"GA Custer" Topic

George Armstrong C. has received conflicting judgements from History & (currently reading a book on him)I am curious to how the readership sees him.

So, let's poll:

How do you regard Custer:

1. Impetuous glory-seeker
2. Not great but a good general
3. Superior general with one bad day.

I would imagine this to encompass his entire career from boy-general in the ACW to Little Big Horn.

number 1.

1&2 from what I read and learned from the History channel (hahaha)

4 believed own press agent.

I'd actually go with all of the above. He showed real skill during the Civil War, but seemed to be a bit out of his element fighting Native Americans. He was also a victim of Army doctrine and previous experience, which indicated that the Plains Indian tribes would disperse when attacked. They didn't that time.

2.

2 and 4

1&2

1
But it compliments him a lot.

x42

I would rate him as a cavalier,, somewhat like Jeb Stuart. In terms of Union Commanders, given that many were individuals seeking position rather than concerned with fighting the enemy, Custer fell into a group that was interested in fighting and winning a war. Was he brash, yes. But then we also glorify the Southern Generals that were the same way.

One must also remember that much of what was said about the Little Big Horn was years after the event when Reno and Benten where on the ropes so to speak. I believe there was a lot tension between Custer and his two sub commanders. I often wonder how the issues of LBH would have played out in court had any of Custer's family members had lived who were also in command at LBH.

Also, in terms of Indian fighting, Custer didn't fall for the routines that did in Fetterman. And, LBH was a bit of a different situation that any Indian battle up to that time.

At the Washita years before LBH he attacked an enormous winter camp biting off much more than he could handle. He killed a large pony herd and any Indians handy for killing but when the warriors from the other camps along the Washita came swarming at him he pulled out leaving behind Major Joel Elliot and 30 men who were surrounded and slaughtered.

Shortly after this epic feat of arms he gets word Libby, his wife, is sick and leaves his command with a small escort and nearly kills them riding hell for leather to be at Libby's side. This little episode saw him relieved of command. President Grant had no use for the man and wanted him cashiered. Other people claimed Custer was a great Indian fighter based on God only knows what proof.

Since his sister married into the family and a couple great great uncles served in his Michigan brigade of cavalry I will give him the benefit of the doubt. After all was he any different then any modern presidential hopeful. At least he was shot at, which is better then any of the current losers we have running. I usually vote for ex military and prefer those that were wounded or shot at, so I would have voted for him.

3

"Nervy" and competent with citizen-soldiers who could appreciate, respect and FOLLOW discipline and orders from a young, flamboyant "rogue" commander.

Not so much so with "professional" soldiers who may have enlisted for the paycheck and NOT the "cause".

What "worked" in one situation and time wasn't quite the same for the older, boy-hero a decade after his triumphs.

After all the success/failure of an action ALSO relies on the motivation and morale of the participants.

Perhaps it wasn't so much that GAC "lost" at "Greasy Grass" as much as the "Indian" Nation(s) gathered there "won".

Yes, 1and 2

One thing to keep in mind when dealing with Custer and the Indian wars, is what was happening in Washington DC at this time in history, especially when it came to Indian policy.

Also, how much of the LBH failure was due to the other commands involved in that campaign? A lot of our reflection on history is dependent upon those who write about then and what is happening in their lives at the time. Are we getting a clear picture of what happened or an apologetic defense for someone else.

1 and extremely lucky up until the LBH, when it finally ran out.

If you ever get a chance, look up the old Hallmark special called the court martial of George Armstrong Custer.

1,2,3 All were parts of Custer at times in his life…I grew up believing him a hero to find years later quite a bit of tarnish…
As was said above "at least he wasn't an armchair general…"

He truely believed in what he did, and seemed to go at 100% but that can be both good and bad. One day at LBH it was very bad.

As stated above many armchair generals have lionized others with similar talents who had good fortune to die before they fell out of favor.

edit: "good fortune" from a historical viewpoint and legacy, not good fortune to die.

3

3, but with some 1 as well.