Indian Tactical Approach

[quincannon]

I am not one to give Custer many passes, but if Custer is on the edge of the bluffs when Reno is knee deep in doo doo, to the point where Custer would ever think of ordering him back to Ford A or beyond, then a messenger, because of the nature of the terrain, would probably get there in time to be the last casualty of the valley fight. The distance as the crow flies is probably a thousand meters or less, but the trail distance would be a couple of miles minimum.

I agree with Mac in this sense. IF, and that's a damned big if in my book, Custer could see what was happening, he would have a much better view of the totality of the battle, particularly those forces gathering against Reno that Reno had yet detected, but that would soon enter battle.  So, if that is the case the best tactical solution would be for both Reno and Custer to retrograde, and consolidate again a regiment that had so recently split apart. They weren't going to win a battle that day if such was the case, but there would also be three hundred or so less casualties.

There is also the tale of the Crows translated through I believe Curtis, that TR himself put the kabosh on, that went something like the Crows and Custer were watching these events play out in front of them, and the Crows encouraged Custer to go to Reno's assistance. Custer said no, let Reno fight his own battle (I paraphrased based on memory which is not always that good).

Couple of things come to mind.

1)Teddy had a pretty good nose for horse puckey, and while he did not mind stirring up crap, knew that this was a fight no one could win, at least in his time.

2) George Custer was not about to pull back from anywhere or anything at that stage of his political and career agenda. To paraphrase something said about a certain senator from Arizona - The powers that be like winners, not people who have to pull back after a half assed start.

[azranger]

According to Martin Reno was still engaged when he rode back to Reno Creek. Custer moved quickly to the bluffs and I beleive he may have been ahead of Reno. Pvt Thompson who was without a horse and could not see Custer past Reno Hill saw Reno coming up the valley before he stopped and dismounted.

Regards

AZ Ranger

[azranger]

I think the view of the north end of the village and the Cheyenne horses is block by WP from 3411 or SSR.

[quincannon]

I think Custer was ahead of Reno as well. That, I think, would be natural because Reno would probably be moving slower in anticipation of momentary contact, while I believe Custer moving through more open terrain, and not having to concern himself with the timbered area along the river, could afford to up speed and spend less effort on marching securely.

I suspect Custer could not see the Cheyenne camp at all from where he was reported to be at the time, but he certainly could have seen enough to realize that this was not going to be an easy day.

I believe if we look at the evidence realistically Custer would most probably be ahead of Reno, and that should become an article of faith