Post by Deleted on May 15, 2021 2:28:57 GMT
So we can list it as another one of Custer's many mistakes that day.
I suppose if there was enemy elements cutting off the route back, the commander would order the messenger to stay, but as I said ealier, he must have sent Martini back after McLlhargey and Mitchell both arrived, so the route was still deemed clear.
That said, I should think,but again done know if, Martini could have somehow explained to Benteen how far Custer was away, if he had seen Reno in the meantime, how to get to Custer, but there is little said about this in Benteen's reports or the RCOI. Benteen was of course, obligated to respond to the message, but at this point he was already moving to intercept the Regiment's trail and follow it. Again, Benteen was obligated to acknowledge the order if Martini (and Benteen himself) thought it was safe.
After linking up with Reno, I think Benteen instinctively understood that going to Custer was a very high risk enterprise (in a business where the whole thing is high risk) and by informing Reno of the order, responsibility for execution was transferred to him as well. At that point, Chuck is right. small groups of scouts four to six groups of twos or fours should have gone a short distance to try to determine the situation while the (now) Regiment (-) under Reno rallied, consolidated, and reorganized to prepare to attempt to unite with Custer or defend.