ABSTRACT
Like Reno, Benteen uses his official report to head off potential criticism. In it he describes his frustrating reconnaissance of the bluffs to the south in such sterile language as to convey what, in his mind, was its obvious futility. He also defends himself against charges that he had failed to comply with orders contained in the note delivered by Trumpeter Martin by observing that the trumpeter had told him the Indians had “skedaddled.” He further defends his decision to remain with Reno’s command rather than fetch the pack train (and, by implication, continue on with it to Custer’s position as ordered) by asserting that the significant action was taking place at Reno’s position.
