Posted by Frank Bodden on July 10, 2001 at 22:50:27:
In Reply to: Custer's Maneuvering and Skirmishing posted by Arthur J. Roffi on June 25, 2001 at 14:03:17:
I don't think Custer ever knew of Reno's defeat or the severity of it. I've always said Custer's biggest problem was his lack of information as to the size of the village. And if he had known of its true size, I still think he would've attacked, but would have modified his plan. If he'd have known of the size enough in advance, he wouldn't have sent Benteen on his useless scout to the left, and he would've realized the size of the village and he wouldn't have attacked what might have been the middle instead of the northern end of the village. Also, even had he known the true size, I feel he thought the Indians would fight in their usual manner: Form a rearguard defense so the women, elderly and children would get away, and then run themselves like they usually did. But he didn't have the advantage of knowing of their attack on Crook eight days earlier or the fact Crook wouldn't be coming up.