After the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Captain Frederick Benteen continued his military career, though it later included disciplinary action and eventual retirement.
Captain Frederick Benteen's Post-Little Bighorn Journey
Captain Frederick Benteen, a veteran officer of the 7th U.S. Cavalry, played a critical role during the Battle of the Little Bighorn, notably for his timely arrival on Reno Hill which reinforced Major Marcus Reno's beleaguered command. His actions and decisions during the battle have been subject to historical debate, yet his personal demeanor regarding such scrutiny was distinct.
Perception and Criticism
Notably, Benteen appeared largely unaffected by the criticism directed at his actions and decisions during the battle, a stark contrast to some of his contemporaries, such as Major Reno, who faced significant professional and personal challenges regarding their roles. Benteen seemed impervious to public and official criticism concerning his performance at the Little Bighorn, which allowed him to maintain a degree of professional stability in the immediate aftermath.
Later Military Career and Discipline
Despite his perceived resilience to criticism concerning the Little Bighorn, Benteen's later career was not without incident. He faced disciplinary action that impacted his standing and pay:
- Suspension: On April 20, 1887, Captain Benteen was suspended from his rank for one year at half pay due to drunken and disorderly conduct. This marked a significant blot on his long military record.
Retirement
Following this period of suspension, Captain Benteen's military service came to an end. He was ultimately retired from active duty for medical reasons:
- Disability Retirement: He was officially retired from the service for disability on July 7, 1888. This concluded his long and often controversial military career.
The timeline of these significant events post-Little Bighorn can be summarized as follows:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Apr 20, 1887 | Suspended from rank for one year at half pay due to drunken and disorderly conduct |
| Jul 7, 1888 | Retired from service for disability |
Captain Frederick Benteen's life after the Little Bighorn reflects a complex individual who, while seemingly unbothered by historical judgment of his most famous battle, still encountered personal and professional challenges leading to his eventual retirement from military service.
