Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffinMNUSA
Falcon Jun;
Custer also underestimated Crazy Horse. The Lakota Chief had lured US Calvalry into vulnerable positions and ambushed them before-when he was a minor Chief during the Red Cloud War with the Fetterman party. By Little Bighorn Crazy Horse's warriors were all armed with firearms, he was in perfect ambush position, and he had an overconfident opponant, and he had learned much. I think that even if Custer had come with all his forces they too would have died-or at least been bloodily repulsed- on that "perfect shooting gallery" of a hillside rolling downwards towards the Little Bighorn River.
JeffinMNUSA
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I agree with you. If Custer had not divided his unit, he and his unit might have survived. Custer's casualties would've been terrible, though.
If I recall correctly what I've read, Custer was also running out of ammo. His last message to his supply train was "Bring packs," I think. Essentially, Custer's plan was send a small unit out for a hit and run, use this as a bait while his larger unit moved to a vantage point to attack the force that his bait lured. Once his trap is set, the unit that was bait would turn and complete the trap. Custer had a good idea, however, as you've said, Crazy Horse was a veteran and was ready for Custer.