Washita

[joewiggs]

I discovered a real charming character who participated in the battle of the Washita by the name of Captain Edward Myers, 7th U.S. cavalry. During the battle Myers and his command-in direct violation of Custer's orders-"were observed firing into a group of women and children."

Contrary to Benteen's charge that Custer abandoned major Elliot and company, he sent Myer to search for the major. Myers later reported to Custer that he had searched for two miles but, was unable to locate the missing men.

Myers was know to be ill-tempered and sometimes disobeyed orders. With many Indians moving in and attempting to engage Custer's command would a man of Myers' demeanor actually risk his life searching for someone else?

[melani]

Don't know much about Myers--I believe he died not too long after that. I'll see what I can find on him.

[strange]

This was one of the rare accurate details that can be found in the (Little Big Man) Dustin Hoffman movie. They weren't suppose to fire into Women and Children unless directly threatened by them (like Benteen).

[Cutter]

According to the Custer companion, pages 102- 103, he was a real piece of work. Myers died in '71.
A incomplete bio is in "Military record of civilian appointments in the United States Army" By Guy Vernor Henry.
"[Born in Germany.—Appointed from the Army.]
Military History.—Enlisted in the 1st U. S. Dragoons, 1851. In New Mexico, on the Pacific coast, and engaged against hostile Indians of the Northwest. With regiment in the Army of the Potomac. Second Lieutenant 1st U. S. Cavalry, July, 1862. Aide-de-Camp to General Merritt, July, 1862, to June, 1866. Engaged in the operations of the Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac. In Texas, April, 1865, to June, 1866. Closing records of the 1st Cavalry Division, to February, 1866. En route with recruits from New York to San Francisco, Cal., February to March, 1866. At Fort Vancouver, W. T., and Fort Bois6, Idaho. Engaged against hostile Indians. Captain 7th U. S. Cavalry, July, 1866. Engaged in Indian expeditions, under General Custer. Brevet Captain U. S. Army, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Todd's Tavern, Va. Brevet Major U. S. Army, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Five Forks, Va. Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel U. S. Army, for gallant and meritorious services during the war. In Kansas, from — to —" cuts off at that point.
That book can be downloaded as a pdf at Google books.

[joewiggs]

Benteen must have been aware that Myer was ordered, by Custer, to find Elliot. How then can one explain his conviction that Custer made no effort to locate the major?

[Cutter]

Could be something simple, like he just flat didn't like him...

[joewiggs]

No kidding! It's scary to have someone dislike you with such intensity. Benteen was an outstanding combat officer bar none. Sadly, he had a lot to learn about being a human being, I think.

[whitebull]

Benteen was a complex personality way pass us to figure out. i don't believe that he would ever do anything out of plain meanness. At the battle of the Washita, he did everything he could not to kill a young Indian boy who challenged him first. That sure says a lot!

[joewiggs]

I think Benteen was one of those individuals that personalized everything and everyone around him. At heart, a decent enough fellow and brave to a fault;as brave as Custer in my opinion. However, when he was not recognized for his valor or merit as he thought he should have been he became extremely resentful. Custer's rapid rise in rank galled him because he believed it only occurred due to favoritism. In his mind, others (including himself) merited a higher status but, unjustly, did not receive recognition equal to his military merit.

[davel]

Excellent observation...........I think you're right, Benteen was a good officer, who didn't get the recognition he probably deserved and resented those, like Custer, who did.

[joewiggs]

Thank you! Isn't it sad that the two of them were unable to form a friendship? If courage is a commodity that calls for respect, these two guys deserve our admiration.

[whitebull]

Benteen had too many "brain" problems that kept him from being the type of commander he was capable of being.

[tbw]

May 21, 2011 18:53:17 GMT -5 whitebull said:

Benteen had too many "brain" problems that kept him from being the type of commander he was capable of being.

It appears that Benteen wasn't the only one who had drain brammage that day. Not saying he was the cream in the potato soup that day, but it appears to me that someone else had their potato head baked by the noon day sun that whole campaign. For immediate reference see my last post to Stumblingbear and... wait for it ;D

[joewiggs]

! read it and you certainly summed it up very well. Astute brain-power was not on the menu that day.

[drouth]

May 30, 2010 0:09:10 GMT -5 melani said:

Don't know much about Myers--I believe he died not too long after that. I'll see what I can find on him.