Was George Armstrong Custer a Mad Man? (Part Two)

Many pundits and a few historians have claimed that George Armstrong Custer was either drunk with ambition or was raving mad. Join Barry Vann as he travels along the trail to the Little Bighorn. His quest is to catch a glimpse of the mental state of brevet General Custer.
Here are links to my other videos on G. A. Custer and the Battle of the Little Bighorn:
• Custer and the Little ...

[@davidletasi3322]

As having been born and raised in Monroe Michigan and knew old residents that knew Libby and Custer family members we could relate to many Custer stories here locally. It's was well known that George and his brothers were notorious hell raisers and frequently ran the taverns in Dundee Michigan causing brawles on many occasions. He early on was infatuated with Libby Bacon and the family considered him to be of a lower status for their family. Her father being the superintendent of schools had to be persuaded to accept him as a suitable candidate for her as a husband. Many believe that he was bold and reckless during the Civil War to win honors to be accepted by her father. Even after their marriage it was noted that when he was assigned to the Capitol he ran the bordello establishments there frequently. Many people believe he recklessly pushed his campaigns out west to win public approval to run for the office of president in 1880. He had two sides flamboyant military hero and a reckless ego centric. Regardless of your opinion many residents from Monroe view him quite negatively. I believe he suffered for a lack of self esteem and countered it with reckless behavior for approval.

[@BarryVann]

Alas, picked up on that negative view when I stopped by the library and museum in Monroe. I also bumped in to people in Scotland who hated William Wallace and the movie Braveheart. My only interest in him was post Civil War issues. Thanks for the comment.

[@charlesoday8566]

I am an relative of George Armstrong Custer through my moms side of the family

[@aa64912]

That was very informative and I believe one of the most unbiased assessments I’ve ever heard

[@baronvann1314]

Many thanks, Walter!

[@johnmeadows5645]

This is the first time i have heard that information about the events that transpired before the battle. It makes me think of Custer differently. Thanks Barry.

[@BarryVann]

I'm glad, John. The portrayal of Custer has very much resembled the ethos of the times in which the writer was working. I have a cousin (maybe a drop of Indian blood) who thinks that she is a Cherokee and that anyone who ever hurt a native is bad.

[@ericstevens8660]

@@BarryVann custer was a glory hound and a madman... My mother was 1/2 cherokee That's why i dont sympathize with thier deaths as much.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

Custer also felt the need to rush his attack when he received word that Indians were seen looking over some items that had fallen from the pack train. But not realizing that those indians we're not from the village, he feared that they would alert the village of the troopers presence and they would scatter before he could engage them. And also he did not know that Crook had been nearly overwhelmed by a large Indian force at the Rosebud on the 17th. Nobody knew about it because Crook didn't report it to Terry. That would have been some useful information right there!

[@BarryVann]

Agreed!

[@JLWestaz]

Cook had not been nearly overwhelmed. It was standstill.

[@apope06]

Cook did report it to Terry but due to the length of the terrain, Terry didn't get that word. But your points are solid.

[@jamesivie5717]

I've studied this battle for many years referring to many sources including Walter Camps Notes. I don't think Custer was a mad man or a glory hound, he took a decision based intel he had and it was wrong.

[@BarryVann]

I'm with you, James.

[@jasonkane6156]

On the other hand, Mitch Boueyer told him to his fce "Too many horses."

[@drstrangelove4998]

His two subordinate officers ignored direct, written and verbal orders, withheld their forces and the requested reserve ammunition supplies and were extremely lucky not to be courts marshalled.

[@nickl.eakins3250]

@@drstrangelove4998 , if Benteen had followed those orders, the entire command would have been exterminated in detail.

[@shirleybalinski4535]

Did he even realize the Natives were in possession of so many REPEATING rifles vs his own single shots? Other than that, I agree with your assessment. Poor communications, poor intelligence, delayed arrival of Terry, minimal support of Reno & Benteen,forced March, all contributed.

[@hoosierlady3085]

My ancestor Gen Thomas Lafayette Rosser CSA was a friend of Custer at West Point. And met each other on battlefield during the Civil War. It is said he started to go help Custer at Little Big Horn, but was too late.

[@BarryVann]

That's awesome, Hoosier Lady! Thanks for sharing!

[@michaelvaughan3876]

Rosser ole southern boy from Lynchburg va

[@douglasturner6153]

Rosser was never in the US Army after the Civil War at the time Custer was. He worked as a Civil Engineer and construction boss for the railroad in the Plains. He was friends with Custer.

[@Eadbhard]

Rosser did not "started to go help Custer at Little Bighorn". That never happened.

[@joshhonaker3085]

dude that was absolutely incredible i enjoyed every bit of that story got me to wanting to hear more

[@BarryVann]

Josh, here's the next in the series on Custer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apmUYp6AbJqEoM0

[@joshhonaker3085]

@@BarryVann thank. you kind sir

[@allenheaps2084]

It is so refreshing to see Custer in what I believe is the correct light. He did not attack out of ambition but out of the fear the enemy would escape. Crook had been fought to a stand still at the battle of the Rosebud, he did not let the other two columns know, Gibbon and Terry were both a day behind Schedule which meant they would not arrive until the 27th. As it turns out had Custer attacked according to his plan, and the plan of the other leaders it would have been 26Jun76, the day all the columns were supposed to meet in this general area. The fact Indians had detected his troops, forced his hand to attack a day early. I salute you for an historically accurate description of what Custer's mindset was at the battle. Well done!

[@BarryVann]

Many thanks for the kind words, Allen. I am am so fatigued by revisionist historians rewriting history for nefarious and even benign reasons. Here is a link to my other videos on the subject of Custer and the Little Big Horn: kzbin.info/aero/PLbSvk4td9de3qFbjxsGHVobV9DW9LmmiT

[@allenheaps2084]

@@BarryVann Perfect. I see a lot of videos, thank you. I now has something of interest to watch😎

[@edlutz7218]

Isawrthisfilmwitheroflymascuster

[@henrykrecklow817]

I think Custer ha been giving a bum steer since the movie Little Big Man came out in the 1960's.

[@BarryVann]

Absolutely! Barry

[@johncarrillo9255]

I hate it when people use God's name that was a stupid statement to use comparison to Jesus died for our sins that's the true fact the Bible says God laugh at on people who take God's name in vain use all the words to try to compare Jesus or whatever he done or people using the rainbow which was God's promise I'm not flooding the world I wish people would lay out those comments about God

[@brianb6957]

Not likely

[@larryjessee6504]

Little Big Man....was Left wing anti Vietnam Hollywood crap

[@kenporter5582]

I would definitely love to hear more great job!

[@BarryVann]

Awesome, thank you! Did you see a link in the description for the other four shows? Barry

[@johngaither3830]

Custer fought the Indians just like other officers of the time did. You must remember Crooks column engaged the Sioux assemblage at the Rosebud River a week before Custer arrived in the area. Crook might have met the same fate as Custer had it not been for the river shielding his command. Crook was shaken by the number of warriors and withdrew.

[@BarryVann]

Indeed. He claimed to have suffered 10 killed and 21 wounded, so I think you are right. He got scared and left the field. Barry

[@michaelrichardson6051]

@@BarryVann after the Rosebud battle Crook still bad approx 1000 soldiers

[@michaelrichardson6051]

@@BarryVann after the Rosebud battle Crook still had approx 1000 soldiers and Crow and Shoshone scouts and thousands of rounds of ammo. Instead of continuing northward to help Custer and Terry and Gibbon he retreated into Wyoming. His soldiers were playing ball and fishing while most of the 7th Cavalry were being massacred. He should have been Court Marshalled.

[@USARonin]

Well done. Yes, I'd like to hear more.

[@baronvann1314]

Thanks, USA Ronin, there are four more videos posted to KZbin.

[@sathanumanskhalsa912]

Along the way between Gettysburg and Appomattox, GAC was awarded Brevets in Major, Lt. Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier and Major General! He’s the youngest American to be promoted to Major General in US history

[@joeldm5278]

The Sioux was a cruel ..savage enemy

[@rockylombardo6978]

He was a brave soldier loved his country and he lived in a time that we will never understand.

[@baronvann1314]

Hi Rocky, I think you are right. Thanks for posting a comment. Barry Vann

[@JLWestaz]

I think there are many overlooked facts about LBH. And these facts give a pretty good indication of Custer's intent and state of mind. Some source state Custer was not well liked outside of his command company which was mostly his relations. Also the 7th was not well trained. At the time of the battle they could mount and ride in straight line but were not maneuverable. If you take a look at the line of march and time of march you would realize Custer arrived on the battlefield with spent horses. A Calvary man's worst nightmare. A rational Calvary commander would not order a forced march like he did unless it was absolute necessary. Custer was offered two Gatling guns which he refused. He wanted to travel fast. The 7th was NOT out gunned. The army had the Springfield Model 1873. It was superior in range and accuracy to the Henry and Spencer repeating rifles which some of the Sioux had. So if you were deployed correctly on the battlefield you could hold off your opposition for some time. Custer troops carried 50 pistol and 100 rifle rounds. The 50 pistol rounds were pretty much worthless in the hands of all but expert marksmen. So the troops didn't have enough rounds for a prolong engagement. Crazy horse stated the battle at Last Stand hill lasted about as long as it takes a hungry man to eat dinner. When Custer split his command up he should have drew more ammo from the packs. From the horse he rode to the men he lead they were all dead from that point. Even after he saw the size of the village he refused to continue with caution. Unless he was absolutely stupid he had to know he needed more men and rifle rounds. He sent a note to bring the packs. He should have ridden back to join Reno, Benteen and the packs. The point here is he had several options far better than the one he chose. The one he chose lead to the graves on the Last Stand Hill. People continually try and make the glorious 'Last Stand Hill' something it isn't. It was a lost battle by poorly trained troops lead by a Jack Ass which should never of happened. By the way the Sioux have stated Custer was killed in Medicine Tail Collie below the hill and carried to the top by his men. He thought he was a great Calvary commander when in fact he was barley mediocre. Through out the vid he is always referred to 'The General'. He was not a General. This vid picks and chooses what info it wants to support the point of view held by the presenter. If we take what is actual verifiable fact, That alone doesn't paint Custer in a great light. If you take his life after the Civil War he pretty much is a liar, cheat, woman chaser and fraud. The smart one in the Custer family was Custer's wife. She did a hell of job.

[@rickster1957]

He attacked a force of unknown size with exhausted troops and horses. Then he divided his forces going into the battle. And throughout the battle he kept dividing his own 5 companies. Setting up skirmish lines further divided his forces. The Indians used the greasy grass and ravines to their advantage

[@BarryVann]

Those are the basic facts, but what role did the scouts play in his decision making? It' was the heroism of Benteen that allowed 402 members of the 7th to live to tell the tale.

[@rickster1957]

@@BarryVann all your points are valid also👍

[@maceain]

excellent summary of the pre battle, and yes, the 7th Cavalry, one of my favourite topics, would love to hear more.

[@baronvann1314]

Thanks, Barry!

[@kenporter5582]

Man was an American hero .

[@BarryVann]

Thanks for the comment, Ken! I appreciate hearing from you. Barry

[@muthafukajones1513]

Yes give more on Custer sir

[@BarryVann]

Here's one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apmUYp6AbJqEoM0

[@normanbraslow7902]

We should all keep in mind General Grant and the other top officers in the Union Army like Sherman and Sheridan did not promote madmen or fools to be generals. There were more than enough "political generals" they had to accept, but they usually sidelined them into positions where they could not do much damage. Also, Custer was NOT at the bottom of his class. Not really. About half of the class flunked out or resigned for whatever reasons.

[@BarryVann]

Thank you, Norman! I appreciate your comments a lot! Barry

[@brianb6957]

Somebody has to be the plug.

[@sonsofthesilentage994]

RIP Joel Elliott and his lads.

[@BarryVann]

Sons, I appreciate your comment about Elliot. Since you were commenting on a different video, I thought that you might not have seen this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5jNhIykfqunZ9U

[@naturelvr123]

Let's hear more of that battle. :)

[@BarryVann]

Thanks, Paul, I did five videos on Custer and the Battle of the Little Bighorn. They are on KZbin. Thanks for watching and for writing. Barry

[@RV-eq8gj]

Thank you for your presentation-- a Fact that Custer marched his men 78 miles in 24 hours and went directly into Battle is not a decision of a wise leader graduate of WestPoint- and to send Reno into Battle with only 100 bullets per soldier and 50 of those were on a horse pouch that could not be easily got to - horses dont cooperate - Custer has no immediate idea of where the packtrain is at. Custer sent Benteen left oblique on a wild goose chase batting rough terrain on exhausted horses. Many of the horses in Custer outfit balked and simply refused to go because of exhaustion- Several Scout said their horses refused to go. Scouts reported several soldiers were off their horses and kicking their horse in the belly to try get them moving. Not to mention the men themselve were in no condition to fight being completely exhausted as well with only permitted short naps in the ladt 30 hours. Boston returned to the packtrain for a different horse most likely because the horse he was on was spent. Custer brought several horses along for himself to rotate on. No doubt Custer had great moments in the Civil War - LBH was a complete blunder on Custer Part. In the Newspaper archives for months before LBH story's were ran relating Sitting Bull threat ' I have 8000 warriors and if the army comes near me we will fight' So everyone in that era knew that Sitting Bull had a force of warriors and would fight. Once Custer showed his presence to the Indians it became a mass running battle. The army came in firing on the villiage and alot of the Indians remembered what happened at Sand Creek. Hostilities were high and it was over quick with most things happening in unison as 1000s of warriors swarming the entire Custer area on fresh horses- Calhoun fell some soldiers made it to Keogh but all the while Keogh was under assault - the stragglers from Keogh/Calhoun ran to Last Stand Hill and Last stand hill was as well under assault all the while and the last ran to Deep Ravine and it was over and it was quick. -- As for Reno and Benteen- Sitting Bull said "We have killed some soldiers let the others go" so Reno Benteen were harassed until camp was moved - the Indians may not have even known Terry was close by - Sitting Bull never got the memo

[@BarryVann]

Many thanks for watching and for the comment.

[@raffeleborzoni4437]

Please With The Rest Of The Battle , Very Well Explained !

[@BarryVann]

Here's Part 3: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apmUYp6AbJqEoM0

[@pauljenkins6877]

Custer believed that the number of Indians was much lower than it was. Accordingly, his mindset was to prevent them from escaping, rather than array his forces to fight an enemy with competitive numbers.

[@markadams7597]

Custer's "madness" resides in his dividing his command, forging forward without know his adversaries' positions, not scouting the size of his enemy strength, and not assuming that the braves would counterattack when the "General" order fire on the retreating Sioux women, children, and elderly. Custer seemed to have thought he was invincible, which is always madness. Great vid, Ty. Made me think about General George.

[@Eadbhard]

Mark Adams

[@BarryVann]

Well, that is one of the arguments, but it assumes that he knew how big the village was before he used a tried and tested pincer assault.

[@4thamendment237]

There was no "madness" in Custer, in the sense that there was a profound mental disturbance that was of psychotic proportions. Not at all. Custer had been considered the finest union cavalry Commander by Philip Sheridan and was rewarded accordingly. You don't get that kind of recognition if you're mad. You also don't get promoted to the rank of regular general at the age of 23 by being mad. What happened was Custer was operating on inadequate intelligence, formed a plan based upon that intelligence, got in over his head with the Indians, tried to fight his way out, but circumstances converged in a unique pattern such that he and his men were overwhelmed and killed despite his best efforts. Simple as that. Madness doesn't even enter the picture.

[@raymonddonahue7282]

Would like to hear the rest. I know there are people that like to disparage the man and American history. As a Vietnam vet I know how much damage was done to our country by those who do not like our country or it's way of life. I am fairly certain most of what is said about Vietnam vets is untrue so I think this is the same way Custer is treated by those with political ideas that just hurt the country.

[@baronvann1314]

Hi Raymond, thank you for your service to our country. I appreciate your perspective. I provided links in the description of that video to other episodes on Custer and the Little Bighorn. Again, thank you! Barry

[@aprilwing974]

I recognize the shirt. The 1868 treaty you spoke of was basically a lie told by the Sioux in order to try to obtain US assistance in killing their traditional enemy, the Crow Indians who, according to French records, were claiming the Black Hills since at least 1640. There is no evidence any Sioux had lived in the Black Hills, ever. The Sioux had pulled the exact same stunt in 1864 when they were living mostly in Minnesota in order to have the US Army fight their enemies, the Arikarees. Seeing the army fail miserably against the Arikarees made the Sioux think they could wipe out the white men and take their stuff. They started and lost a war there, with Lincoln pardoning most of the Sioux who started the war from being hanged. Lincoln's kindness and generosity towards the troublemakers allowed them to start two more wars, the first resulting in the 1868 treaty. I have been interested in Custer since before I started school. I have more than 20 books and many saved magazine articles on the subject. While I agree with most of what you said, you are the first to state that Terry or anyone told Custer there were more than 800 hostiles in the area until the last couple days of Custer's life. FOUR units of the army were advancing from four directions. Custer had 650 cavalry who were advancing from the east. Crook was advancing from the south with 1200 mixed infantry and cavalry. Another unit of 650 infantry were advancing from the west. They were to capture or drive the Indians into Terry's 1200 infantry who advanced from the north. The plan was to capture as many women and children as possible, the braves would stop fighting, and the Indians and escort them back to the reservation with as little loss of life on both sides as possible. It was army SOP. It was used 199 times and failed only once- the Little Big Horn. 8 days before Custer's battle, Crook's 1200 were attacked as they were cooking supper 30 miles south east of Custer Hill. They basically lost, the battle cut short by darkness. Crook used the night to retreat a few miles to a more defensive position. ALL the soldiers and officers and the Indians said they were outnumbered by the indians more than four to one. Custer haters in the 1960's seem to have been lying about Custer and if you don't look very hard, you might buy the 1500 Indians. To do so, you're calling a lot of veteran officers, scouts, and soldiers liars, as well as Crazy Horse, Gall, Sitting Bull, and many other Indians, at least what they first said and were bragging. Politics seems to have changed what they said. Crook defied a direct order to send a messenger to each of the four other units if he ran into any Indians. He disobeyed, waiting 3 days before sending anyone because there were so many Indians, he knew sending lone men out would only result in their deaths. The 650 infantry advancing from the west defied direct orders to suddenly stop and spend two days fishing without sending word to Custer, Terry, or Crook. At the time of the start of his last stand, Custer had probably figured out that his 650 men would be facing more than 1500 Sioux and Cheyenne. He also believed, due to information NOT given him as ordered, that all the units were converging on this spot. Custer started the day resting his tired men while awaiting the arrival of 1850 reinforcements. That's 2500 better armed soldiers against 1500-2000 Indians. And he had the advantage of surprise. This should have been his easiest victory. Then his men were discovered and he naturally believed if he waited, he'd totally lose surprise, making it far more difficult just to catch women and children and the braves would stop. Under such circumstances, there would be a big bloody battle, but the Indians he'd been ordered to bring in would take more months. And at least one more battle. Attacking now was his best chance of saving lives while fulfilling his orders. The reinforcements would soon be here. According to what Reno's men first told Terry's men two days later, and what the Indians in the village said, Custer achieved total surprise on the village twice. Reno's attack achieved surprise, but Reno defied his orders and ordered his men to stop and form a skirmish line well before entering the village and when only a couple guards who hit nothing were firing on them. The Indians claimed their braves had just returned from a raid against the Crow and they'd been partying all night. Everyone was sleeping late. Sitting Bull's own sister was in the south end of the village where Reno attacked. She thought Reno was "drunk or crazy" to have not ridden into the village. The whole campaign would have ended, most of the Indians returned to the reservation, and possibly with fewer than 100 total casualties. It was the first of three times Reno faced court marshal charges before he was drummed out. In 1955 a book called WHO REALLY KILLED CUSTER hit the best seller list. In 1957, the FBI examined the handwriting of Reno's troops who had signed an affidavit claiming Reno's innocence which was largely responsible for Reno and Benteen not being found guilty. The FBI found the majority of the signatures forgeries, with men who could only sign their names with an X suddenly having good handwriting and one hand signing at least 26 times. Custer was the one general both Lincoln and Grant hand picked to receive Lee's surrender at Appomattox. He faced an identical situation where he attacked Black Kettle's tribe on the Washita nine years earlier with an identical plan. He was wrongly accused of massacre. Just before leaving for Montana territory, Custer had testified to Congress about why Indians were leaving the reservations. He fully blamed the bureaucrats who were profiteering by shortchanging the Indians. He famously stated that if he were an Indian, he'd leave the reservation, too. This infuriated government bureaucrats. Democrats hated him because of his heroics in the civil war, and he was leading in the polls to be drafted by the Republicans to run for, and become president of the United States. Grant was unhappy with Custer because he wrongly thought Custer was accusing his brother, whom Grant had installed as head of the department of the Interior, of corruption. It was well known Benteen hated Custer. There were a lot of people with power or money to have "encouraged" officers to ignore their orders and set up Custer and his men to die. I doubt Grant would have. But Lincoln was the first of four Republicans to have been murdered by a leftist prior to 1900. Teddy Roosevelt did not win the 1912 election because he was shot by a leftist, but he recovered. There have been 17 Republican presidents and at least 15 were at least libeled and threatened with impeachment or a leftist tried to kill them. It seems to be their Standard operating procedure. But that's based on history.

[@baronvann1314]

April, thanks for writing! You have obviously dedicated yourself to learning about a subject that we both find compelling. Kind regards, Barry Vann

[@bobporch]

At Appomattox, Custer outraced Lee's retreating army with a cavalry division. Custer closed the door on the only escape route Lee had. Custer accepted the WHITE FLAG of surrender. Grant accepted Lee's actual surrender, not Custer. Custer was a true Civil War Hero. But out west he changed. The Massacre on the Washita was a massacre. Old men, women, children were slaughtered. When it was over the wounded warriors were all shot dead. Buy today's standards that would make him a war criminal. Black Kettle's village on the Washita was a friendly Cheyenne village. Karma is a bitch. It was the Cheyenne part of the village at Little Big Horn that Custer attacked. Also the Lakota and Cheyenne were armed with new repeating rifles, while the 7th was armed with single shot carbines and pistols.

[@shadowseeker7567]

Do u have any family in Tennessee or Ky near state line north of Knoxville…. I had an uncle with ur last name!! Greatest guy i ever knew! Great job sir very interesting video.

[@BarryVann]

Yes I do! My family has been living between the state line and Knoxville for nearly 200 years. Thanks for the kind words! Barry Vann

[@babuddha]

You made a point that both white and black miners were violating the treaty, searching for gold. Like to hear what history you have the black miners.

[@lee_parker]

great job. Thank you

[@BarryVann]

Thanks for watching, Lee! Kind regards, Barry

[@williampinner1893]

I agree with your assesment of what occured that morning whiched changed the plan of waiting to attacking. I'm not a fan of Custer but truth is truth. I feel Reno & Benteen failed him that day.

[@BarryVann]

Thanks for the comment, William! Barry

[@nickl.eakins3250]

Benteen saved the lives of the rest of the 7th. There were Crow in the vicinity of the action and no, not the hired scouts. The region was Crow land and Crow witnesses living there reported both the horses and men of the 7th were at the end of their tethers from stress and exhaustion. Benteen was spot on about resting up his command at the Morass.

[@jayledermann7701]

All my studies and visits to the battlefield has gave me much respect for Custer. He like any man is not perfect but was more good then bad. Benteen is the one I think was the biggest problem and Reno was just useless.

[@BarryVann]

Jay, you might find this video interesting. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5jNhIykfqunZ9U Kind regards, Barry Vann

[@paulhomsy2751]

Brigadier general of volunteers...at age 23. When he rejoined the army his rank was that of Lieutenant Colonel in the regular army. Not to detract from his exploits but for historical accuracy I feel that it is important to report based on actual records.

[@BarryVann]

Paul, brevet ranks were not permanent, but it was common for a post Civil War officer to be informally referred to as his highest ever rank, including brevet ranks. Frederick Benteen's official rank was captain, but he was a brevet colonel in the Civil War. Custer called him Col. Benteen. That is historical accurate. The 7th's troopers called Custer "the General."

[@bobporch]

Custer's scouts when looking at the huge size of previous camp sites believed it was a smaller camp steadily moving. They could not comprehend a camp as large as it actually was. That the Cavalry was coming was known to the village in advance. A regiment of cavalry kicks up a lot of dust when on the move. The cook fires might as well been smoke signals saying here we come. The Lakota and Cheyenne had new repeating rifles while the soldiers were armed with single shot carbines and pistols. Custer and the 7th never had chance. Vastly outnumbered, out gunned, terrible terrain, and no chance of surprise doomed them.

[@BarryVann]

You are using logic to suggest that the camp knew the 7th was in the vicinity, but it's not supported by Natives' testimony. The fact that the braves were napping doesn't sound like they knew a fight was coming their way.

[@bobporch]

@@BarryVann Numerous native accounts conflict on many points when being questioned by white men. It was not uncommon to tell them what they thought they wanted to hear or exaggerate their part in it. What did a warrior need to do to go into battle: grab his rifle/weapon and jump on his horse. Braves fought as individuals; not as military units. Sitting Bull knew they were coming and the Lakota would win. He didn't even need to see the dust clouds or cook fires. Crazy Horse had already prepared himself for battle. What they did not know was the timing of the attack. The NAI were buying repeating rifles in quantity along with plenty of ammo. Were the "napping" warriors napping or sleeping off a victory celebration from the battle they had just won earlier? Whisky was as big a seller as were the rifles. Were the probable 4,000 warriors all sleeping at mid day? Not likely. The Lakota and Cheyenne had an entire cavalry corps vs. one regiment. I believe their attitude was let them come. This wasn't dawn on the Washita.

[@dannyplake8930]

I agree with that point, which is not very often brought to the forefront, regarding leading troops and horses who are exhausted into a major campaign against fresh mounts and rested warriors. That is automatically strike one against you before one bullet is fired, along with the heat of the day.....not wise

[@31terikennedy]

The LBH failed because of the treachery of Reno and Benteen with the backing of Grant. Grant interfered with Custer at the LBH like interfered with Burnside at the Crater.

[@BarryVann]

SAK, I think you are spot on! Thanks, Barry

[@31terikennedy]

@@BarryVann It's amazing that Grant's interference is never discuss.

[@BarryVann]

@@31terikennedy I totally agree with you on the politics surrounding the even that was the Battle of the Little Bighorn, which is a topic I discuss in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqDLaqyqgNigd80

[@jasonkane6156]

I think you are right about Benteen and wrong about Reno. Reno just makes an awful tactical blunder in the first place by dismounting cavalry. Then, he orders a remound and retreat under direct fire. If he had stopped his original charge and headed for the bluffs without dismounting, this becomes a whole different story in terms of his three companies. Benteen clearly disobeys orders, and Reno lets him do it. By this time in his career, Marcus Reno was just not up to the job. It's Custer's on fault for not getting rid of Benteen much earlier.

[@31terikennedy]

@@jasonkane6156 The elephant in the room, that is never discussed, is Grant's interference. Grant interfered with Custer like he interfered with Burnside at the Crater. Custer had limited control as to who served in the regiment, he was only the acting commander Custer's plan of attack was the same as the Washita: a four prong assault with everyone going in simultaneously. Benteen was with Custer at the Washita and knew the tactics Custer would use. The way Reno and Benteen acted at the LBH should have been a huge red flag. Reno prematurely began the attack to alert the Indians and then immediately went on the defensive. The Indians would have escaped, the campaign would have failed and Custer would have been blamed. Grant would then have his court martial of Custer to get rid of him. Disaster struck because Reno lost his nerve and ran inviting the Indians to stay and fight. Custer saw what was happening and sent a troop to the river to feint an attack, drawing the Indians away from Reno/Benteen (2/3 of his men) Custer led the Indians away and developed a defensive position on Last Stand Hill to wait for Benteen. It would have been the classic Hammer Anvil tactical movement. Benteen chose to disobey his orders for, I think, obvious reasons.

[@sathanumanskhalsa912]

To add to your excellent presentation, a Depression in US happened in 1873, so Gold was a boon to the Government and economy- BTW, Custer was promoted to Brigadier General June 29th 1863, not Brevet/ Brevet Major General of Volunteers 10/19/1864 GAC was NOT a Mad Man! He was a very aggressive fearless leader of Cavalry His tactic of dividing his command was SOP so Indians wouldn’t scatter

[@BarryVann]

Thanks for the comment! I believe you meant 1873. I have four other videos on the Custer and the Washita as well as the Little Bighorn.

[@sathanumanskhalsa912]

@@BarryVann - yes sir i did. Silly error…thank you

[@sathanumanskhalsa912]

@@BarryVann - i’ve been to Oklahoma at Washita Battlefield. I’ll watch Thanks

[@BarryVann]

@@sathanumanskhalsa912 no worries, mate! I read where he was a Major General in the Volunteers.

[@jeffbosworth8116]

I am no expert, but I have been to the battlefield twice & read several accounts. Here are my thoughts. First some social commentary: 1) It is unfair to judge people of the past my modern morals. 2) Anybody who thinks a mere Lt Col was in charge of National Policy on the Natives, probable believes that a Lt Col in the Pentagon can act without permission from the galaxy of generals present. As for the Battle. 1) I believe the battlefield is on Crow land. They were allied with the US. I think the Sioux were trespassing. 2) Benteen was a scoundrel. He did to Custer exactly what he accused Custer of doing at the Washita. 3). Reasonable assumptions can be wrong. That doesn't mean they were unreasonable given the circumstances at the time. 4) For Custer and the other commanders, defeating the natives wasn't considered a problem, finding and catching them was. Given that he was trying to prevent an escape, not exterminate them, his actions were reasonable and "by the book." 5) Because no one expected them to put up a fight of that magnitude, the size of the village really didn't matter. I don't think it was an issue of Custer ignoring the scouts concern about the size, so much as him thinking size didn't really matter. 6) The Indians did not have a command structure. They had some very capable and brave leaders, but individual warriors were free to act as they saw fit. Given that, they had a very difficult time responding to multiple threats at once. The main reason they won is that Reno lost his nerve & Benteen dawdled. This enabled the Indians to react to and defeat each wing in turn. They would not have been able to deal with simultaneous attacks.

[@baronvann1314]

Jeff, I think you have knowledge and wisdom. There's nothing like spending time on that hallowed ground. Thanks for your thoughtful comments. Barry Vann

[@4thamendment237]

Jeff, I have been a student of the LBH for decades and now have an extensive library on it (it kind of got out of control after a while. 😉). Having said that, I think your synopsis and analysis is excellent! I agree with every point you make except for #2. on Benteen. Rather than go into that in light of your overall impressive positions, if you haven't already, I'd encourage you to read pp. 197-198 of Evan Connell's "Son of the Morning Star" to see just how much Benteen hated Custer.

[@baronvann1314]

@@4thamendment237 I appreciate your comment. I'm not a fan of that book or the mini series.

[@dannyplake8930]

To place a command into a major battle, with tired men and tired horses, already is subject to poor decision making...perhaps not madness....but close with that amount of warriors to handle...and late in the afternoon...should have waited until morning or additional support troops from Terry

[@BarryVann]

Hi Danny, I can't find a fault with your points. Thanks! Barry Vann

[@markmaccabees]

Would definitely like to hear to follow up story to this vid

[@BarryVann]

Here's the second (you watched the first in the series). kzbin.info/www/bejne/apmUYp6AbJqEoM0 The following video is the last in the series: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2Wtg4WnnN55kLs

[@bigcountry8726]

Another great video! I watched a show about him, I’ll have to find, not long ago that made claims of his mentality. It was convincing.

[@BarryVann]

Howdy, Big Country! How are things up in the Burg? Barry

[@bigcountry8726]

@@BarryVann things are well, getting things ready for those returning in the fall. I hope all is well with you and your family. I have some videos to catch up on.

[@BarryVann]

@@bigcountry8726 Paul, you have always supported my feeble efforts. I greatly appreciate you! Barry

[@SeanRCope]

He was a good war time commander. He was terrible during the reconstruction and during the Indian wars he just did what he wanted. He deserted his command in the field, Shaved his troopers heads, flogged them and shot deserters. All serious crimes at the time. Convicted he had to beg Sheridan to help get his command back. His last campaign to me, he just went out to prove and remind people who he was win that old glory back. He Destroyed five companies after riding beyond his supply/communication lines. No one had any idea what he was doing. He did not support Reno. It’s been reported he watched the valley fight crumble. Benteen found Reno demoralized routed and with casualties and was told told hurry AND bring packs, where? He did take a peek and thought better of it. Like Benteen said it was a hell of a place to fight Indians. I served with the seventh in Korea and you won’t find more people who just hate the guy.

[@BarryVann]

Sean, thanks for sharing that perspective with us. Thank you for your service to our country. Barry

[@SeanRCope]

@@BarryVann absolutely Sir, and thank you. He was a fascinating man. When growing up I couldn’t get enough of the guy. My first book I bought was The Custer Album. Great resource. Please continue with this. Ambitious, overconfident, and control freak to be sure. He wasn’t crazy or “mad”.

[@Eadbhard]

"Reno proved incompetent and Benteen showed his indifference - I will not use the uglier words that have often been in my mind. Both failed Custer and he had to fight it out alone." - Pvt. William O. Taylor, U.S. 7th Cavalry (M Troop)

[@stevegyles3190]

Custer was doomed by his failure to conduct thorough reconnaissance, and his desire to secure glory for the 7th Cav. When he failed to see the village from the Crow's Nest with his own eyes, he should have sent his scouts ahead to determine the size and the disposition of the village. Had he done so, and kept his command concentrated as a single force minus the pack train, and made a deliberate and controlled movement to contact, there is a good chance that the natives would have scattered. No one can say for sure. Too many ifs involved.

[@BarryVann]

They ultimately did disperse when Terry and the Montana Column arrived in the Valley. They were not stupid and weren't afraid to fight on another day when things were in their favor. His scouts already knew and had expressed to Custer that the village was an extremely large cluster of people. I think his fatal flaw was in thinking that the natives were unable to match the skills of the 7th. Boy, was he wrong about that. Thanks for watching and for commenting!

[@stevegyles3190]

@@BarryVann Overconfidence was a documented part of his nature so I think you are right about that. This battle will be discussed and argued for ages. If only one of Custer's officers or NCO's had survived to give a first-hand report to Terry, we'd be able to reconcile it with Benteen's account. I often think about how radio technology would have made this a very different story.

[@BarryVann]

@@stevegyles3190 I totally agree with your assessment, Steve! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Battle. Barry

[@brucebutler2746]

Custer's decision to attack along Reno Creek rather than proceed South along the Rosebud, as ordered, and press the natives Northward into Gen. Terry and Col. Gibbon is sufficient indication of his fixation upon attacking. Your comment that Custer would be expected to join with Gen. Crooke is the first I have heard made of this obvious fact. Yet, Gen. Terry provided Custer no coordinating instructions for an expected rendezvous with Crooke. The lack of coordinating instructions has always struck me as such an odd thing, that I wonder whether Gen. Terry had more information about Gen. Crooke's whereabouts than he admitted.

[@BarryVann]

I'm not sure how much was orally communicated. Your comment that Terry ordered Custer to go to the Rosebud is news to me. I understood that he was to look for the village of non-treaty Lakota. If the Rosebud was the objective, why did Crook leave the field when he would have received relief?

[@brucebutler2746]

@@BarryVann In pertinent part, the wording of Terry's written order was thus: "you should still proceed southward, perhaps as far as the headwaters of the Tongue, and then turn toward the Little Horn,."

[@Eadbhard]

Butler: First of all, both General Terry and Colonel Gibbon absolutely expected Custer to attack the village. Everyone knew the 7th Cavalry was going to be the campaign's initial strike force. Secondly, Terry never directly ordered Custer to do anything; he just offered "what-ifs" and suggestions. General Terry was not an experienced Indian fighter. Terry knew it, and so did Custer. All of this is evident in the first part of General Terry's orders to Custer: "It is, impossible, to give you ANY DEFINITE INSTRUCTION in regard to this movement, and were it not impossible to do so the Department Commander places too much confidence in your zeal, energy, and ability to wish to impose upon you PRECISE ORDERS which might hamper your action when nearly in contact with the enemy." General Terry then suggests Custer should proceed up the Rosebud, following the trail, but proceed further south, toward the headwaters of the Tongue River, then turn toward the Little Bighorn, feeling constantly to the left, "to preclude the escape of any Indians" in that direction. Terry's orders then clearly state how he "desires that you (Custer) should conform to them (suggestions) UNLESS YOU SHALL SEE SUFFICIENT REASON FOR DEPARTING FROM THEM". Custer definitely found sufficient reason; he found the village! Nice try, Butler, but I recommend you read Terry's orders to Custer again. When you do, be sure to remove your bias blinders. By the way, when Custer sent Captain Benteen out on a "scout to the left", he was adhering to Terry's suggestion of "feeling to the left" in order to preclude any Indians from escaping in that direction (south).

[@brucebutler2746]

@@Eadbhard I fail to see how anything you have written contradicts my suggestion that Custer was intent on attacking. He proceeded down Reno Creek in contradiction of Gen. Terry's written intent that Custer conform the timing of his movement to his estimate of Terry's progress in order to converge upon the Indians together; also, in contradiction to Terry's recommendation that the best way to carry this intention out was to move to the headwaters of the Tongue and sweep north. Much circumstantial evidence supports the speculation that Gibbon and Terry expected Custer to attack independently, but that only supports my suggestion that Custer was intent to attack, independently, despite the more reasonable plan articulated by Terry. No bias there.

[@Eadbhard]

@@brucebutler2746 Custer was intent on attacking. That Custer and the 7th Cavalry would engage the Indians first was a foregone conclusion, and everyone in the campaign was in accord with it. Again, the 7th Cavalry was being used as the campaign's initial strike force. General Terry and Colonel Gibbon were expecting Custer to attack the village on the Little Bighorn. Custer did not contradict General Terry. In Terry's orders to Custer, it is QUITE CLEAR that Terry wrote Custer some suggestions, but also allowed his more experienced subordinate the latitude to do what he thought was best. The notion that Custer was supposed to "conform the timing of his movement to his estimate of Terry's progress in order to converge upon the Indians together" is ridiculous. This was never said, nor was it written in Custer's orders. Why would it have been? It doesn't make a lick of sense. If Terry wanted his own column and Custer's column to "converge upon the Indians together," both columns would have just marched to the Little Bighorn in one large contingent. Once the Seventh Cavalry found the village, attacked it, then routed it, the Montana column - which was coming down from the north - would sweep the areas around the Little Bighorn valley for those Indians who might have escaped Custer's attack. This was the scenario General Terry and Colonel Gibbon envisaged. General Terry could not, with any specific accuracy, give an exact date when his column would reach the Little Bighorn; this is why he did not mention a date in his orders to Custer. Terry told Custer, personally, that he expected his forces to be in the Little Bighorn valley, or at the mouth of the Little Bighorn, sometime around June 26th. Custer found the village on the morning of June 25th. His original plan was to rest his regiment all day, and attack the village the next day, the morning of June 26th - the very day when the Terry/Gibbon column was "expected" to arrive. For all of that, and as fate would have it, certain circumstances and contingencies developed which required Custer to alter his plans. Instead of waiting a day, Custer suddenly realized that his only workable option would be to attack the Indian village as soon as possible, and that's what he did. The Montana column did not arrive at Custer's exact location until the morning of June 27.

[@suzyhummell9010]

Maybe Custor was not a madman, but he was definitely a glory seeker and at times, took big risks.. At the battle of the Washita yeas earlier, Custor barely escaped disaster.. I don' t think Custor used good strategy in this big battle...dividing his forces vs a much larger enemy.

[@baronvann1314]

Thanks, Suzy! No argument from me. I have a video on the Washita.

[@Eadbhard]

Why is it an offense for a soldier to seek glory, I'm wondering? What soldier doesn't like to receive some laurels in combat? Personal glory in battle was the bread and wine of life to a Sioux or Cheyenne warrior, yet nobody nowadays criticizes them. Suzy: Incidentally, when it comes to battle and strategy, General George Armstrong Custer knew a lot more than you'll ever know.... just saying.

[@BarryVann]

I should say that he did not know how big the village was until after Reno launched his attack. A pincer move is quite common in the military, and glory is an emotional reward for military people who risk their lives. Was he a narcissist? Maybe. That is probably a good trait to have in war.

[@Eadbhard]

@@BarryVann Most noted scholars and historians believe there were roughly 1500 - 2000 warriors at the Little Bighorn that day, yes? On June 22/23, along the Rosebud, en route to the Little Bighorn, Custer ordered an 'Officer's Call' after the regiment bivouacked for the evening. In that meeting, Custer told his officers that they may expect to meet anywhere between a thousand to fifteen hundred warriors. Fast forward to June 25th. Custer is on the eastern bluffs overlooking the river, and he sees the village for the first time. Does he notice something greater than he imagined? Again, Custer's estimation of the amount of warriors at the Little Bighorn numbered between a thousand and fifteen hundred - his numbers were very close to what modern historians have estimated. Unless modern historical research lies, and there were really four to five thousand warriors at the Little Bighorn, I believe the size of the village pretty much coincided with what Custer expected. If Custer felt the village was way too big for him to handle, he would have recalled Reno, consolidated with Benteen, then he would have pulled his regiment back to some place of safety where he'd be able to devise some kind of new strategy. But such was not the case. Upon seeing the village for the first time, Custer still remained positive and confident, and he still felt his regiment could take it.

[@artisaprimus6306]

Custer had already developed a reputation for being reckless before this campaign. He had been court marshaled for his forced march to return to Ft Riley because he missed his wife. There was also the issue of leaving soldiers behind during another campaign. Custer was no fool, but he made rash decisions at times. The fact that he had survived 7 calvary charges during the Civil War suggests he had used up all the luck he had. Custer was not a fool on that day, but he was rash, true to his nature. It cost him his life and the soldiers in his command.

[@BarryVann]

Good stuff, Atimis! Barry

[@wmjohns881]

An excellent presentation however it fails to mention why Custer was so subdued! Cusyer’s military career was basically over as he was under a presidential suspension by order of President Grant. Only General Terry’s appeal allowed Custer to be a part of the 7th Cavalry. Grant had ordered that Custer was not allowed to lead the 7th. General Terry was later censored for allowing Custer to lead the 7thon his own.

[@BarryVann]

The appeal to Grant was also issued by Sheridan and Sherman. The reason for being subdued was mentioned a number of times in the video. The evidence suggested that they were going to meet 1500 or more warriors, not 800. He was taking the situation seriously.

[@kierankennedy7066]

A. Lot. Of. Irish. Fought. With. Custer

[@BarryVann]

That's true. Captain Miles Keough was a native Irishman.

[@daniellastuart3145]

i don't think he was mad but i do think he was a Glory hunter and there was motivation for this remember he had resonantly been court marshaled and remove from command this must of got to Custer i do think he was thinking off entering politics after is military life and a Victory under hes belt was going tobe a huge advantage in this. i think this blinded him to the evendance around him 1 think he despatch Benteen in hope the Native worries would attack him and leave Custer to the encampment but Benteen wes not seen and encampment was fall of Worries and with the mix quilty of the 7th troopers and splitting of the regiment in to 4 columns sealed the defeat

[@rosemiller8425]

He was a MONSTER, I AM A DESCENDANT OF WARRIORS,.

[@BarryVann]

Good for you. He was a tool of the government, so who was the monster?

[@georgemoore2226]

@@BarryVann Manifest Destiny was the monster

[@peterfalcone4491]

It seems to me that the Custer did have very good intel along with his officers. They knew what they were getting into. From passed experiences, they would be frustrated fighting the Lakota and Cheyenne because of the guerilla tactics of the tribes. Always scattering and avoiding major conflicts. Just like the Viet Cong did to our forces. Never fight if the other side is too strong and have an open field advantage. But this was not the case this time. The tribes were not going to run. Their culture was being destroyed and their way of life was being threatened in a huge way. The Indians also had great intel. The chiefs knew that their were many soldiers coming for them. They had scouts deployed too. Hunting parties too. They saw the dust rising from the columns from miles away. They were definitely surprised when Reno charged that afternoon. Women and children were in the river bathing and having fun. Picking wild turnips and cooking. Warriors were sleeping in and some taking swims and steam baths. One would say, then why were they surprised when the soldiers attacked if they knew that they were in the vicinity? I believe because, the warriors had the attitude that nobody would be that foolish to attack our huge camp. Also attack and kill our women and children. There is testimony of Indian accounts saying this same thing. They thought Custer and his regiment must have been drunk and crazy to attempt this fight with so few against at least 3 to 5 thousand warriors. Another mistake the 7th did was to force march all night on the 24th. Also, most of the regiment never fought anything like the Lakota and Cheyenne before. The ranks were filled with immigrants and those joining the Army just for a way to earn money. The country was in the throws of a very bad economy in those years. There are Indian accounts saying that the soldiers horses looked somewhat tired and listless during the fight. Men were exhausted and their nutrition was not good. Custer was a no nonsense leader. He wanted to get the job done. Yes he was a lucky SOB and almost got himself killed many times. I guess the bottom line was, He overestimated what he had to work with and severely underestimated the whole strength and resolve of the tribes.

[@BarryVann]

Thanks, Peter! You have offered us a good bit of information. In drawing on the Godfrey diaries and Sgt. Windolph's reflections, I get a sense that Custer knew he was opening up a hornets' nest, but I think the realization really hit him when he saw the extent of the village when he was on the bluff watching Reno's charge. He sent two curriers back to speed up support. I think his pride would not let him withdraw; that was a shame. Had the other men arrived and joined him, they would have all been killed. That's a point that I make in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5jNhIykfqunZ9U

[@historybuff5739]

I think Custer like many early military leaders were arrogant and underestimated their enemies both foreign and domestic. I also believe that the powers that be , or were, are to blame in large part for Custer's command being wiped out. Had the military issued repeating rifles to the military, things might have turned out differently. But they were too worried about the cost of ammunition. Many of the Indians had repeating rifles, so a lot of them were better armed than Custer's men. It was a disaster all the way around.

[@BarryVann]

Interestingly, the greatest damage done to the companies that were wiped out (the 7th had 402 survivors-at the Reno-Benteen defense site) was the bow. Bows left no gun smoke, and they rained down on horses and their holders without giving away their positions. I think you are right about the weapons issued to the troopers. Repeating rifles would definitely have given the troopers the advantage. Thanks for the comment! Barry

[@philipfreeman2863]

Was Custer insane? To be honest that's a hard answer to answer to answer. And probably the wrong qustion to ask. But was Custer a ambitious and reckless leader. I think that question is answered by Custers actions. And yes he was a ambitious and reckless officer. And his quest for glory was well known among other officers in the army. And his desire for glory was his downfall. And he did disobey the order to wait until other forces arrived. The question that should be asked is why did he feel the need to attack without the support of the rest of arriving forces. And he hsd been warned not to attack until the main body of the army had arrived. And it was reported that Custer did not believe the reports of his scouts. I can't say with any degree of confidence that this actually happened. But I'm certain Custer had ambitions to be promoted back to his Civil War rank of a one star General. And more than likely his judgment was probably clouded by his ambitions. But since he loss his entire unit under his command. The Legend of Custer even then probably clouded the facts. And even though Captain benteen career was relatively intact. Reno was made the scapegoat for Custers decisions not to believe his scouts and not to wait for the main body of the rest of the command. And led his command in a foolish attack that destroyed his command. And in 24 hours the full force of the other commands would have been on the battlefield. I'm fairly certain that the Legend of what occurred on that day. Will continue to cloud the truth of what occurred that day. And the Legend will continue to cloud the facts.

[@BarryVann]

Phillip, I am not sure where you read that he was ordered to wait for other forces. Did you even watch the video? The question is simple, but you are making up stuff to argue against a simple proposition.

[@kenporter5582]

That was a great analogy of what led up to the battle.. I have studied custard since I was very young and have done an essay on him when I was in grade school and I've always been intrigued with what took place leading up to the battle. A lot of people like to Make custard out to be a glory hunter And arrogant which is so far from the truth!

[@BarryVann]

Thanks for sharing! He was a soldier in a different time. Barry

[@johnsavage6628]

No Custer wasn't mad. But all men in war suffer from their actions in war. During the Civil War Custer was forced to kill many of his West Point friends. A third of his class or more resigned to join the south. The Indians warned him, that they'd kill him and they did. All the signs were there. Why Custer ignored them has been debated since June 25th. 1876. Custer should have gotten of the Army when the Civil War ended with the surrender of Texas in 1866. The Civil War didn't end when Lee surrendered. It ended a year later. A soldier who has seen combat pays a price the rest of his life. Fact. I can only guess how Custer was feeling after the Civil War. This battle could have been worse if it had included Terry, Crook and Gibbons. The copper jacketed ammunition doomed Custer. The spent casings couldn't be removed from the rifle chambers. The fix was in. They wanted the Black Hills gold no matter what! By 1985 5 billion dollars in gold was removed from the Black Hills.

[@BarryVann]

Hi John, thanks for offering us a well-reasoned comment. The point you made about the loss of friends during the Civil War was especially powerful. Barry

[@Ammo08]

Custer died for your sins!-(Said a t-shirt I used to have.)

[@baronvann1314]

LOL!

[@robinhood480]

That’s the title of a song . We used to sing it on pow wow weekends. Floyd Red Crow Westerman recorded it. It’s on KZbin now.

[@robinhood480]

Definitely an interesting event in history. Each side tells it so you believe them. I’ve read that Grant called for the Chiefs to come in for a meeting in the month of December or January. Sitting Bull replied that he’d be in to talk in the springtime. They couldn’t move camp or travel so far in the winter. Well the clock struck New Year and the “Indians” were tardy - late - no show. So ... like all good law enforcement , the US sent soldiers out to collect these newly relabelled hostiles. Who knows how much miscommunication occurred and interfering from gold seekers or enemy tribes gossiping to the US , but the trouble was now brewing. Great 👍🏻 videos you do Thanks

[@angloaust1575]

War is rather insane maybe it helps to be a little off centre!

[@BarryVann]

Can you imagine the carnage that Custer, Benteen, and Reno had seen in their military careers?

[@ericstevens8744]

Could Custer have suffered from PTSD ?

[@kendignam6892]

I think custer acted very prudent tbh,.if crook had sent messengers out to find custer or terry and tell them what had happend at the rosebud,and that he was pulling back,.they would hav had a better understanding of what they faced,..the last thing custer could risk was a scattering village,so he did the only logical thing,attack!.thanks for video 👍

[@baronvann1314]

Many thanks, Ken! Kind regards, Barry

[@ericstevens8660]

Crook never made it to the battle..he got whipped really bad and turned tail and left to lick his wounds.. .most of custers native scouts left and got the heck out of there...they were smart...custer was a glory hound and wanted to use the campaign as a stepping stone to the whitehouse

[@BarryVann]

Eric, he had an ego; that's for sure, and Crook definitely turned tail and run; however, Crook only lost 28 men at the Battle of the Rosebud. It was customary for scouts to do just scouting work. Once they found their targets, they left. You make it sound as though the scouts had an epiphany and abandoned Custer. Lastly, where is your source on his plans to run for president? I have found more evidence that he wanted to be a high paid lecturer and author than a politician.

[@onlythewise1]

not true at all

[@Eadbhard]

Aaaah, the old "Custer wanted to become the President of the United States" myth. The less people know, the more they suspect.

[@baronvann1314]

@@Eadbhard I think people have trouble doing real research by going to the primary sources. Some leftist revisionist historians inform these distorted and ludicrous ideas.

[@Eadbhard]

@@baronvann1314 I don't believe a lot of people even know what a primary source is, let alone try'n find one to read. Yes, these people are definitely a case for study. No matter how many genuine facts they are told, they will continue to believe what they want to believe despite any information to the contrary. I don't get it. The media is to blame for a lot of it, I reckon. We all know the media has not looked favorably upon George Armstrong Custer for the past 70 years. Because media outlets are so universal and ubiquitous, they can easily shape a person's beliefs and values. For example, when it comes to Custer and the Little Bighorn, many people have a tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports their prior beliefs. Where do a lot of these prior beliefs come from? The media.

[@nuancolar7304]

Custer was not a mad man, but he threw caution to the wind. It made no sense for Custer to refuse the gatling guns since those could have been used in wagons to defend his supply train, which was already traveling slower than his mounted cavalry. He still had the mobility of mounted cavalry and did not have to adopt those weapons for his fast-moving troops, but to refuse having them, if needed, with his wagon train seems foolish. In fact, it was Custer's distance from this supply train, with its supplies and ammunition, which contributed to his defeat. Just prior to his death, he sent a hastily penned request to Benteen to "come quick, bring pack" which suggests that Custer finally realized he allowed himself and his command to become dangerously exposed and overextended.

[@BarryVann]

I can't argue with your good points, Nuancolar. Thanks for commenting. Barry

[@wcb5890]

I don't believe he completely threw caution to the wind. He had before been slowed or witnessed the slowness of wagons and cumbersome equipment while battling the Cheyenne on the southern plains. Also, he knew the country or at least how to navigate the Badlands and Black Hills terrain and his "assumptions" about the difficulty was spot on. He had traveled that area fairly extensively before. His message and the manner the orders were carried out is in constant question but Benteen did not really pick up his pace and was already out in front of the pack train by a considerable distance he had 3 troops under his command that could have acted as reinforcements. If you read his other correspondences from earlier campaigns "Be quick" , to me, shows he did not know the severity at that moment and in fact his focus was capturing the women and children until a large number of his men lost their horses on Cemetery Ridge. Did they get strung out...yes. Was this a fairly common tactic? Look at the Battle of the Washita. He left his supply train and divided his forces to surround/entrap the village. Benteens 3 troops may have helped Custer's men escape (I doubt they would have turned defeat into a victory) or capture the fleeing women and children. But lack of ammunition/supplies was, in my opinion a none issue.

[@jasonkane6156]

Gatling guns and the caissons they are on are loud as hell especially when the sound is moving unbroken across fairly flat land. Noisy as hell. That is why there were no sabres. The noise they make ralling agains the saddle is pretty remarkable for how loud it is. Tha tis why no gatling guns or sabres.

[@jeffbosworth8116]

I think leaving the gatling guns was the right decision. They weren't as reliable as everyone seems to think. He left them behind because he thought they would not stand so finding and catching them was the problem. Not possible with gatling guns,

[@jasonkane6156]

@@jeffbosworth8116 Gatling guns and the caissons that support them are noisy as hell. Not sneaking up on anyone towing those. Same with sabres clacking against saddles.

[@chaunezkalk9822]

I just judge those who report their interpretations regarding Custer and American history. I don’t have any alliance to any Indians. However, I will say that Westward Movement had already been ingrained. It hadn’t yet been accomplished in the Northwestern lands, but soon with. I’m sure gold had intrigues as gold had been found in other territories. Custer killed Lakota women and children at a water hole. The Lakota are not Sioux, but as they had lost their lands, slaves. Another bad Custer decision. So, had Indians from Southern locations. At this time, they had no interest in white politics. Custer was massacred by these combined forces,

[@baronvann1314]

Didn't the government identify the Lakota as a tribe within the Sioux nation? Where and when were women killed at a watering hole? Are you talking about the attack on Black Kettle's camp?

[@jamesharrison6201]

Only when and where his vanity was concerned.

[@jerrybaird2059]

Everything mentioned in this video has been part of the public record for over a century. I used to manage a banking department that focused on risk taking, and I often dealt with 37 year olds who thirsted for risk, even unreasonable risk. Custer was one of those. Waiting to link up with the other columns was the way to bring massive force to a challenge which could not be calculated in terms of numbers. But then our risk taker would not have all the credit. Just the sort of risk that a 37 year old will take. Too bad for the 214 men he led to death.

[@baronvann1314]

Thanks for commenting! Barry Vann

[@johncarrillo9255]

I'm a history buff I love the custard and the Little bighorn to read both sides of the stories too simple thighs with the Indians they struggle and they fought Custer was a glory Hunter those were the words of major Reno an Englishman that was in Custer's unit said the only true Americans are on the other side of the Hill I sympathize with both sides because it's American history and we all are apart of that history

[@BarryVann]

Thanks, John, I am going to do a video on Benteen-Custer Divide. I hope you will watch it. Barry

[@Eadbhard]

Major Reno wasn't an "Englishman", he was born in Illinois. "The only true Americans are on the other side of the hill". Isn't that a quote from "They Died with Their Boots on"?

[@Eadbhard]

Thank you! FINALLY, a KZbin video that reveals the truth about Custer and the Little Bighorn! For history's sake, this is the type of video that needed to be made! Bravo! I've been trying to enlighten the ignorant in my KZbin comments for years, but now I have these videos to do it for me! Wonderfully done! KZbinr: "Custer was a fool. He recklessly charged a huge Indian camp without knowing how many warriors were there, and he foolishly divided his forces. His arrogance and ego got himself, and all his men killed. He got what was coming to him." Me: "Go watch the KZbin videos, 'The Vanntage Point', you idiot. Watch and learn something"

[@BarryVann]

That put some major wind in my sails, friend! Thank you! Barry

[@onlythewise1]

Indians had no horses until white man brought them

[@BarryVann]

Horses were released onto the high prairies by the Spanish two to three hundred years before Little Bighorn. By that time, the Natives had built their hunting and gathering societies around the horse.

[@shirleybalinski4535]

Custer was egotistical. He was a strict disciplinarian ( towards his troops) but, didn't always follow orders himself. Custer was an earlier version of Patton. A mad man? NO.

[@BarryVann]

I couldn't image doing battle in the 1800s and earlier without a huge ego. Benteen walked around the defense site with bullets blazing all around with shots kicking up dust and hitting troopers and mounts, yet he stood tall and led by example.

[@shirleybalinski4535]

@@BarryVann ...regarding Custer's ego. All officiers have it. The feeling of power & command. You lead by example, so to a certain extent, bravado/ ego has to go with the territory. You're leading mostly raw, young, uneducated , wet behind the ears people. Someone has to take the bull by the horns particularily in dire circumstances. It does no good to be seen hunkering down while the others take the heat. Lots of sayings for this...don't expect others to do what you won't do your self. Never admit wrong. Lead by example, command respect etc. Was true then..holds true today.

[@johnchambers2996]

Pretty balanced appraisal from what I've read. Perhaps the biggest issue is a heroic figure being denigrated by modern wonders that a group of ordinary people, let alone hard-riding cavalry, wouldn't follow on an exposition across a city park let alone Montana. Of other note is George's ego, he has more pictures of George than anyone else from that era, from Lincoln to Grant and Lee. A final issue to be thankful for, is that you were not a trooper in the 7th.

[@BarryVann]

Thanks for the comments, John. Barry

[@douglasturner6153]

I see now. Custer found out Sioux Warriors were seen rummaging through boxes of supplies that had fallen off the Mule Train. Hell, I would attack an overwhelming force too with that outrage!

[@BarryVann]

Your sarcasm only works if he knew how big the village was when he issued the order to attack. I don't think he knew that until he was on the bluff over looking the village. He should have gotten better intelligence about the size of the village. He made the same mistake at the Washita.

[@josephharnett5075]

@@BarryVann I agree if he had been aware of the cook battle and had reconnaissance he might have waited for Terry although the scouts had made him aware of the size of the village there were many mistakes made with that in mind hee might have attacked anyway 😳

[@douglasturner6153]

@@BarryVann Custer was not a Mad Man or stupid. He knew from his Scouts and his own observation of the many signs that it was a very large Villiage. And he had to know from experience that the Sioux were likely aware of his existence and general location. That would explain his hurried forced march before Battle I'm not sure anyone has the final word on why he attacked. He thought Terry and Crook's forces would be up soon. There was no crisis if the Indians started moving again. They were going to be blocked somewhere. So it comes down to Custer's personal motives and inability to control his ego. He could just as easily have been concerned that the other Army columns were coming to share the glory. Versus fear the Indians might "get away"! One thing is clear. Custer's judgement was very defective on that day.

[@Riceball01]

@@douglasturner6153 I disagree that it was Custer's ego that caused him to attack when he did. I'd argue that just about any other experienced cavalry officer would have likely done the same since cavalry officers were recruited and known for their agressiveness

[@douglasturner6153]

@@Riceball01 Good one's balanced that. A blend of the Lion and the Fox. That's what made some Southern Cavalrymen like Stuart and Forrest so successful . His thinking that day left something to be desired.

[@dustinneely]

I'm sick and tired of the Custer haters.

[@BarryVann]

Dustin, I couldn't agree more. I feel sorry for them in some ways. They probably hate their own country as well.

[@patrickkealy4387]

No, Custer was not a bad man. He was an egomaniac who had aspirations of running for President. He knew that if he got all the glory instead of the other Generals after defeating the Indians at the Little Big Horn he was going to be so popular he would win the Presidency in a landslide. His bravery was never in doubt but his military tactics were certainly questionable especially that fateful day.

[@baronvann1314]

Thanks, Patrick! I've read that he was planning on a run for the presidency, but I have yet to come across that thought in any of his writings. Do you have a source for it? He was certainly a narcissist, but so are most politicians.

[@Eadbhard]

Custer did not have aspirations of running for President; that's nothing but a myth. He entertained entering politics after the Civil War ended, but his wife, Libby, dissuaded him from it. Custer agreed with her sentiment. And he surely wasn't vying for the Presidency in November, 1876; Custer's name wasn't on either ballot, nor was his name ever mentioned as a possible candidate. It's just a myth. Funny how so many people construe fiction for history.

[@jasonkane6156]

Co wrote a play called "Yellowhair" years ago. He had ego. He had ambition. But, mostly, he had orders not to let anyone get around him. He also didnt know that the Sioux had whooped the holy crap out of George Crook just before at the Battle of the Rosebud. That is huge in terms of the Lakota mindset. Take a warrior society and let it prove itself against a name (Two Beards) adversary and they are going to be extremely tough to bring down thereafter. Custer had also never truly been beaten or close to it before. That gives you a particular mindset on the other side. Like anyone and anything else, this guy and this battle was not black and white. Hope you are well. Stay safe. JK

[@BarryVann]

Hi Jason, I really appreciate your knowledgeable and thoughtful comments. Until the 20th century, most people believed that great leaders were effective because they were great men. Like Patton, Custer was a master at impression management. On a related topic, I'm thinking about doing a video on the Battle of the Washita and the eternal falling out that happened between Custer and Benteen. I hope you will watch it. Have a great weekend! Barry

[@jasonkane6156]

@@BarryVann With Washita, you must seriously examine the question of Major Elliot. Also, was Black Kettle hiding hostiles or not? This speaks to the beginning of the resentment between Custer and Benteen I think which results in Custer's mistake in not replacing Benteen with Moylan or his Brother at the Little Big Horn, as a battlefield command decision. As stated elsewhere here, I believe tht if he had replaced Benteen with Moylan and Reno with his Brother, the entire face of the battle changes. I have always thought that. Best luck on your new vid. Am looking forward to it.

[@BarryVann]

@@jasonkane6156 Joel Elliot is the key factor in the fallout between Benteen and Custer. The rest of it had to do with egos.

[@jasonkane6156]

@@BarryVann Absolutely agree. As much as I think Benteen's actions were wrong at LBH, I think Benteen was absolutely correct at Washita. (To all) Stay safe. Take your booster. Be well.

[@BarryVann]

@@jasonkane6156 While I think Benteen's cool leadership on the Reno-Benteen Defense site saved hundreds of lives. The defense site was probably the safest place to be on the Greasy Grass that weekend in 1876. Had he led the remaining troopers over Weir Point 45 minutes earlier, I'm not certain that any of the the 7th would have survived. They were just outnumbered.

[@jaysilverheals4445]

sitting bull was not a war chief he was a medicine man and wise figure to the indians. The star of the show was actually Chief John Grass who witnessed Custer shot and its possible HE shot him. He has been wrongly stricken from history because he cooperated with the whites and he also said they were drinking whiskey throwing the bottles. This was not something american history wanted known so Grass was stricken from history during the period up till a few years ago because of bias. The dropping of the case or cases of supplies is MUCH underplayed and barely mentioned. Custer did not plan on attacking as he did with troops split up and arrive with tired horses and mules in the morning. The plan was for the forces to come together yet its painted out like Custer "wanting glory" rode in prematurely. One of the most important events in the history of the west is hidden and ignored was when those crates were dropped. Its also important because when they went back to retrieve them and saw indians had spotted the supplies and escaped that Custer had good reason to think they now were discovered and the indians almost certainly ran back to alarm the camp. actually they had not. They simply thought they found some crap from pioneers and alerted nobody.

[@prmath]

No…..he was a “Hotdog”……….me,me,me,me,me🤷🏼‍♂️

[@baronvann1314]

He was definitely a narcissist, so hotdog is a good label.

[@prmath]

@@baronvann1314 I played on many different teams and seems like always there’s a hotdog in the mix.

[@baronvann1314]

@@prmath I'm working on a new video that shows there were other hotdogs in the 7th. Custer was much more effective in impression management than the others, though.

[@bethbartlett5692]

I would be hesitant to consider Custer4 having such a personality shift. As well, I would require confirmed a I thencity of the statements regarding Indian Scoits encouraging action on geography they lacked familiarity with. I propose there was a great deal of fiinger pointing after the incident. The clear fact is, he was out ranked in warfare that July day, and a Commanding Officer is the One Responsible for loss of the Campaign and his Men. Those are the Standards. Tragic that his family lost several adult children, the fact they had so many in 1 group of Military speaks to their sharing high confidence and/or low reasonable intelligence.

[@BarryVann]

Beth, thanks for offering a perspective on the BLBH. There were four Crow scouts at the Crow's Nest along with Charles Varnum. They are the sources for what transpired with respect to advising Custer on when to attack. As the Crow's Nest implies, this was Crow territory, so they knew the area. The scout named Bloody Knife wasn't a crow, so if anyone at the Crow's Nest was ignorant of the local geography, it would have been him and the 7th's troopers and officers.

[@christinagiagni3578]

i think custer's problem was that he was too enamored of himself. he was a dandy and a pretty boy. his ego took him to the little bighorn and he and his men paid the price.

[@BarryVann]

He no doubt had a large ego.

[@4thamendment237]

Uh, maybe. If he had a big ego, he had certainly proved himself worthy on the battlefield in the Civil War. Sheridan certainly credited him greatly in the note with the gift Sheridan gave to Custer’s wife. It ain't grandiose if you can back it up. 😉 The difference at the LBH was that the Indian warriors were fighting a war Custer didn't know how to fight.

[@baronvann1314]

@@4thamendment237 That's good feedback, Christina I appreciate it! Barry Vann

[@Eadbhard]

@@4thamendment237 Not true. Custer was an experienced Indian fighter. Aside from General George Crook, Custer was the most experienced officer in the entire Little Bighorn campaign. What is more, three years before the Little Bighorn battle, Custer successfully fought off Sitting Bull's warriors in two separate battles.

[@Eadbhard]

The notion that Custer lost the Battle of the Little Bighorn because of his "ego" is ridiculous. If anything, Custer's defeat was caused by anomalies that contradicted his own experience.

[@chadherrin5181]

I wouldn't say a madman, but he had a big ego. No one ( including) the federal government suspected not only how many, but how well armed the indians were then. Custer made a fatal mistake by dividing his regiment. He was also offered the 2nd Cavalry and 2 Gatling guns and he turned them both down.

[@johnjepsen500]

Again gossip and hearsay. Lol.Typical history. Lol.

[@BarryVann]

LOL

[@BarryVann]

Are you having a conversation with someone?

[@johnjepsen500]

"That's the SPIRIT!"

[@warrenburns101]

Hahahahaha,,,,,yer trying to change history,,,,,Custer was a fool,,,,

[@baronvann1314]

I have no idea what you are trying to say. Why are you laughing?

[@BarryVann]

Warren Burns, I am not trying to change history, but whoever taught you to think and write needs to give you your money back.

[@warrenburns101]

@@baronvann1314 I'm laughing because you are trying to portray Custer as some kind of hero,,,,,he loved attacking and murdering women and children,,,,