Do you think Custer was seeking glory at Little Bighorn? And would he have turned down a presidential nomination if offered?

Charles Avra

Via the Internet

Custer was undoubtedly looking for glory. He had become an outstanding cavalry officer because he possessed an abundance of dash and élan.

Engaging in combat was how an officer advanced his career in the years following the Civil War. A soldier could expect one battle in a five-year enlistment. Since he was trained to fight, a good officer would never run away from one. Custer pulled all kinds of strings to get himself reinstated so he could lead
the Seventh Cavalry against the Sioux and Cheyenne in 1876.

As far as the Democratic presidential nomination goes, it’s been argued both ways whether he was going to be offered the nomination or not. Custer never talked about it. I believe it was pure speculation.

Marshall Trimble is Arizona’s official historian. His books include The Arizona Trilogy and Law of the Gun.

If you have a question, write:

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PO Box 8008, Cave Creek, AZ 85327

or e-mail him at marshall.trimble@sccmail.maricopa.edu