Red Cloud's War Guns of the Fetterman Fight

[@jjdjj5392]

A very educational video on the weapons that were used back then. Thankyou for taking the time to produce this video so that we can learn from it.

[@mmcss1155]

I'd like to add that the Lakota (Sioux) called this fight "The battle of the hundred in the hand." Also the only American soldier who was not mutilated was the Bugler. He was found next to his very battered tin bugle. It's believed that he fought fiercely to the end, even using his bugle as a weapon. Red cloud's warriors, respecting his bravery, did not mutilate his corpse.

[@Gepedrglass]

For anyone who wants to learn more about this, the youtube channel "The Story Out West" has a couple videos about said bugler, Adolph Metzger. They're really good!

[@Rustygulley-r3r]

This is great! Please give The Wagon Box fight the same treatment.

[@ttoth7130]

I love seeing the old guns, but I enjoy the history lessons too.

[@Somewhat-Evil]

Did you forget about the 1791 Battle of Wabash aka St. Claire's defeat? That battle was almost 3 times worse that the Little Bighorn.

[@PrairieWolf45-u5p]

Came here to say this... very late... but St. Claire's defeat is almost completely unknown.

[@patricegarnierlobo25111967]

in fact: "The Battle of Fetterman, also called the Fetterman Massacre or the Fetterman Affair by Americans or the Battle-of-the-Hundred-In-The-Hand by Native Americans, is a confrontation of the Red Cloud War that took place on December 21, 1866 on the Bozeman Trail, 6 km north of Fort Phil Kearny, in the northern state of present-day Wyoming, it opposed 80 American soldiers led by Captain William Fetterman and 500 Lakota and Cheyenne warriors led by Red Cloud and Crazy Horse and ended with the death of all the American soldiers; Fetterman's soldiers fell directly into the ambush. The eighty infantry and cavalry were assailed by the 500 Lakota and Cheyenne warriors in ambush. The fight was bitter and the soldiers defended themselves until the end, causing many dead and wounded among the Amerindians. But these, more numerous, had the upper hand and the soldiers were massacred to the last. The Sioux and the Cheyenne, the depletion of buffalo due to the laying of roads by the whites and the increase in the number of hunters, by disease, and above all by the memory of the massacre of their relatives and friends at Sand Creek and the mutilations they had suffered, took revenge on the soldiers." so 45000 arrows lol!

[@plop55]

I love these long form history videos. It reminds me of somone sitting around a campfire telling stories. In your case, extremely informative stories.

[@noapologizes2018]

Very good American History lesson, Mr. Mike. I had never heard of the Fetterman fight. Our primary schools are woefully inadequate when it comes to teaching American History, and I am convinced they have never been. A contemporary said, and I will para phrase: "A civilization is built around a language, a culture, and borders." It is the folly of man that they should forget their past.

[@historyandhorseplaying7374]

Indeed, when I saw “Fetterman fight” in the title I figured it was going to be about stroked out Pennsylvania politicians!

[@31terikennedy]

82 men were slaughtered to the man and they call that a fight?!

[@alericc1889]

Schools are too busy forcing diversity and CTR on children to teach history these days.

[@lb4937]

Maybe they never have been inadequate when it comes to American history. But, apparently, they are indeed inadequate when it comes to the English language. Also, whoever said civilization is "built around" borders is either stupid or a politician.

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

The Fetterman fight is not well known outside of historians and those familiar with the “Indian Wars”. I’d be surprised to see it in any history textbooks. As a former history teacher, I never saw it in my school textbooks.

[@matpen7863]

Always a good day when theres a Duelist video

[@macbailes3635]

Are you familiar with St. Clair's defeat? Of about 1000 officers and enlisted men only 24 escaped. Also known as the Battle of the Wabash, the Battle of Wabash River or the Battle of a Thousand Slain,[1] was a battle fought on 4 November 1791 in the Northwest Territory of the United States. The U.S. Army faced the Western Confederacy of Native Americans, as part of the Northwest Indian War. It was "the most decisive defeat in the history of the American military"[2] and its largest defeat ever by Native American.

[@rickgaston7118]

Don’t forget Harmar’s loss in the same area

[@mitchellmcdowell8546]

I'll have to look that up! Thank you!

[@davidkurvach3993]

The battle is somewhat tied to Fort Recovery, Ohio even though the fort was constructed several years later.

[@Greg-l8r]

More than 24 escaped! Read eckert

[@BR549-2]

Great video! I have read a lot about Red Cloud's war, but never found much information on the weapons. Now I know the rest of the story. It's amazing that the Henry rifle was never fully utilized by the army.

[@tomhenry897]

Inrange has a video on this

[@andybreglia9431]

In the demo on the Spencer, the butt of the rifle would never have been brought down before working the lever. You can acquire the next target while working the lever. As late as depictions of WWII, they depicted Wehrmacht soldiers doing the same thing. This is not how repeaters are used in real life.

[@jager6863]

Hi Mike, I thought you'd mention the The Blakeslee “quickloader,” for the Spencer Carbines. The original 500 units held had six reloading tubes to supply 42 rounds in total to the carbine. These were basically speed loaders that allowed soldiers to dump 7 rounds at once into the magazine, rather than hand load them one at a time. Later the Cavalry would get versions that held 10 tubes for 70 rounds.

[@robertrobert7924]

Great video Mike. I did some Conservation work at the National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian, in 2004 on the very small collection of Indian owned firearms. They mostly consisted of Hudson Bay Trade Guns, Henry and Winchester rifles, and US Springfield Trapdoor rifles and carbines. Some of the Indian owners of these rifles were Chief Joseph, Nez Pierce, Sitting Bull, Oglala Sioux, Geronimo, Apache, and Natchez, Apache. I also own many reproductions of these guns like yourself. RLS, NMAI, Smithsonian, 2000-2004. Best job I ever had.

[@INeverMetAGunIDidntLike]

" Best job I ever had."......👍

[@robertrobert7924]

@JFK-co4fq I have no Idea. Don't recall reading or hearing about one.

[@timothydurkan]

You're a black powder gem, Michael!

[@catyear75]

My favorite kind of history lesson ...! If only public school had been so engaging and enjoyable...! Thanks Mr Bellevue...!

[@rharthart9477]

Excellent video. Seems the Fetterman massacre was a preview for the Little Big Horn disaster - both US commanders were arrogant and had little respect for the Sioux way of fighting (and their allies). It would have been nice if you could have covered the 'Wagon Box Fight" in the same general Ft. Phil Kearny area as the Fetterman fight about 6 -7 months later - the 26 US troops received breech loading rifles just before this battle and surprised the heck out of the approximate 500 Sioux warriors who charged when they thought the soldiers were busy reloading (and paid a heavy price).

[@karsonbranham3900]

thank you for bringing this vital history to light. never knew about it. pretty amazing what was NOT taught when i went to school (70's-early 80's).

[@jesseusgrantcanales]

I remember the Fetterman Massacre from 'Wild West Tech', how the troops were armed with civil war rifles and got butchered. Then the Wagon Box Fight happened afterwards, but the troopers was now armed with the '66 Trapdoor rifle which was more or less converted muskets to fire the new .50-70 Govt metallic cartridge.

[@Defender78]

Cavalry portion of Federman’s command I’m pretty sure I had the seven shot rifles, but the infantry was equipped with the single shot baskets, and they would’ve gotten taken out pretty quickly by Indians with arrows and of course superior numbers, I’m sure the cavalry held out for longer, and there were two civilians there with Henry rifles 15 shot repeaters, who I read somewhere received the brunt of the Indians rage after the battle in all the chaos and ransacking that occurred afterwards

[@TripleAAA53]

Live 10 minutes from the battlefield. Thx Mike.

[@bhoward9378]

Howdy, neighbor!

[@johnstacy7902]

I own a repro sharps paper cartridge carbine. Wouldn't sharps rifles have been a better choice? I guess its possible that anyone that had been issued a Sharps during the Civil War took it home with him.

[@tomhenry897]

Cheap army supply After the civil war there is no excuse that any soldiers to have a muzzle loader Plenty of cartridge rifles available

[@jamesnelson1968]

I have read that the Spencer Rifle Company was done in by the surplusing of the large number of guns from the military after the Civil War. They couldn't compete with their own cheap used rifles and carbines.

[@samuelprice2461]

That was the problem that all major American firearms manufacturers had. Colt and Remington had the same problem.

[@jamesnelson1968]

@@samuelprice2461 True enough but both were able to sell cartridge conversions of their percussion revolvers to stay afloat. Then Colt ended up with the military contract for the SAA and Remington had the rolling block rifle.

[@drstrangelove4998]

Greetings from a follower of your work from England Mike. I was impressed with the Spencer demonstration. I think most notable the effectiveness of the two civilians Wheatley and Fisher with the firepower of their Henry repeating rifles. It’s a pity lessons weren’t learned, particularly considering what happened at the Little Bighorn.

[@chrisgibson6960]

Great video Mike. If Hollywood made it into a movie, everyone would have 1892’s and single action army’s. Thanks for the truth.

[@LewisSkeeter]

I'd like to know more about the repercussions as far as Carrington was concerned. (Great video.)

[@johndonaldson6903]

Great video, lots of great history. I'd like to see a similar one on the weapons used by all factions in the Little Big Horn , and all the changes in weaponry between those two battles, and a video on Hickock s guns and his proficiency with them, and one on the guns of the OK corral gunfight and the Earp's vendetta ride.

[@charleslamica5123]

St. Clair's Defeat in 1791 is the largest defeat of the Army by Native Americans. Over 600 soldiers killed, plus a large number of women and children who were following the army. In contrast, 268 soldiers died at the Battle of the Little Bighorn (AKA: Custer's Last Stand). 81 men died in the Fetterman Fight.

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

An outstanding topic and video!

[@jollyjakelovell4787]

The Battle of the Hundred in the Hand. I caught that Freudian slip, Libby (Cult of) Custer.

[@jimvandemoter6961]

Great video. I'm a history nut so I really appreciate videos like this. Thank you.

[@Schlachtschule]

Great stuff, as always, Mike, I really enjoy these longer history-oriented videos. One note you may find of interest is that with the Spencer, the manual of arms called for placing the muzzle on the toe of one's boot to load. I think most people would freak out at the thought of that today, especially with modern center-fire ammunition in a tubular magazine, but it's actually true.

[@cammobunker]

The Sioux and Northern Cheyenne (Who were also present at the Battle of Lodge Tail Ridge) called this "The Battle of the Hundred in the Hand". Carrington gave explicit orders not to advance over Lodge Tail Ridge. Captain Fetterman and First Lieutenant Frederick Brown had both made no secret of their contempt for both the Indians and Colonel Carrington. It was bitterly cold and snowing that day. The troops were lured over the ridge by decoys until the trap was sprung. All of the troops were killed and all were mutilated...except one. Trumpeter Adolph Metzger of the 2nd Cavalry fired his Spencer Carbine until he ran out of ammo (He was a long-service trooper) and then took to using his trumpet as a club until he was killed. While the other troops were savagely mutilated as was normal for the Indians, Trooper Metzger only had a cross cut on his chest which meant he was killed facing the enemy, and they laid him out under a buffalo robe with his battered trumpet in his hand, his face to the sky. This was a sign of deep respect from a warrior society recognizing a fellow warrior. In Lakota tradition, he is remembered as the bravest of the Soldiers killed that day.

[@terryschiller2625]

Hi Mike, I loved this video! I am totally wrapped up in Western history, civil war,and pioneer etc. Your description covers so much more than others have on the Fetterman massacre. Always look forward to your videos. Thank you for your hard work and time Sir you are appreciated! I hope your personal war law suit is going well!🤠

[@MTwoodsrunner]

Thanks Mike...I have lived along a section of the Bozeman trail most my days, so this video was of particular interest to me...appreciate you!...woods

[@JRB781]

Thank you for the very excellent history lesson on the lesser known Fetterman Fight. I have only simply heard of "Crazy Horse" and it was interesting to learn about the crucial role that he played in the fight.

[@falcon5215]

Excellent as always...thank you Mike.

[@woodsmanforlife1677]

Very good video! Thanks for sharing. Years ago, I visited the sites.

[@martinkavanagh196]

Thank You Mike - MORE PLEASE. - Your work is well researched and a credit to your long writing history. Best Regards from New Zealand.

[@earlshaner4441]

Good morning from Syracuse NY brother and thank you for sharing history and all details

[@frankeasterling3402]

Is it possible there were any "galvanized" former Confederates in these units?

[@jamesbell8496]

I love these videos. The Duelist puts some work in for this content. Cheers, Duelist

[@ronrobertson59]

Excellent Mike, I've read a couple of books on this subject. I plan a trip this summer to see the few monuments in the area and go to Custer national battlefield.

[@wes326]

Hello from Omaha. A coworker of mine is a descendant of Red Cloud. Thanks for sharing.

[@robertlittle7407]

Cool man cool i really like these history shows.

[@longknife1603]

Thanks - I very much enjoyed this and have visited both the Fort Phil Kearny and Fetterman massacre sites.

[@Backin_Theday]

Great video. I had just visited some locations related to this in Wyoming last month.

[@thecelticprince4949]

I would shudder to think, What if the New Zealand Maoris of the same epoch, as Red cloud and Little big horn, got together, as allies. Your native Americans and our Maoris were certainly formidable foes. Sure the Indians utilized long bow to effect, A weapon that had been time proven for several thousand years, There appeared to be a great many factors at play that favoured the Indians, local knowledge, guerilla tactics etc. While the media of film and tv immortalizes things like Custer and little Big Horn etc. This Fetterman massacre is unheard of outside the US, until now. Tou always spin a good yarn Mike. Thanks once again.

[@swampfox7110]

More, more, outstanding video.

[@tbmpetsolutions]

Your story telling ability, knowledge of history and demonstration of the firearms makes history come alive. Thank you

[@rickc5197]

Very informative, Thanks Mike! The Spencer footage was a nice bonus!

[@rkirschner7175]

👍❤🙏🤠 Fine historical tale.

[@Johnny-jr2lq]

Savage made a 22 short boys rifle the model 1911. That worked very similar to the Spencer Rifle. All the way down to holding the ammunition in the butt stock. I had a opportunity to get one but it was missing some pieces for the loading mechanism. As much as I wanted to take the chance on it. Try finding parts for a obscure rifle that was designed in 1911.

[@tomcurran8470]

Numrich may have had them.

[@guydebacker1140]

Great video mr Mike, i’m living in Belgium and i grew up with american westerns, since that time the history of the west was my point of interest . I own a spencer 1865 and a Sharps 1859 , can’t wait to see your next video 👍👍

[@nicklewis7291]

I like the story time history, thank you.

[@galenhisler396]

That was awesome, I never knew about this battle I hope you have plenty more to tell . Thank you 🤠

[@ol1guy994]

Thanks , well done

[@charlescomly1]

Mike I can't tell you how much I look forward to your video's, especially those that come with a history lesson, thanks Mike.

[@wootang9292]

Great video Mike. I always love a good history lesson!

[@louisianagray8618]

Thanks for the video Mike very interesting

[@64samsky]

Thanks, Mike, I never knew of this.

[@ratmanxi]

Excellent narrative.

[@charlesbyrd6055]

Incredible low recoil on that Spencer Wow

[@jamesmcclenin9804]

Very informative. I had not heard of the Fetterman Fight prior to this. Thank you.

[@rockymountainstranger3754]

Thanks for doing this video! I live out here on the Bozeman trail and it’s really neat to hear about its history thanks again

[@therealhawkeyeii7888]

Another excellent installment.

[@terryqueen3233]

Thank you I love that history you tell

[@stevejorgensen5274]

I have been to the site of the fort and where Feterman's disasters happened. Also the wagonbox fight and others in the area. Great video Mike keep them coming.

[@IntheBlood67]

Most Excellent!

[@stevenhorney7735]

Fascinating history, and an event I hadn't heard of. Thank you for your research and presentation of this little known battle. I really appreciate your videos!

[@closertohome-b7m]

The best detailed explanation of the FF I have watched to date. In my gut I feel I am related to Fetterman, family being from Pennsylvania area for many generations. That's what happens when you don't follow orders and your ego is making the choices. Thanks. James Fetterman

[@EdAtoZ]

Duelist, Have you looked into fight for Fort Wayne in Indiana. General "Mad" Anthony Wayne in 3 tries took about 332 dead to take the three river area thats Fort Wayne Indiana.

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

Very good video! I’ve walked the battlefield of this incident, on my way to the Little Bighorn. It’s an eerie place, and not visited a lot, just a turn off from the highway with a small parking lot and some historical signs.

[@dennisshank2715]

Please do one for the Wagon Box Fight! Thank You.

[@michaelpriest6242]

Until next week, b'ye and thank you for yet another great history lesson, teacher.

[@MrShamus07]

Mike, at first I thought you misspoke (I should have known better) because I didn't realize that there was a Northern Cheyenne man named American Horse at this battle. As I'm sure you know, there was also a famous Oglala Sioux warrior named American Horse, and because he was a member of Red Cloud's tribe, he was most likely also present at this battle.

[@mehmetkemalcansevdi5569]

american horsa was oglala lakota he is wrong. american horse was son of great chif smoke

[@northcountybandit]

I’ve been waiting for this video. Thank you, Mike!

[@davidgolden1776]

Lov it keeping coming

[@rotaman8555]

I always enjoy these histories, Mike. Thanks!

[@Hazeltonpeakroad]

Excellent !! I used to live a short distance from there. Everyone knew the story. A short distance away was the wagon box fight. A short distance from the fort to the east is a monument to Portuguese Philips who rode through bad weather to bring reinforcements as after the massacre they were short handed. I was hoping you would touch on these two topics as well. Well done though. You got the story correct.

[@leoncarder6279]

M. Mike, Excellent as always. Thanks for the research and work to but this toughener.

[@hamm6035]

Superb explanation in the limited time. A lot of rabbit holes to chase. 😊

[@mauromazzorana3303]

Thank you Mike for this video, you did an excellent job. American history

[@heavy6355]

Awesome video

[@fatdogproductions1962]

Marvelous production and an enlightening story. It's a shame that peaceful transitions rarely occur.

[@LScofield1]

Appreciate everything you do! Enjoyed it. Thanks!

[@bbcustomoutdoors]

Interesting stuff!

[@markraymond3198]

Thanks Mike!! You are one awesome dude!

[@dfedko]

Another great video with very good information. Thank you for your wonderful work.

[@biglemms]

Thanks Mike. Another great video passing on our history.

[@byronholmes2496]

Good day and thanks for lesson.

[@thatguyinelnorte]

Nice Spencer demonstration!

[@Webcrawler45]

A late watch foe me, but LOVED this episode. The amount of detail you inject is impressive!!!

[@mauserwaffen982]

I've been to the site in Northeastern Wyoming... thanks for the video

[@johnnyvee2560]

love the stories about the plains indians and the different weapons that were used..Great video!!!

[@authormikemontie250]

Fascinating story. Thanks for the history lesson Mike!

[@1.forestrunner]

Great history lesson! Thanks

[@sogdal1]

Thanks Mike, very interesting as always.

[@double-eagle-dave]

If it was 1863 that was slightly before my 1871 pair of shooters hit the market but the 1871 uberti colt clones chambered in 45 the repeating Henry repeating rifle lever 45 and stoger coach sxs shotgun are still my go to arms when I'm out and about on my land doing land things

[@thetraveler5798]

Learn something new today . Did not know about this "Fetterman fight" !! But 40 thousand arrows that's Impressive, do you know the estimate of casualties Native Warriors ? Thanks for the lesson Professor 😁‼️

[@charlesgroves3096]

Another great history lesson. Thank you.

[@tomcurran8470]

Great vid. I had tutored some history students at the CC Writing Center about Red Cloud"s War, but Fetterman's Massacre was not mentioned in their papers from the History professor. These papers would have been better if they included the info you detailed. Even though mention of weapons is not PC, and almost never included in academic papers, I always told students about the weapons and tactics used on both sides. Of coarse, history may not repeat itself, but it does rhyme, the reason for this conflict was about gold and other resources. It is very difficult for me to not make wise cracks about the Fetterman aspect of this vid. Greetings from Mayberry, NC.