of the LBH eyewitnesses and would later also interview Indian participants, did not think Reno's actions excusable. Nor did Godfrey, who was actually there. Others as well, including Captain Thomas Weir. I tend to agree with those individuals' assessment. You can agree with other assessments, I don't mind ;)

[@user-xn4qh3lh3s]

I was wondering where I can find documentation that Weir saw the Reno retreat? I have read (without citation) that Weir actually covered Reno’s retreat from the bluffs. I am intrigued by this time in the fight.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

I never heard this but would also love to learn more about it if you find!!

[@gianniraffaele926]

Another Great Video ! Would Like A Video About Reno And Benteen Betrayal Of The Hated G.A. Custer Or Non Betryal ? Your View Please

[@sayhey7482]

WOW ! a pretty woman who is WELL VERSED , expert on G.A.C. and HIS 7TH ! bravo , music and L.B.H are my TOP TWO SUBJESTS , your voice telling of capt weirs terrible last 6 months of life had my eyes leaking , well done keep more comming

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you so much for watching, and for the lovely compliments! I have a bit more music in my recent Myles Keogh video that you might like. Hope to hear from you again soon! all best, Siobhan

[@brucebutler2746]

It is important to note that Custer did not send a message to Maj. Reno to come to his aid. Reno, thus, had no authority leave his position as the diversionary force on the southern sector. If Reno were to mover at all, his standing orders would require him to assault through the village. Reno's decision to go on the defensive constituted the government's interest in the Reno board of inquiry. The Army's verdict, and its instruction to the officer corps, was that an officer confronted with an unanticipated forlorn hope, is justified in assuming the defense, though under orders to attack. As for Reno's personal reputation, the Army was unconcerned, and acquitted him with faint praise. The overwhelming testimony at the Reno inquiry was that there was no hope of a successful relief from Weir Point. It may be that the officers of the 7th came together to promote a consistent defensive narrative, but the number of warriors and lack of a defensible position suggests the appraisal was accurate.

[@michaelbroer6378]

Some of the indians who followed Reno onto the bluffs said they saw the approach of Benteen to the south and also saw Custer's column to the north as they were deploying toward the river. In other words there was an unobstructed view from Custer to Benteen. Custer must have known that Benteen's force would be coming. Had Benteen brought the pack train with him as ordered he would have run into many warriors moving east from the river to flank Keogh's batallion. It would have been interesting to know what Keogh would have done to facilitate the arrival of Benteen.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Good points. Thanks so much for your input!

[@Frank-pi2gz]

ACCORDING TO A CHEYENNE WOMEN WHO WAS INTERVIEWED FIVE YEARS AFTER THE BATTLE, SHE STATED THAT CUSTERS LAST WORDS WERE TO HIS BROTHER WHAT THE INDIAN WORD FOR FRIEND WAS, TOLD IT WAS KEMOSABE, HE BEGAN YELLING LOUDLY "HEY OUT THERE, KEMOSABE...KEMOSABE. ....THEN HE WAS SHOT DEAD. HIS BROTHER TOM SAID NO, THAT AIN'T IT,..AND THEN HE TOO WAS KILLED. 😢

[@johnashton485]

Great presentation! One little point: the purveyors of goods to the soldiers are pronounced "suttler" although spelled "sutler".

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thank you!! And I always need help with my pronunciation: much appreciated 😉

[@getoffenit7827]

I wonder if Weir wouldve made it to Custer before they were finally encircled at Last Stand Hill. Would he have had enough troops to even make a difference or at least relieve the pressure of so many warriors pursuing Custer..Draw enough warriors away from Custer so Custer could possibly disengage and retreat to safety?

[@SiobhanFallon7]

I think Weir and D Co could have made it to Calhoun. My theory is that Weir understood that Custer was leaving the corridor open for Reno/ Benteen/ remainder of the 7th to make their way into the valley and unite. Weir could see Benteen and Reno slowly coming out, so he waited for them rather than reunite with Calhoun or Custer. I'm not sure if he could have made a difference or helped Calhoun's position. But, forget about the entire 7th moving out to Custer, if everyone had just stayed on Weir Point and looked threatening to the Indians, perhaps the Indians would have regrouped and gone to evacuate their families etc. Instead, any pressure at all was removed as soon as Benteen and Reno turned back piecemeal toward Reno Hill in yet another retreat. And what may have been viewed as a potential threat became, once more, a fleeing target to the emboldened tribes.

[@getoffenit7827]

@@SiobhanFallon7 one other thought. Do you think Custer had split his force and sent one half to an area that should have been covered by Benteen had Benteen arrived in a more timely manner?

[@getoffenit7827]

In other words Custer may have assumed Benteen wouldnt be arriving anytime soon and decided he needed to split his force in an effort to have one half do the job of Benteens unit?

[@alwaysfourfun1671]

You told this story in a very nice way. White mans point of view, but many little details and much about social interactions. Many native people lost their lives, killed by the soldiers, while defending their village and their way of life. Freedom was dying in America. Still, you told the story in a pleasant way.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Thanks so much for your comments and insights. It was a bloody, violent time and so many lives were affected. I have a few videos on Chief Black Kettle and the Southern Cheyenne you might like to check out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHWmfJtneLFogKM kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXXWaIdjnpigj7M I'd love to hear your thoughts on those too. Again, thank you and hope to hear from you again. best, Siobhan

[@drgeoffangel5422]

The only person responsible for the sad loss that day was Custer, by splitting his command ! It's as simple as that!

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Hello there. Thanks so much for watching and commenting. I'm going to let a contemporary, a fellow West Point grad, a decorate cavalry officer, and a man who was actually at the Little Bighorn respond to you here as he sums it up rather well: "The division of the command was not in itself faulty. The same tactics were pursued at the battle of the Washita and were successful. That was a surprise attack and there was full cooperations of the separate commands, each commander carried out his instructions... had Reno made his charge as ordered, or made a bold front even, the Hostiles would have been so engaged in the bottom that Custer's approach from the Northeast would have been such a surprise as to cause a stampede of the village and would have broken the morale of the warriors." General Godfrey’s Narrative, The Custer Myth, Col Graham p147 Thanks!

[@jIMwILLIAMS-im7kk]

The rest of custers officers simply left him to be slaughtered and then blamed their own failures on Custer???

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Well, that is certainly part of the debate! And why the Reno Court of Inquiry of 1879 is viewed with some skepticism. Thanks for joining the conversation! I hope to hear more from you...

[@Redwhiteblue-gr5em]

I suspect Weir was behind a lot of Whittaker’s criticisms of Reno and Benteen at LBH. Too bad in retrospect Whittaker protected his sources.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

I am still holding out hope that more of Weir's letters will be found someday!

[@31terikennedy]

Like the Washita the LBH was supposed to be four prong attack that when in simultaneously. Benteen was at the Washita and knew Custer's tactics. What was problematic for Benteen was Weir was there too and that's why he was upset with Benteen's actions. The reason Custer attacked right away was he was notified that Indians had found a lost Army bread box and the critical element of surprise might have been lost.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Yes, that damned bread box!!!! ;) Very true about the Washita-- thanks for bringing that up! I agree that Custer had a similar attack in mind. And the officers admited as much... though not Benteen.

[@31terikennedy]

Custer's attack at the river was a feint to relieve pressure on Reno/Benteen. We know this because Custer ordered Benteen to join him not the other way around. Custer led the Indians away and developed a defensive position around Last Stand Hill. This was Benteen's opportunity to attack the Indians from the rear as they were changing direction. It was Custer's anvil to Benteen's hammer. Benteen had to had to come quick because Custer's position could be easily enveloped. @@SiobhanFallon7

[@brucebutler2746]

Surprise is only one of the nine principles of war. If you violate seven other principles, you're in for a bad day.

[@tbenedict6335]

These men had seen death in the civil war where casualties were extreme. Reno whether drunk or suffering i do believe courage vacated him that day and perhaps the same can be said for Benteen but knowing all was lost refused to lose more. I also believe both men hated Custer and had no desire to assist him knowing well from the scouts the size of force they were facing. Disobedient Custer to his own orders allowed Reno,Benteen to disregard his orders and both men knew Custer was in all likely hood without their help was going to suffer defeat and most likely perish if he tried. These men had seen thousands die in a single day,they knew chaos of battles and orders were mere guidelines and those that survive tell the tale. My opinion right or wrong i have no idea other than testimony given i find Reno,Benteen were far from honorable on that day towards Custer. However to theyre command and the lives of they're soldiers they are owed a considerable debt. I dont know the truth of it but i know they lied and perjury themselves right or wrong. ive been on the battlefield there i am a lifelong hunter they not only heard but seen last stand hill.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

You make a lot of really good points. We too often forget about the large scale slaughter of Civil War battles, and how tenuous life itself was during this time-- cholera, childbirth, small pox, measles, flu, stepping on a rusty nail, consumption, even venereal diseases, were untreatable and people just died. Also you are right to point out that no matter what, Benteen and Reno brought home survivors, and the soldiers must have been grateful for that. I think that is part of the officer's hesitation to speak negatively about Reno and Benteen (especially Benteen) after the Little Bighorn fight. Great to hear your insights! Thank you for commenting!

[@Redwhiteblue-gr5em]

Totally agree.

[@Redwhiteblue-gr5em]

The most frustrating thing about for those that study LBH was that Weir tragically died too soon and never documented or publicly told his version of what exactly happened.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Absolutely!!! I am holding out hope that someday his letters etc, come to the public view so we will finally know, without a doubt, what he thought. I'll be putting up the third and final installment any day now! Thanks so much for commenting and hope to hear from you again soon...

[@Redwhiteblue-gr5em]

@@SiobhanFallon7 look forward to it. Many years ago I read a letter from Weir to Libbie Custer in which he alludes to some things that were so terrible about LBH that he wouldn’t write it down. But he wrote that whenever we meet in private I will tell you about it. I think he was living in New York City when he wrote this letter. Of course he never had the opportunity to meet with Libbie ever again. Are you familiar with this letter? I speculated that this terrible thing either involved the Indians mutilating the dead or things Reno and/or Benteen said.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@Redwhiteblue-gr5em yes! I mention it in the final installment I am working on and hope to post today or tomorrow!!

[@getoffenit7827]

​@@SiobhanFallon7 Are there letters or notes written by Capt.Weir regarding the events at Little Bighorn?

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@getoffenit7827 Very few, unfortunately, and those that do exist currently reside in private collections so we can't read them in their entirety. Charles Merkel published excerpts in his dissertation about Thomas Weir. And George Kush, a collector and historian who is writing his own book about the Little Bighorn, has shared a few excerpts with me, and he will use the ones he has access to in his own upcoming book. 🙏

[@Baskerville22]

Captain Myles Moylan was married to Charlotte Calhoun, the sister of James Calhoun, brother-in-law of George A. Custer

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Yes! Small world, small 7th CAV!

[@Baskerville22]

@@SiobhanFallon7 I neglected to add that he was also a Medal of Honor winner.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@Baskerville22 thank you! I should do a bio on him!!

[@Boomhower89]

🇺🇸👍

[@joe6796]

George Armstrong Custer

[@josephclarke6075]

Your gifted ..must be your Irish genes😊

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Ha ha! I have kissed the Blarney Stone and definitely have the gift of gab! 😉☘️

[@specag31]

Your sound is not steady.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

I know. It is something I am working on. Thank you. I will switch to a new program soon 🙏🙏🙏

[@specag31]

@@SiobhanFallon7 Awesome. Im a wee bit hard of hearing especially high freqs but my wife can hear a leaf fall in the next county so its a bit of work. We are learning so much. We both love your art, thank you for taking time out to do it, though i have the feeling its a labor of love. Cheers.

[@48trainwreck]

Reno and Benteen both are cowards weir did all he could .

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Weir was in a really difficult position. I think he couldn't forgive himself for what happened.

[@user-wi9rf1zx5b]

yes he tried, than he run back with his tail behind his legs to safety

[@hugonarvaez2944]

My Dearest Fairest Lady 🌹 Please forgive the late review, I found myself under the weather. By GOD,, it dawned on me!!! You have complied enough "evidence", "motive", and beyond a shadow of doubt described a real "crime scene!" Why don't we see if this could be turned into a inquiry for historical purposes! I mean it's not like this government doesn't waste it's time on prosecuting innocent people. .... ( I will leave that alone ) But seriously,, can you get a petition going???? Can we contact one of our congressman representative ( There always at Starbucks!) Your videos have gone beyond entertainment or historical information! They have become a true Legal Case for Murder to be Reopened! ".The truth will set you free " It's is time to set these captives free!!! Long live the 7th!!

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Ha ha thank you!!! We shall see! There is so much conflicting evidence to sort through, so I do understand why there are so many theories. But when I put all the comments about Weir together for these videos, I was blown away myself by the testimony. I wish every viewer was like YOU! Thanks as always for the kind words and support. You inspire me to create more! Glad to hear you are feeling better, and I hope you have a splendid New Year! Happy 2024, Hugo! All best, Siobhan

[@hugonarvaez2944]

Come,,, on My beautiful Rebel!! " it's not a fight unless the other guys bigger then you!"

[@SiobhanFallon7]

@@hugonarvaez2944 🤣🤣🤣

[@hugonarvaez2944]

I believe many will follow you into that battle field.... My dearest,, I know I will.....

[@hugonarvaez2944]

I sent you something on gmail, did you get it

[@robertwaid3579]

WTF: IS it with People even Today? After seeing and reading many Remarks below 👇👇. Custer was Rash Hot Headed, and also egotistical on that Given Day. FGS it was when He had once Entered that Valley? That I Say He had then, FKd up & become Obsessed with Being Glorious again like at His Great Battle of The Washita Eight Years before. But on June 25th 1876 it wasn't Meant to Be or Happen For Him. I'll Say it Now? He was a Reckless, Glory Seeking Egocitric, Fool. Who Had Come to His Ugh Waterloo. Just like Capt. Fetterman, or the Great Emperor Napoleon, Bonaparte Had. TKS. For Listening.

[@Tellgryn]

Disappointed on this one Siobhan, I was hoping you do not believe the 2 hours sitting around statement. Time to each person is seen differently, a good example is the skirmish line issue in the valley, one soldier wrote they were only in the skirmish line 7 minutes and others 25 minutes. Which of the two times in question is closer to the reality of what happened? Remember the skirmish line dismounted, the horses moved to the rear, the line moved forward about 100 yards on foot slowly, company M then did a refuse left move as the Indians were out flanking Reno's command to his commands left. Also, the men on the front line are running out of ammo and men are sent back to get more out of the saddle bags in the rear. How long does all this take? Combat is about timing and ammo, and on the issue of Custer's positions when Weir got to the hill the battle is over. The Indians see Weir on the hill and many start moving that way right away, most are on foot. When Weir got to Wier point the Indians are doing the normal thing collecting trophies, shooting the dead to make sure they are dead and mostly celebrating their victory. Weir placed Reno and the remained of the 7th Cavalry in a bad spot and could have easy got the rest of the command wiped out. Weir is not a hero of the battle, the hero is the one that saved his command and what was left of the command; and many today not understand the issues of ammunition, time, terrain and Indian tactics place blame on Reno. Note what Weir the person you seem to think wants to go fight, he left with his command back to Reno hill and what support did he give the command on the retreat to Reno hill? He quickly followed the order to go back, this after leaving the command without orders, in the face of to him an unknown number of enemies, and not knowing Custer's position. When they (Reno, Benteen, French, and Weir) saw the number of Indians coming their way, retreat was the only option. Custer's command is not trying to hold a corridor open for a relief column, Custer is very likely already dead at this point of the action and the terrain the command is on is not defendable. The only option Custer's command had after being repulsed at the ford was to withdrawal towards Benteen and the pack mules. The pack train is the key timing factor of the battle, and Custer battle plan is not sure or sound and not one other person in the command knew the plan (everyone has their theories to that plan even today). Everyone is totally handicapped by Custer's actions that day.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

Exactly! As you point out, time/memory is different to everyone. But when you can line up mutiple-- and dependable accounts that do not change over time-- all supporting the same claim, then those becomes a more trustworthy accounts. And I have given quite a few eyewitness statements here to back up the reported longer wait. And there are plenty more statements that agree. I am happy to read whatever sources you provide to the contrary though, as always, and I do appreciate your point of view and your contribution to these conversations. It is Christmas here and I have kiddos so I don't have much time to reply. Tomorrow we head to Ireland to visit relatives. But I will try to reply with more thorough responses when I get back. Happy holidays to you and yours. The final segment, with more testimony, will hopefully be up in the early new year. All the best to you!

[@89volvowithlazers]

The whole 7th would have been lost the overwhelming numbers....of First Nations would have had a momumental impact possibly uniting tribes all over the northwest. Military intelligence is a thing, I find no sympathy toward idiocy, no sympathy for those involved in the US genocidal campaign. You want to praise these policies feel free not a story worth sharing tbh but u do u

[@SiobhanFallon7]

You might want to take a look at this one, which fleshes out the some of the policies and the history of conflict between the US Army/ 7th CAV and the Southern Cheyenne... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHWmfJtneLFogKMsi=BfFtwJe2yCDKbvvk

[@warrenrosen132]

Speak up and get a narrator with diction.

[@SiobhanFallon7]

ha ha! Not going to happen. I do the best I can. But thank you for the suggestion!

[@robertwaid3579]

Honestly with Her introduction too the Video? I just couldn't watch the Video before Voicing a Comment about Weir & the Current Topic they chose too Talk about 🦜🦜🦜🦜. Here is My POV and Thoughts about that certain Event and it's TGD Ugh Resulting Ending. When Capt. Weir left the Siege Site, held by Maj. Reno & Captain Benteen's remaining Two Battalion's of The 7th Cavalry & it's Trooper's. IT was apparently at the Time when the then Attacking Natives? Had Drawn Off, or made a Withdrawal. To Concentrate on the elimination of Custer's Battalion. Which was then Off too the North and West approximately, at Three to Four Miles of Distance Away. From the Evidence they have since gathered at the Battlefield. And from the Numerous Site's of the Various minor engagements they have since Determined. That from Weir Point, He & they, were then possibly Able too View the Last few Moments of The Custer Battalion's Annihilation. Alright with that having been Stated and determined. My thinking 💬🤔 is that? Had Captain Weir Not then taken a Withdrawal, which Major Reno, & Capt. Benteen had then insisted upon? The Resulting Losses of Weir's Troop, and possibly Several Other's. Would have or could have then Resulted in The Complete Loss of the Entire Regiment and it's Equipment as Well. From the Record's, & Field Reports. Captain Thomas Weir was an Excellent Officer and a Fine Man. But also He could Be Rash, somewhat Reckless and Hot 🔥🥵 Headed in Time's of Action or Confusion, like many Other Sub Officers were then known too Be. As I said in the beginning. These are Only My Own thoughts & chosen assumptions. Which I have accumulated over the Decade's, & at least Two Dozen Occasions, that I have been too the Bighorn National Battlefield, & the Historical, Monument Site, at Hardin, Montana. Alas Thank You for letting Me Share. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🤔🤔👍👍🙏🙏