[123]. Having located them, guess or not, the conditions were exactly those contemplated in the orders.—C. T. B.
[124]. But if Custer had followed his orders, he would not have been nearly in contact with the enemy—there’s the rub!—C. T. B.
[125]. This I consider a good point in Custer’s favor.—C. T. B.
[126]. Italics mine.—E. S. Godfrey.
[127]. Colonel Godfrey made this statement in answer to a question from me. On this point see Appendix B.—C. T. B.
[128]. Again I ask General Miles if this is the explanation of the affidavit? If so, how does it accord with the statement that the conversation occurred the night before the command separated? Or, has General Miles written carelessly “the night before,” and does he mean just before the final march past?—C. T. B.
[129]. Personally I do not believe that the sentence in question was in the order given to Custer. For if it was, why should Terry suppress it, since it only confirms his own claims? Besides I should be loath to believe that Terry would suppress anything. The sentence may have been in a rough draft of the orders, and not in the final copy.—C. T. B.
[130]. This also is very interesting and seems to point to the order as a “preposterous” one under the circumstances. It may be so; but if so, I wish Custer had pointed it out to Terry before he started.—C. T. B.
[131]. Would General Miles excuse subordinates for such obedience (?) of his orders for a combined movement?—C. A. Woodruff.
[132]. No italics in original.—E. S. Godfrey.