Over the years, I've dug deep into Custer which involved the Civil War years and the Indian Plains War. He is a much more complex individual then I originally thought. I still don't get his behavior at West Point but while researching others and their demerits, I like to sum it up as "boys will be boys". I've spent less time on Pickett, mainly concentrating on Gettysburg, the open field and his actions. When looking at both Custer and Pickett, I see glory because that is what I believe they both sought. Glory from the field. Controversary plagued each one during and after the war. But I think the way each man met his problems totally separated the two from any similar traits. Pickett became angry, traveled to Canada and held resentment against Lee and others. I'm not judging Pickett for his feelings, I think the man deserved to be recognized, and respected by his superiors. Pickett definitely changed after Gettysburg, but I think the Confederacy as a whole changed after Gettysburg. Custer, on the other hand, thrived on the controversary stage and as the years went on, it seems that his personal battles encouraged him to demand even more respect and attention. He placed himself on a high ladder on shaky ground. The goal, however, at least for Custer never changed and if his final summer has taught me anything about the man, it's taught me just how important that goal was for him personally. It meant the respect he desired without the questions, and it meant the future when his days would be spent off the field. The summer of 1876 caused Custer to reach harder for this goal than ever before. If the roles of both men were reversed, I don't think Pickett's charge would have happened in the way that it did. But, even if it did, I don't see Custer ever giving up on his reputation and I can't see Custer becoming an insurance agent after the war. Custer and Pickett, similarities? I define them both as legends, immortals who were deeply loved by their wives and are still seeking their Glory on the field.
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