DWMack65
Private
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2010
Custer, in my opinion, was a very capable commander. However, I think is arrogance was almost his undoing in the CW, and WAS his undoing at Little Big Horn. This passage from James Longstreet's Memoir:
"General Custer rode to Captain Sims to know his authority, and, upon finding that he was of my staff, asked to be conducted to my head-quarters, and down they came in fast gallop, General Custer's flaxen locks flowing over his shoulders, and in brusk, excited manner, he said,—
" In the name of General Sheridan I demand the unconditional surrender of this army."
He was reminded that I was not the commander of the army, that he was within the lines of the enemy without authority, addressing a superior officer, and in disrespect to General Grant as well as myself; that if I was the commander of the army I would not receive the message of General Sheridan.
He then became more moderate, saying it would be a pity to have more blood upon that field. Then I suggested that the truce be respected, and said,—
" As you are now more reasonable, I will say that General Lee has gone to meet General Grant, and it is for him to determine the future of the armies."
He was satisfied, and rode back to his command".
"General Custer rode to Captain Sims to know his authority, and, upon finding that he was of my staff, asked to be conducted to my head-quarters, and down they came in fast gallop, General Custer's flaxen locks flowing over his shoulders, and in brusk, excited manner, he said,—
" In the name of General Sheridan I demand the unconditional surrender of this army."
He was reminded that I was not the commander of the army, that he was within the lines of the enemy without authority, addressing a superior officer, and in disrespect to General Grant as well as myself; that if I was the commander of the army I would not receive the message of General Sheridan.
He then became more moderate, saying it would be a pity to have more blood upon that field. Then I suggested that the truce be respected, and said,—
" As you are now more reasonable, I will say that General Lee has gone to meet General Grant, and it is for him to determine the future of the armies."
He was satisfied, and rode back to his command".