From the crows nest to the attack

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Posted by Don White on August 23, 2001 at 21:18:19:

When custer left the divide he was unsure of the exact location or strength of the Villege, obviously he had enough info to know it was nearby and probably he had been seen.Recon in force was called for, so Benteen was sent SW to see if they were moving up the rivermIF NOT RETURN TO THE TRAIL OF THE REGT.He knew they were in a larger force than previously known but wasnt really sure how many and certianly didnt know they had a large number of rifles especially repeating rifles.A recent analysis of spent cartridges found near Custer Hill show a minimum of 414 at the Hill.The terrian pervented him from knowing the odds until nearly in contact.If Reno was justified in halting his adv he certianly could have maintained himself in the trees until Benteens arrival and not released all the Warriors on Custer.Reno had only lost 1 man when he went to the trees and for sure very few when he ran for the Hills.Benteen received 2 orders to come to the Valley-Kinipe and the famous big villege come quick-Martini.He was moving at a walk until he met Martini, then only at a trot.He and Reno stayed at Reno Hill approx an hour or More in hearing of Custers 5 troops battle for life and did nothing.No officer can win a Battle where the 2 principel subordinates disobey theor orders and hold 51% of the unit out of the Battle.When seen at the divide Custer had to attack immediately.Not knowing their exact location or complete numbers and armament it unfolded like a greek tradegy and Custers Luck failed, the 7th deserved better,Custer probably made the same decisions most officers would have in light of what he knew at noon June 25th,1876.Don White 2 time Nam Vet US INFANTRY

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