Battle Of Big Horn Analysis

Two Sides to a Story Everyday history is being made, certain things more significant than others. In today’s day and age we are able to capture proof through photo, video, and etc. What about history made in times before all that? Word of mouth, all proof was based on a person’s story that was continually passed down until it was time to be inputted into a text book. Of course with this method, a lot can be left out or even added to the original story. Sometimes so much that it begins to turn into something completely different. Essentially, history was passed down like the childhood game “telephone.” The flaws become evident when talking about the Battle of Big Horn, one of the largest military defeats in U.S. history. Much controversy surrounds
One of the most accurate sources about the Battle of Little Big Horn came from a letter written by Lieutenant Frederick Benteen known as Lieutenant Frederick Benteen Depicts the Battle of Little Bighorn,1876, soon after the battle occurred. Benteen in this case is a primary source, he was a live action witness that documented the outcome of the battle through a letter to his wife. His explanation was direct and was written days after the battle, making it impossible for opinions of the battle to be formulated. He begins the letter by explaining the various treks they are making in hopes of discovering Indian lands. They endure hardship for days at a time until they come close to one of the other divided regiments. At this point Benteen receives a message from a leader of another one of the regiments named Cooke, he said, “Benteen. Come on. Big village. Be quick, bring packs.” Here in this instance Benteen is displaying the hostility of the situation, he even hints it even more by saying that Cooke ended the last sentence with “pacs” instead of “packs”. Meaning he was killed before he could not even finish writing the last word of his message. After receiving word of this conflict, each regiment of the cavalry continue movement among the hills in hopes of finding the valley. The Trek continued until the valley was found and Custer and his 5 co’s crossed the ford with intentions of attacking the village from the rear, there he was able to see the immense population of Indians they were up against. At this point there was still another 4 miles left until they reached the ford. Upon arriving, the Indians were waiting on the other side. It is unknown whether all of the Co’s were able to enter the village, or if they were ran out immediately. As some regiments were able to make it out alive, Custer forcefully entered with his regiment again the next day. His over confidence and