Interesting profile on one of the biggest "glory-hunters" of the Federals. A colonel on Meade's staff during the Spotsylvania campaign wrote home and described Custer as, " . . . one of the funniest looking beings you ever saw . . . and looks like a circus rider gone mad! The gereral's coiffure, consisting in short, dry, flaxen ringlets."
He was even known to parade around wearing the uniform of any captured general. And after the signing of surrender at Appomattox, he rode off with a table over his head that was taken from Wilmer McLean's parlor.
My favorite story was during the "Grand Review" march up Pennsylvania Ave. for the victorious Federals, only Custer disturbed the occasion, managing to pass the reviewing stand TWICE, once as it seemed he was unable to control his horse and galloped past the dignitaries far ahead of his men (long yellow hair whipping in the wind), and again after he had wheeled and returned to the head of his column.
Many spoke of his undaunted courage but what is it called when courage is viewed as recklessness?
Anyway, as always . . . great work!
PS Hey Sam, I was trying to think of a historical Southern Monument that you haven't visited. How about the Jimma Caaarter Pres. Library?
[Go ahead . . . say "been there done that!"] ;^)
All accounts I read pretty much show Custer as a grand-stander.
How about the Jimma Caaarter Pres. Library?
[Go ahead . . . say "been there done that!"] ;^)
LOL! No Way! I wouldn't waste the time.
He would have fit right in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.