Custer's 7th: Thomas Weir, HIS DEATH. The Man Who Tried to Save Custer III

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Mysteries continue to swirl around the death of Captain Thomas B. Weir, the one officer who publically clashed with both Major Marcus Reno and Captain Frederick Benteen about their handling of the Custer fight.
We'll review little-seen images, letters, newspaper articles, as well as touch upon the mysterious Weir "affidavit" newspapers claimed would "startle the counrty."
**Please note the second to last image-- it is a very rare mourning card (you'll notice it is lined in black) signed by Captain Weir-- one of about two dozen sent to the Dr. & Mrs. A.H. Cooke as an expression of grief over the loss of their oldest son, Lieutenant William Winer Cooke. It is part of the collection of artist, writer, and Little Bighorn scholar George Kush. The mourning card rests on a Holte sketch of the LBH valley that has Weir Point in the upper right. The image is used with kind permission by George Kush. As is the earlier framed and matted image of Captain Weir with his signature in the matting below.**
Don't forget to watch episodes I & II!
Thanks to Little Bighorn historians and researchers George Kush, Geoff Lackey, Nathan Simons, and the ever-knowledgeable Dale Kosman for their anecdotes, photos, maps, and countless suggestions in putting this Weir series together!
(PS-- Weir's friend at the end is HENRY UTLEY, not Robert Utley-- Robert Utley is the famous Western Historian who wrote quite a few excellent books about the Little Bighorn and probably said a nice thing or two about Weir too ;) )
Recommended Reading:
The Custer Myth, Colonel Graham
Vanishing Victory: Custer’s Final March, Bruce Liddic
Custer and the Little Bighorn: The Last Battle of the American West, James Donovan
Little Big Horn Diary, James Willert
March of the Columns, James Willert
The Picture Report of the Custer Fight, William Reusswig
Dr. Charles Merkel's dissertation (you can download online), Custer's Forgotten Lieutenant: Thomas B. Weir
Custer Come At Once! The Fort Hays Years of George and Elizabeth Custer, Father Blaine Burkey
For more on Weir (and the Little Bighorn in general) I recommend anything about Custer's Last Stand by Donovan, Leckie, Stiles, Frost, Utley, Graham, Carroll, Liddic, etc.
And Elizabeth Custer's memoirs are fantastic!
...
To connect with other folks who love the Little Bighorn battlefield and story, please take a look at these awesome groups:
Little Bighorn Associates www.thelbha.com/ www.thelbha.com
Custer Battlefield Historical & Museum Association custerbattlefield.org
Custer Association of Great Britain www.english-westerners-society.org.uk
***
*PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, & STAY TUNED FOR NEW EPISODES!*
I love hearing suggestions of what you’d like to see next! For more about my current work-in-progress or my published books (The Confusion of Languages and You Know When the Men Are Gone, both with Putnam/Penguin), please see my author website: www.siobhanfallon.com
Or follow me on Instagram and Facebook:
siobhanfallonwriter

Опубликовано:

7 янв 2024

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Комментарии : 172

@stevengamble2956 6 месяцев назад

Hello, I am watching part three of 'Captain Weir' on a cold January evening in Nottingham England. What a brilliant trilogy from LBH. You truely capture the feeling of the times Siobhan. You portray the in fighting amongst the Officers of the 7th in such great detail and bring the personalities back to life. French and Weir both suffered greatly, directly after the battle, and both had sad endings. Thank you for your stories from LBH, and hope there will be more.

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

And thank you so much for watching!! Stay warm and cozy 🙏

@dustinneely 6 месяцев назад

Great stuff. Some of the men in the 7th were good men; some of them were bad men. However, they were all men! The "Custer's Last Fight" lithograph was one of the most successful advertising campaigns in history. Anheuser Busch switching from General Custer and the 7th to Dylan Mulvaney says much about the decline of Western civilization. I would love to own a copy of that lithograph. It is really cool.

@Jay_Hall 6 месяцев назад

Masterful production, loaded with information and presented like no one else can surpass. Poor Weir for sure was suffering from a severe case of PTSD and mixed with alcohol can be deadly, as is the case here. The work you are doing on these topics moved me greatly, often bringing tears to my very eyes, you take me there..............................

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Jay!! You made my night! So happy Weir's story resonates with you. He deserves to be known 🙏 I so appreciate your kind words.

@keithagn 6 месяцев назад

I daresay, Survivors Guilt, as well. I'm sure for many others also. Regards.

@thanemathis5914 6 месяцев назад

Some life events are so stressful, that they can actually shorten one's life. What a terrible position Weir was in, during and after the battle. Thank you for your research and presentation. Those of us who have a strong connection with the battle are always grateful.

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Thank you, Thane. I always look forward to hearing from you 🙏 I think Weir is the key to so much, and there is still more to learn about his role.

@Spruce_Bingsteen 6 месяцев назад

I've spent the last few hours continuously watching many, many, many of your videos concerning this part of history (of which we never learn the entire truths/falsehoods in school). Your narration is attentively ultra-superb! Absolutely fascinating and intriguing information, details, photos. sketches, maps, etc.! ... I enjoyed watching, discovering and learning about so much surrounding the legendary and mythical Custer/Little Bighorn-related stories, and all of the people who were either directly and/or indirectly, or peripherally, linked in varying degrees. Thank you so much Siobhan for what you do! Much appreciation, Spruce ❤

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Thank you, Spruce! What a lovely message to receive! That's exactly what draws me to this subject -- the sifting of the real lives and day to day fall-out vs. the larger strokes and lack of nuance we too often find in easy recaps. I so appreciate you taking the time to comment 🙏🙏🙏

@cash14587 6 месяцев назад

Excellent video. I have studied Custer and the battle for years. You really put it together in an understandable time line. Thank you

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

So good of you to say that! Thank you. I will keep trying to improve, and I will keep telling their stories 🙏🙏🙏

@webbsamples 6 месяцев назад

This is an excellent and clear telling of these events. Much respect for your unique approach.

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Oh thank you! Great to hear from you and to know you are still watching!

@striperking6083 5 месяцев назад

@@SiobhanFallon7 have you ever considered writing the Custer fight from the time John Martin left the command with a note for Benteen ? I know a lot would be speculation and some guess work , but it would be interesting to to get your expert opinion .

@SiobhanFallon7 5 месяцев назад

@striperking6083 I have not! I'll see if I can dig up a trustworthy timeline and will share with you if I find it! Thank you 🙏

@striperking6083 5 месяцев назад

@@SiobhanFallon7 I read Custer’s last campaign by John S Gray . It gives times and places but it seems to me it couldn’t have been over that quick ( approx 1 hour ) . I’ve been to the battlefield a few times . To maneuver around the distances and terrain would seem to take almost an hour itself

@walterbrown9651 6 месяцев назад

Another great installment,love your Weir series!

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Thank you!!!! I do have a special fondness for Tom Weir and his tragic end.

@neilpk70 6 месяцев назад

Another character from this historic episode who I wish I could meet in person. Thank you so much for these videos, Siobhan!

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Me too! Oh the things Weir could tell us!! Thank you so much 🙏

@talkietoaster4626 6 месяцев назад

Thank you as always for these videos! Your research and presentation never fails to pull me right in. I hope you keep up your passion making these because there are so many more people I would love to hear about.

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

There are so many I plan to research!! The list is too long 🤣🤦🏼‍♀️

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Thank you for the kind words!!

@tonyp7776 6 месяцев назад

You’re an amazing story teller!! As an amateur historian who loves the stories of the frontier and the Wild West, I find myself drawn into the story. Amazing job doing the research and gathering facts. Then telling the stories based on facts and truth. Love it!! Keep up the good work!

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Wow, such a great first message to read as I open my phone this morning!! Thank you, Tony 🙏 Please stay tuned for more!

@tonyp7776 6 месяцев назад

@@SiobhanFallon7 You’re welcome.. looking forward to more. The Nez Pierce “War” is also very interesting too.

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

@tonyp7776 yes it is!! That might have to wait for me to get thru the Sioux/ Cheyenne / Little Bighorn war first though... 🙃

@anulfadventures 6 месяцев назад

I've read a book on the Northern Boundary Commission of 1873-74. Major Reno was the officer commanding the cavalry assigned as protection to the American surveyors of the 49th parallel, the Medicine Line. Actually Capt. Keogh was also with that detachment. Major Reno didn't get along with anybody. He was in constant conflict with Capt. Elliott Coues the naturalist of the Commission and Asst. Surgeon. Then Reno went AWOL when his wife was ill and was nearly court-martialed(or maybe he was). They refused to give him leave when she did later die. Whether he was given this assignment rather than accompanying the rest of the 7th on their Black Hills campaign because of his natural ability to not get along is open to debate in my mind. He was the wrong man at the Little Bighorn in any case.

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Yes!! I have a bio on Reno that briefly touches on the N boundary, but looks like I should read the book you mentioned! Great info, thank you!

@russ8261 6 месяцев назад

A great way to spend my Monday morning.... coffee and Siobhan. Until now, all I knew about Captain Weir was, "Sir! Permission to go to the sound of the firing!" --- from the SOTMS movie. Thank you much! 🌹🌹🌹

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Ha! Yes! He ought to have had a bigger role in that film!!

@nthenwhat8912 Месяц назад

Good telling of a classic "fog of war" & "in the heat of battle" scenario. Your clips add great perspective to my trips to the battlefield, thanks

@SiobhanFallon7 Месяц назад

Thank you! The maps from Geoff Lackey really helped me visualize things in that wide expanse.

@barbaraanneneale3674 6 месяцев назад

Once again you do not disappoint. You illustrate perfectly The fact that the little big horn battle continues to fascinate because of the characters involved not so much the military action. Most writers could not invent This cast of characters. I'd love to know what Weir said to benteen That provoked him so much. Reno I think was unhinged by having bloody knife's head blown up. It was only after this incident That Reno started acting kind of strangely. I recognize that it is the Duty of an officer to remain cool under fire. However he was a human being and we all have our limits. This is why I think that the other soldiers were leery of trusting him on Reno Hill. A commentator on another LBH stream Feela That had Reno and bentine gone to Custer's aid We get entire seventh would have been wiped out. I do not subscribe to this opinion. Again, very well done as usual.

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Thank you, Barbara! I have missed you! Truth is stranger than fiction, as they say. 🙏

@barbaraanneneale3674 6 месяцев назад

@@SiobhanFallon7 Oh you know the holidays. And yes truth is stranger than fiction but not usually this much stranger.

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

@barbaraanneneale3674 yes!! And you are so right about them being human beings at the end of the day. I try to remind myself of that all the time.

@maxdavid84 5 месяцев назад

Reno was actinn g strangely from the get go. A lot of people think he was drunk, but I suspect PTSD from the Civil War. From the beginning he was indecisive, halting and forming the skirmish line. At that point he loses control of the battalion which moved into the timber on its own, not on Reno's orders. Once in the timber, it doesn't seem like Reno did anything to organize a defense, then he comes completely unglued and causes the death of a third of his command.

@barbaraanneneale3674 5 месяцев назад

@@maxdavid84 That is a really compelling argument. But I still think he was heavily influenced by the Death of bloody knife and having brains spattered all over his head. If he was subject to PTSD wish I do not deny, This football this would have only made his actions worse. I don't make him out to be A saint, But I do think but he has been victimized unfairly unfairly for being human. Nevertheless I truly respect your argument And think it has great fluidity. I will certainly think about it. I find your argument fairly convincing.

@mikehunt-fx7sf 6 месяцев назад

For many years I have thought of Weir to be a good man. Damn him for dying before talking to Libby. We would have so much more to imagine and talk about if he had! But I often think it's a good thing that we will never know exactly what happened that day because that is what keeps the legend alive.

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

The legend is alive!! I think he was a good man, too. He is my favorite Seventh cavalry officer. Such internal conflict.

@markmitchell4967 5 месяцев назад

Just finished this series. As usual, you knocked it out of the park. Thomas Weir was a tragic personality hounded by his personal demons, and a close look at him is long overdue. Keep them coming!

@SiobhanFallon7 5 месяцев назад

Thank you, Mark! I have been fascinated with Weir from the moment I first read about the Little Bighorn fight and his lonely trip to Weir Point. I thought it would be too daunting to try to tackle his life but I loved every minute of it.

@MrClean3381 6 месяцев назад

Would have loved Weir to live longer I find it so frustrating that he died so soon after the battle, R.I.P to him obvs but he'd have been like the main person to interview in the years to come imagine what he would have said

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

I know!! Heartbreaking. I dream that we find more of his letters someday 🙏🙏🙏

@josephstabile9154 29 дней назад

Thanks so much, Siobhan! By pulling together, these accounts, and properly interweaving them in the timeline of events, you have clarified and advanced our understanding of the attitudes, thoughts & dispositions of the participants. This really does have the effect advancing our understanding of the LBH story, as if the true thoughts of of those involved are now in clear (or at least, in more clear) focus. In my opinion, your digital/audio series' contribution to understanding these events is every bit as valuable as those seminal works by Graham, deCamp, etc. Indeed, in many instances, you've advanced the narrative with your inclusion of unpublished, seldom published accounts. Kudos!

@SiobhanFallon7 28 дней назад

You are outstanding! My goodness, Joseph! Such praise! I am blushing and very grateful. I hope I am actually contributing in some small way like you say. I couldn't wish for anything more than that 🙏

@cobraferrariwars 4 месяца назад

Thank you for this excellent series. Thank you for your research and straightforwardness.

@SiobhanFallon7 4 месяца назад

Oh thank you! So glad you watched it all! I am especially proud of this Weir series. I feel like historians don't focus on him enough. Please let me know if there are other videos of mine that resonated with you. I'm hoping to put up a new one about Reno's many court martials tonight or tomorrow so stay tuned!!

@bougeac 6 месяцев назад

Top notch as usual Siobhan!

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Thank you!!!

@veloadventureswithdavid8329 5 месяцев назад

Hi, new subscriber here I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the work you are doing putting all of these fascinating bits of information together for us to enjoy. I am a former Marine and retired Deputy Sheriff and have been fascinated by the Little Big Horn saga all of my life and your stories have opened up a whole new angle for me Thank you and keep up the great work!!!

@SiobhanFallon7 5 месяцев назад

I needed a message like that. Thank you so very much! I love these stories myself. So good of you to tell me they resonate with you as well. Hope to hear from you again 🙏

@christopherwilson2785 6 месяцев назад

Wow, thank you for the entire series! I've been fortunate enough to visit the battle site and have been absolutely enthralled ever since... just consuming every grain of information and history i can find really. I've just stumble onto your series here today, and in the few videos I've watched, you've really REALLY put a wonderful emphasis on the humanity of the event. So much more than names and maneuvers. I thank you for this! And I'm heading back to binge watch the rest now!

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Yay!! Best comment ever!! Thank Christopher! I hope the others resonate as well. Please tell me what you think 🙏 so glad you found me!

@jjbailey3972 6 месяцев назад

Well done! Keep up the good work!

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

You are wonderful! Thank you! 🎉🙏

@EvelynFallon-sb6vs 6 месяцев назад

Wow! I love your videos and the way you make them! You have educated me on Thomas Weir! I

@user-tp6ik5gf3w 4 месяца назад

You are talented storyteller! Amazing!

@SiobhanFallon7 4 месяца назад

You are so wonderful!! You made my day, thank you! I should have a new one up in time for Saint Patrick's Day-- Captain Keogh!! ☘️

@brucebutler2746 6 месяцев назад

The size of the warrior force requires any argument that the remnants of Reno’s battalion, Benteen’s battalion and the pack train security company could have relieved Custer be premised upon the assumption that the relief column could successfully melee with the warrior force. However, melee, as a cavalry tactic, had been abandoned by the Army after the Civil War. The 7th left their sabers behind for this very reason. The tactic available to the cavalry was based upon the superior range of the single shot Springfield carbine. The cavalry would dismount and hold the enemy at bay with its superior range. To a large extent, Custer’s demise on Last Stand Hill may be attributed to the terrain providing defilade cover to warriors within the range of both cavalry and native weapons. Though positioned on defensible terrain, Calhoun Hill fell because Capt. Keogh did not employ two-thirds of his battalion to its defense. Weir, Benteen, and Reno were faced with a forlorn hope to relieve Custer as they stood on their observation point, and they knew it. They wisely retreated to a defensible position which would afford the cavalry fields of fire required to out-range the warriors successfully. Reno’s decision to assume the defense was fully justified, and was ultimately reaffirmed by the Army. The catastrophe at the Little Bighorn was solely the result of the commander’s improvident decision to deviate from General Terry’s plan for a two-prong conversion. Instead, Custer ordered the 7th Cavalry to embark upon an impulsive attack, two days ahead of schedule, on tired horses, and with sleep deprived men. In short, he violated seven on the nine principles of war: he chose the most complicated of military maneuvers without reconnaissance, without a defined objective, without a complete detailed and coherent plan; he provided no coordinating instructions to achieve mass through mutual support, nor security through supplemental mission s for his reserve. Fully a third of the command was left out of the fight. At best Custer's action may be viewed as a reconnaissance in force, which undermined his commander's plan without military necessity. Custer may have been given the liberty to deviate if necessary, but not to be reckless. Arguments contrary to attributing all fault to Custer’s failure in command originate with efforts of Libby Custer and Frederick Whittaker to manufacture and preserve an undeserved reputation for their fallen hero. The false narrative was aided by those in the Army who were so disappointed they could not save Custer that they unjustifiably blamed Reno. Capt. Weir seems to have been one of those officers who could not cope with his disappointment.

@nowthenzen 6 месяцев назад

Very well put.

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Some good points there. But it's not true that Libbie Custer or Frederick Whittaker were the first to criticize Reno and Weir-- as I mention in multiple videos and often quote from eyewitness testimony, plenty of other people pointed out the errors made by Custer's subordinates, including members of the 7th CAV who were actually at the fight. The best counter argument would be General Edward S. Godfrey's writing and published materials. He was a cav officer trained at West Point like Custer, and was at the Washita and LBH and thus familiar with Custer's Indian fighting tactics. As a contemporary source and witness, his view is intrinsic to understanding the 7th cav mindset at the time vs modern military tactics. And you'll remember that Terry got lost and was a day late to the battlefield. Also his official orders in absolutely no way mention a combined fight or pincher movement with Custer. Thanks so much for commenting!

@keithagn 6 месяцев назад

I have often thought that, simply put, Weir, Reno, and Benteen realized they were all outnumbered, and had opened a hornets nest. The best they could do was find the nearest defensive position, and fight for their lives. I wouldn't want to be in their boots. Regards from Canada 🇨🇦

@brucebutler2746 6 месяцев назад

From Gen Terry's order: "it is hoped that the Indians, if upon the Little Horn, may be so nearly inclosed (sic) by the two columns that their escape will be impossible. A pincer by another name?@@SiobhanFallon7

@brucebutler2746 6 месяцев назад

@@SiobhanFallon7 Quote from Terry's order: "... it is hoped that the Indians, if upon the Little Horn, may be so nearly inclosed (sic) by the two columns that their escape will be impossible. A pincer by another name?

@henrybuckley2853 5 месяцев назад

How captivating! I have so many questions: foul play? jealousy? or was it just politics as usual? Whatever the reason for Captain Weir's death, you always have a great way of framing a creative narrative. It would be nothing short of courageous for the likes of Samuel Clemens to grace the same stage as you, Siobhan.

@SiobhanFallon7 5 месяцев назад

Henry!! Thank you!! You are wonderful 🙏📚🙏

@Avalanchelodge 5 месяцев назад

Another masterful presentation, Siobhan! You bring so many sources together to weave a tale that always keeps me spellbound. Your attention to the details of the whole campaign and the personalities of those involved really brings history to life!

@SiobhanFallon7 5 месяцев назад

I really needed a comment like this today. Thank you so much. The Weir ones are especially a labor of love. I think he's a key to understanding the battle. And he seems like a genuine good guy who history should remember. Thank you again 🙏

@jannarkiewicz633 3 месяца назад

Great passion for the subject matter.

@SiobhanFallon7 3 месяца назад

Thank you!! Weir has a special place in my heart and his story helped draw me into this study.

@jameslee9315 4 месяца назад

Pure quality. 👍👌🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

@SiobhanFallon7 4 месяца назад

Thank you. This one about Weir is a personal favorite of mine 💕

@kcevans4321 6 месяцев назад

This is brilliant! I love the anecdotes and tie-ins to previous videos. Well researched and well presented with great supporting photos. Please keep it up!

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Thank you!! 💕

@Sean-fb7cy 2 месяца назад

Thank you Siobhan very interesting video ❤

@SiobhanFallon7 2 месяца назад

Much appreciated, Sean!

@Dorian-wf1iv 5 месяцев назад

Thank you for this beautiful video ❤❤❤❤❤❤

@SiobhanFallon7 5 месяцев назад

So glad you were able to watch all 3! Thanks for commenting 🙏💕

@johnashton485 6 месяцев назад

Another excellent presentation !

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Thank you! So much more I wish I had squeezed in, but, as you know, there will always be another...

@OttoMattak 5 месяцев назад

The men and women involved in this action, on both sides, are absolutely fascinating to me. It is both cold hard fact, and an elaborate, tragic drama.

@SiobhanFallon7 5 месяцев назад

Yes! "Elaborate, tragic drama" is the perfect description!!

@gator83261 6 месяцев назад

Very good video (again!)

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

You rock! Thank you!!

@thomastucker1882 4 месяца назад

You do a nice job of explaining the many reasons why history will never know exactly what (and how) happened at the Little Bighorn. One reason is the site itself. I, too, have been at the site more than once, and I’m always impressed how great the distances are and how difficult it is to differentiate the various sites like Last Stand Hill, Calhouns Hill, and Weir Point from the vast and similar landscape. But from your photos it might have been possible for Weir and others to actually see fighting at Calhouns Hill or Last Stand Hill -IF- there was still fighting. My guess is that Calhouns group was already wiped out, and there may have been some mopping up at Last Stand Hill. I think it’s also generally accepted that Weir and others wisely turned back because of the horde of Indians now turning towards them. And I don't fault Reno for not charging into the village, which would have been suicide. Edgerly is probably wrong to fault Reno on that point and right to say if they had continued to ride forward they would also have been killed. You do a good job of explaining also how the testimony of participants was inconsistent and how the code of honor prevented any truth from coming to light at Reno’s hearing. And how Weir had to suppress his own strong feelings in the face of this code and Grant’s, Terry’s and Sherman’s strong comments placing the blame on Custer’s rashness. All in all, we’ll never know, but your summaries are well laid out. Thank you.

@SiobhanFallon7 4 месяца назад

Thank you, Thomas! You do a great job outlining the biggest issues. I am always astounded by the size of the Little Bighorn Battlefield myself, with no easy means of communication, and so much withheld from view by the hills and ridges and valleys. In the end, I think that the survivors had no choice but to tell themselves they did the best they could, or else they all might have ended up like Weir. And like you point out, we will never know the truth. Great to hear from you and thanks for the insightful and kind message!!

@Boomhower89 2 месяца назад

Excellent Job 🇺🇸👍

@SiobhanFallon7 2 месяца назад

Much appreciated! Lovely of you to comment on a bunch of my videos yesterday 🎉🙏

@TERMICOBRA 5 месяцев назад

PTSD from watching your friends get slaughtered, not being able to help them without getting killed yourself, and then having to bury their mutilated remains is what killed Thomas Weir. War robs you of spontaneous happy thoughts and forces you to live in the past surrounded by "what ifs". You no longer look forward to the future and all the desires a young man has gets extinguished by the most horrifying intrusive thoughts. There is little doubt that native american survivors also experienced PTSD induced hyper-vigilance as they were reborn into a warrior that constantly scanned the horizon for the enemy, listened to the winds for the sounds of horses, and always searched the ground for signs of a recent activity. This hyper-vigilance can become a terrible burden when a soldier returns to the civilian life and his mind is unable to perform those tasks that he was reborn to do. In the civilian life there is no enemy and your brothers are dead but the mind doesn't care and will grow manic looking for them.

@SiobhanFallon7 5 месяцев назад

That's an incredible assessment. I agree. Thank you for sharing.

@zingwilder9989 3 месяца назад

From the sound of this, Captain Weir regretted that he did not die on the battlefield with Custer and more than 200 others. That was the guilt that drove him to alcoholism and a shortened life. He was, obviously, emotionally different from Major Reno and Captain Benteen, both of whom didn't give the matter a second thought.

@SiobhanFallon7 3 месяца назад

I think he wished he had died there as well. It's almost like he did. And I think he would want to be buried there with his friends and soldiers, rather than alone in NY.

@zingwilder9989 3 месяца назад

@@SiobhanFallon7 You're absolutely right on both accounts! It's very sad that he died alone and the Army was the only family that he had. It even had to claim his body and see to the final arrangements.

@KevinCave-rj8eq 5 месяцев назад

I have never heard of where it was a great story though 👍🍀🍀🍀 I hope to hear more from you

@SiobhanFallon7 5 месяцев назад

You will! I am simultaneously working on Charley Reynolds (Custer's scout) as well as William Van Wyck Reilly (a young 2nd Lieutenant who joined the 7th just before the campaign, thanks to his ambitious mom).

@KevinCave-rj8eq 5 месяцев назад

You know just because the government tells you can't do something don't mean you can't do it 👍🖕🍀🍀🍀

@SiobhanFallon7 5 месяцев назад

@@KevinCave-rj8eq 🤣

@jimplummer4879 6 месяцев назад

PTSD has been in every war but unknown till modern times.

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Yes indeed 🙏

@31terikennedy 5 месяцев назад

So why did Custer by pass Reno and order Benteen to come quick? Why did Custer's brother and nephew leave an understaff pack train to join Custer and did so separately? Your videos are the best I have ever seen on the LBH. Well done.

@SiobhanFallon7 5 месяцев назад

I think Custer and his scouts saw Reno engaged on the skirmish line in the valley and separately could also roughly see the dust from Benteen's column enough to know he was back on the trail and not far in front of the pack train. Some historians think Custet's order and use of the words "packs" meant he only wanted the pack mules loaded with ammo to be cut from the pack train and hurried forward, much like Lt Hare will do at Reno Hill, and like Lt Bell did at the Battle of the Washita with a wagon of ammo that may have saved that day for the cav. I'm not entirely certain myself.

@SiobhanFallon7 5 месяцев назад

Also your mention of Boston Custer is very keen. Obviously, as he was found with Custer, and had passed Benteen and spoken briefly with officers in Benteen's column, so Boston would have relayed to his brother the distance between Benteen and the pack train. And he also would have relayed to Custer the distance of Benteen to Custer. And that Benteen had seemed to be on his way to a juncture.

@31terikennedy 5 месяцев назад

Custer witness Reno's route from Reno's premature attack which he disobeyed orders to do. Remember Custer was forced to attack immediately for fear he had lost he crucial element of surprise over the lost Army bread box. Having Reno attacking alone and sending Benteen on a scout took away Custer's crucial element of surprise again which absolutely makes no sense. This should raise a huge red flag. Custer sent the order to Benteen because he couldn't trust Reno. Why would Benteen keep the written order when it showed he disobeyed his orders and even looks like he tampered with the written order by writing in (big village). They already knew it was a big village. The order was sent Benteen to warn him that Custer was about to stage a feint to relieve the pressure by causing the Indians to go him This was Benteen's opportunity to attack the Indians from behind as they were changing direction. Bring packs because Custer would be dangerously low on ammo and needed to resupplied asap. @@SiobhanFallon7

@SiobhanFallon7 5 месяцев назад

@@31terikennedy interesting, Teri!!

@31terikennedy 5 месяцев назад

The only thing I've read about Boston at the LBH was he crossed paths with Martini. You have revealed a lot of information I never heard before and I try to read everything I can get my hands about Custer and all of it is a rehash of the same old nonsense. You are finally looking into about what really happened. You show a drawing of Benteen wearing a blue tunic (as in sailor's blouse) and a red tie that would identify him as a Custer trooper. You also told the story of Custer, Weir and Benteen playing an all night poker game. How could you possibly know that? A Benteen letter? Enjoy your videos.@@SiobhanFallon7

@gregzeigler3850 6 месяцев назад

Weir died a broken man. Military tradition was thrown to the winds that day, when Reno refused to go to the sounds of gun fire and Weir was in no position to take that burden off his heart, because of Military protocol(no whistle blowers). Even those he entrusted with true knowledge of that day, let the man down after his death.

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

I agree. He seems to have died from torn loyalties-- trying to defend the 7th Cavalry he loved, as well as his fallen friends. Thanks so much for watching!!

@tbenedict6335 6 месяцев назад

Ah man I'm doing Dr appts today I will watch this evening.

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Ha ha good luck to you!!!

@jimmelino3361 4 месяца назад

Well informed and communicated series - thank you!! How far is Weir Point actually to Last Stand Hill? Can you actually see Last Stand Hill from Weir Point?

@SiobhanFallon7 4 месяца назад

Oh you can certainly see Last Stand Hill from Weir Point with the naked eye. I have walked it many times. I think it's about 2.5 miles away. But both are on peaks so it's hard to miss either one from each vantage point. If Captain Benteen indeed stood on Weir Point and looked at LSH, putting his guidon into the earth to show Custer he was there as he claimed at the Reno Courtof Inquiry, he could see an engagement of some kind, whether it was smoke and dust from the fighting, or actual movements of participants. Weir arrived at least 30 minutes before Benteen so he would have spotted more going on at that point. And he may have even ventured even closer to LSH.

@jimmelino3361 4 месяца назад

@@SiobhanFallon7 Thanks - and one of the videos in your trilogy shows the view. In the final analysis, it’s clear that Reno/Benteen intentionally and in violation of a written order from Custer to move 2/3 of the 7th Calvary toward LSH to support Custer. I don’t see any justification for not doing so except maybe that by the time they reached Weir Point that observed that Custer had been routed - i.e., they had missed any opportunity to support Custer because Custer had already been entirely defeated. Any other justification for ‘Reno’s second retreat’ back to Reno/Benteen Hill amounts to cowardice and insubordination. The Court of Inquiry’s findings seem out of convenience - i.e., to preserve the Army’s reputation at Custer’s expense (somewhat of a white wash). This is a fascinating topic - until now, I’ve consistently heard that Reno was very far away and without knowledge of Custer’s fatal predicament.

@SiobhanFallon7 4 месяца назад

@jimmelino3361 that's a great assessment, Jim. And I agree with you.

@SiobhanFallon7 4 месяца назад

@jimmelino3361 I'm working on another Reno video that examines his other court martials outside of the court of Inquiry and how they al fit together. Please stay tuned and let me know what you think! 🙏

@jimmelino3361 4 месяца назад

@@SiobhanFallon7 There’s a typo / missing word in my summary: “… failed to moved 2/3 of the 7th Calvary toward LSH to support Custer.” Look forward to your analysis of the Reno court marshals!!

@iangrimwood3345 6 месяцев назад

Thank you so much for your videos. I'm in England and have been so interested in the battle since I was a child. I only discovered your channel a few days ago and I’m now caught up. I apologise if I've missed it but could you please do one on Tom Custer, would like to know more about him. Thank you

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Thank you so much!! That is so lovely to hear 🙏 Most of my videos are about the LBH and the 7th CAV but I do have a couple that deal with other conflicts, like one on the German Sisters captured by the Cheyenne, and one of the March 1876 Powder River fight, etc, that you might like too. You are not the first to request Tom Custer!!! I need to research him soon!! Great suggestion. I think I will work on scout Charley Reynolds next, but Tom Custer won't be far behind. Much appreciated, Ian! 🎉

@iangrimwood3345 6 месяцев назад

@@SiobhanFallon7 Thank you!

@frankperkin124 6 месяцев назад

Did you ever get a chance to read Evan Connell's Sun of the Morning Star? Alot of very interesting 7th Cavalry information.

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Oh yes!!! One of the first books I read about the Little Bighorn and it helped make me an addict 😉 It's wonderful!

@user-xb3hd2zt3s 5 месяцев назад

Good Stuff… thank you 🫡

@SiobhanFallon7 5 месяцев назад

Thank you!

@realbay2po 6 месяцев назад

Fantastic Siobhan! Flawed as he was, wow I like this guy.

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Me too. Such a tragic figure. He was trying so hard to do the right at every turn. So many competing loyalties.

@user-zv1to7rd2w 6 месяцев назад

We need to hear a lot more about this guy that produces these extraordinary maps. He is clearly a genius, or at least genius adjacent. And humble, in that way that only ruggedly handsome Southern men can be. On a different note, I think Weir is proof that major depression can, and does, kill. It is clear that he and D Co saw a great deal of the events in the Keogh and Custer sectors of the battlefield during their two hours on Weir Point, and were unable to do anything to help their brothers thanks to the determined refusal of Benteen and Reno to move in a timely fashion. He went from an active, aggressive cavalry officer on June 25th to a hollowed out shell of himself, unwilling to leave the house in his later days, dying a mere six months after the battle. It seems worth noting that Weir and French openly defied their commanding officers in front of the entire command when they moved north, and it appears this set off a revolt among the junior officers that forced Reno and Benteen to finally act, though quite half halfheartedly. Both officers were notoriously vindictive towards subordinates, yet spent the rest of their lives pretending that this defiance of orders during a battle was no big deal at all. One suspects that they were desperate that no examination of the events, or lack there of, on Reno Hill ever receive scrutiny, and played down Weir's actions, and pretended that French never did anything. One suspects that if French or Weir had lived a few more years, Reno never would have dared to request the Court of Inquiry (after the statute of limitations on all matters relating to LBH had expired). French was probably the most physically brave man on the 25th, but Weir put his entire career on the line by publicly defying orders. That no charges were ever brought against him indicates that Reno and Benteen both felt certain that any investigation would end with the court's outrage being aimed at them, and not Captain Weir. Yet historians continue to treat his actions as some temperamental fit of bravado, rather than laying his career and future on the line to do what he thought was right. He deserves better, and this three part series is a help.

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Thank you. And I absolutely agree with you. I have always thought that Weir was the key to figuring out this fight. And I still do. Let's hope a mutual friend of ours and the history he is writing will change how we all view the battle... That map guy is pretty darn smart too ;)

@drkoz76 5 месяцев назад

You did an especially nice job on this series, Siobhan. I can tell TBW is a favorite of yours. I wish we knew where his original burial site on Governor's Island was. I believe the huge majority of those disinterred from there and re-located in Cypress Hills a couple years later were Confederate POWs. Keep up the good work!

@SiobhanFallon7 5 месяцев назад

wait-- what? is there a mass grave of unnamed soldiers buried in Cypress Hills? Is it Weir in Weir's grave? Are you sending me down a new rabbit hole? Better get our hiking boots and get ready to tackle a new cemetery soon...

@drkoz76 5 месяцев назад

Not a mass grave, guys all seem to have individual headstones.

@SiobhanFallon7 5 месяцев назад

@drkoz76 great info, Dale. Thanks so much for sharing. Have you been there?

@drkoz76 5 месяцев назад

Nope

@SiobhanFallon7 5 месяцев назад

@@drkoz76 someday soon !

@tbenedict6335 6 месяцев назад

Chain of command has most likely buried more truths than we can imagine. I guess where custer failed to ride through the camp himself to meet reno was a double fail for both men not meeting that obligation if that was indeed the plan. To be a soldier under control of another that you dont trust is frustrating enough but to then having to cover up their dealings is more than most people could bare. Burying your friends is hard enough under the best of circumstances being forced to comply afterward due to chain of command would be brutal.

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Great points. After the battle, Major Reno was in command of the 7th and I remember someone mentioning how he had Custer's command tent, and his oriental rugs etc. How wrong that must have seemed to those who thought Reno had been a coward or had not done enough to save Custer. That Reno, who had tried to take command of the 7th in the spring of 1876 before the fight when Custer was in DC, now inherited everything upon Custer's death, deserving or not. Very very difficult to handle, you are right, if Reno was under any suspicion by his men.

@scaredy-cat 4 месяца назад

Always ride to the sound of the guns

@SiobhanFallon7 4 месяца назад

Absolutely

@keithdurose7057 6 месяцев назад

The battle of the Little Big Horn could almost be compared to the battle of Goose Green. During the Falklands war in 1982. There, Major Keeble, the battalios second in command, of 2 PARA, did perhaps what Major Weir should have done. Consolidated his force. Contemplated all information and options. Pressed home an attack against overwhelming odds. His real ace in that case was an appreciation of the Argentines mind set. Using this he really bluffed his way to victory. The First Nation warriors may not have been so easily persuaded.

@SiobhanFallon7 6 месяцев назад

Interesting connection! I have never heard of the Goose Green fight before. I will look it up. Thank you!