Gibbon, John

Autograph manuscript unsigned  19 pages (10 x 7 1/2 in.; 248 x 190 mm), [no place, 1892]; general light browning, puncture at center head of each page from brass fastener of sorts. Cream cloth folding case, green morocco spine lettered gilt, raised bands.

General Gibbon comments on Custer's orders. A major question concerning the Custer tragedy revolves around the interpretation of his orders and whether he exceeded or ignored them in attacking the Sioux well before the arrival of Gibbon and his forces. Commander Alfred H. Terry met with Custer and Gibbon on 21 June 1876 to lay his final plans. After Little Big Horn, Terry remained silent, refusing to place any direct blame on Custer. Herewith Gibbon presents his recollections and comments on the subject. Unpublished, Gibbon's manuscript is entitled "Custer & his Orders" was intended as an addition to published articles by Gibbon on the Sioux Campaign gathered for a projected but unrealized book on his western experiences.

Gibbon writes in considerable detail about discussions at the meeting of the three men annd then what happened next: " Custer did not follow the line of the march marked out for him . . . It is difficult to account for Custer's failure to communicate . . ." Gibbon continues: "His reasons for not conforming to the 'desires' of his Dept. Comdr. as expressed in his letter of instructions can never now be known . . . the general rule prevails in all well disciplined military bodies that the wishes of the commander are . .. to be construed as orders." Gibbon concludes: "A military commander in the field is supreme over every thing within his reach . . . he may act on his own responsibility if he chooses. . . ."