Post by joewiggs on Feb 13, 2011 12:12:41 GMT -5
Please understand that the Indian village was extremely mobile. It had to be. In order to maintain grazing for the immense pony herd and to incorporate semi-sanitary conditions the village moved quite often.
Scouts were far more mobile than and could arrive at a destination much quicker than a plodding battalion of men numbering in the hundreds.
Unfortunately, the village could move at a moment's notice and be twenty miles in any number of directions by nightfall. It was necessary to use the scouts and troops in close conjunction and as evenly as conditions allowed.
If you will remember, the scouts at the Crow's Nest were sent back to inform Custer of what they saw. This took time. To move the command from camp to the Crow's nest resulted in additional time. Time was ill afford because time was of the essence whenever trailing Indians.
Your theory that the scouts could be used to travel a considerable distance, obtain vital information, return to camp, then have the camp get to the intended target without a possible hitch has numerous holes in it. Too many to discuss here.
The separation (Benteen) was in accordance with orders from Terry. Do not let the Indians out flank the command. The distance to be traveled was not extensive and Benteen was anticipated to return quickly:he did not.
Regardless, Reno and command arrive on Reno's Hill simultaneously with Benteen. Thus, your presumption that Benteen's troops were sent off on a wild goose chase is invalid. Had Reno stayed in the timber five minutes longer Benteen would have arrived in time too assist him.
Please do not reply that Reno had no choice but to evacuate when he did. When the vast majority of officers desert the skirmish line (this includes the commander) to seek safety in the woods, a door was left wide open for the warriors. Indian warriors were always hesitant to push a charge through against well entrenched defenses. Every pioneer and soldier knew that once you turn your back on them they will charge home for the kill.
The trick in all this is not to panic and turn tail. Had the troopers possessed real leadership the results would not have turned out as they did!
Only then, because of Reno's total loss of command, did the situation with the skirmish line become critical.
Scouts were far more mobile than and could arrive at a destination much quicker than a plodding battalion of men numbering in the hundreds.
Unfortunately, the village could move at a moment's notice and be twenty miles in any number of directions by nightfall. It was necessary to use the scouts and troops in close conjunction and as evenly as conditions allowed.
If you will remember, the scouts at the Crow's Nest were sent back to inform Custer of what they saw. This took time. To move the command from camp to the Crow's nest resulted in additional time. Time was ill afford because time was of the essence whenever trailing Indians.
Your theory that the scouts could be used to travel a considerable distance, obtain vital information, return to camp, then have the camp get to the intended target without a possible hitch has numerous holes in it. Too many to discuss here.
The separation (Benteen) was in accordance with orders from Terry. Do not let the Indians out flank the command. The distance to be traveled was not extensive and Benteen was anticipated to return quickly:he did not.
Regardless, Reno and command arrive on Reno's Hill simultaneously with Benteen. Thus, your presumption that Benteen's troops were sent off on a wild goose chase is invalid. Had Reno stayed in the timber five minutes longer Benteen would have arrived in time too assist him.
Please do not reply that Reno had no choice but to evacuate when he did. When the vast majority of officers desert the skirmish line (this includes the commander) to seek safety in the woods, a door was left wide open for the warriors. Indian warriors were always hesitant to push a charge through against well entrenched defenses. Every pioneer and soldier knew that once you turn your back on them they will charge home for the kill.
The trick in all this is not to panic and turn tail. Had the troopers possessed real leadership the results would not have turned out as they did!
Only then, because of Reno's total loss of command, did the situation with the skirmish line become critical.
