The colors born, on that summer morn,
Did stream in proud parade.
As his Libby hung her head forlorn,
And the Gerry Owen played
Small beneath the endless skies,
In the valley of the greasy grass.
From towering canyons, hostile eyes
Did watch the column pass.
His Libby walks in a terrible dream,
And prays it not be true.
That death be needed, to redeem,
The anger of the Sioux.
The tender touch of her Auties hand,
Her involuntary tears
The column fades into the Indian land,
As her Autie disappears.
At the Powder River near the Little Big Horn,
Where the warriors lie in wait.
The seventh cavalry is born.
To their stark and tragic fate.
She waits for a bugle that shall never sound,
In the seclusion of her latter years.
Where the spirit of her Autie can still be found,
In her tender loving tears.
Libby, the years have left you serene,
In the honor of his memory brave.
The youngest of children knows what it does mean,
To stand at your generals grave.
P.M.Williams & P. Patterson
© 2005
A little History
General George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876)
General Custer and his brother, Tom and his wife, Libbie (Elizabeth Bacon Custer), were of Scottish ancestry. General Custer is of the Wilson-Ochiltree families.
Custer was born on December 5, 1839 in New Rumley Ohio, graduated last in his class from West Point in 1861, served with great distiction and heroism during the Civil War, advanced to the rank of Major General in 1864 at the age of 25, and was assigned to command a cavalry division in Hempstead, Texas after the end of the Civil War.
Following orders from General Philip Sheridan in the fall of 1865, Custer moved his 4,500 cavalry troops from Hempstead to Austin in order to help support the efforts of the unpopular Reconstruction government and to protect Texas from a perceived threat from the Maximilian regime in Mexico. Despite being the head of the occupying forces, Custer and his wife were very popular with the citizens of Austin.
Custer was transferred to Kansas in 1866 and was killed at the Battle of Little Big Horn on June 25, 1876. He is buried at West Point. Or, is he?
George Armstrong Custer has remained one of the best-known figures in American history and popular mythology long after his death at the hands of Lakota and Cheyenne warriors at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Custer was born in New Rumley, Ohio, and spent much of his childhood with a half-sister in Monroe, Michigan. Immediately after high school he enrolled in West Point, where he utterly failed to distinguish himself in any positive way. Several days after graduating last in his class, he failed in his duty as officer of the guard to stop a fight between two cadets. He was court-martialed and saved from punishment only by the huge need for officers with the outbreak of the Civil War.
Custer did unexpectedly well in the Civil War. He fought in the First Battle of Bull Run, and served with panache and distinction in the Virginia and Gettysburg campaigns. Although his units suffered enormously high casualty rates -- even by the standards of the bloody Civil War -- his fearless aggression in battle earned him the respect of his commanding generals and increasingly put him in the public eye. His cavalry units played a critical role in forcing the retreat of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's forces; in gratitude, General Philip Sheridan purchased and made a gift of the Appomatox surrender table to Custer and his wife, Elizabeth Bacon Custer.
In July of 1866 Custer was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the Seventh Cavalry. The next year he led the cavalry in a muddled campaign against the Southern Cheyenne. In late 1867 Custer was court-martialed and suspended from duty for a year for being absent from duty during the campaign. Custer maintained that he was simply being made a scapegoat for a failed campaign, and his old friend General Phil Sheridan agreed, calling Custer back to duty in 1868. In the eyes of the army, Custer redeemed himself by his November 1868 attack on Black Kettle's band on the banks of the Washita River.
Custer was sent to the Northern Plains in 1873, where he soon participated in a few small skirmishes with the Lakota in the Yellowstone area. The following year, he lead a 1,200 person expedition to the Black Hills, whose possession the United States had guaranteed the Lakota just six years before.
In 1876, Custer was scheduled to lead part of the anti-Lakota expedition, along with Generals John Gibbon and George Crook. He almost didn't make it, however, because his March testimony about Indian Service corruption so infuriated President Ulysses S. Grant that he relieved Custer of his command and replaced him with General Alfred Terry. Popular disgust, however, forced Grant to reverse his decision. Custer went West to meet his destiny.
The original United States plan for defeating the Lakota called for the three forces under the command of Crook, Gibbon, and Custer to trap the bulk of the Lakota and Cheyenne population between them and deal them a crushing defeat. Custer, however, advanced much more quickly than he had been ordered to do, and neared what he thought was a large Indian village on the morning of June 25, 1876. Custer's rapid advance had put him far ahead of Gibbon's slower-moving infantry brigades, and unbeknownst to him, General Crook's forces had been turned back by Crazy Horse and his band at Rosebud Creek.
On the verge of what seemed to him a certain and glorious victory for both the United States and himself, Custer ordered an immediate attack on the Indian village. Contemptuous of Indian military prowess, he split his forces into three parts to ensure that fewer Indians would escape. The attack was one the greatest fiascos of the United States Army, as thousands of Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho warriors forced Custer's unit back onto a long, dusty ridge parallel to the Little Bighorn, surrounded them, and killed all 210 of them.
Custer's blunders cost him his life but gained him everlasting fame. His defeat at the Little Bighorn made the life of what would have been an obscure 19th century military figure into the subject of countless songs, books and paintings. His widow, Elizabeth Bacon Custer, did what she could to further his reputation, writing laudatory accounts of his life that portrayed him as not only a military genius but also a refined and cultivated man, a patron of the arts, and a budding statesman.
Author notes
This is a poem Patrick and I started well over a year ago but unfortunately we were not able to finish before his passing. I had promised to post this so here it is. One of our last works together. It’s all good, my friend.
Stop by Patricks pages, I promise you will not be disapointed. allpoetry.com/poets/repomen79
And our list of collaborations allpoetry.com/list/26
Written January 23rd, 2005
In a list
What did you think
Comments
1 - 46 of 46
-
BEAUTIFUL!!!!
It's taken me a long time to come back, not that I haven't tried. I was here a couple of times but found it hard to stay. Just too many ghosts and it's still painful for me. However I am here today and trying to make that comeback. I've written very little since Patricks passing and I know he'd probably give me a good talking to for giving up as I did. No one has ever given me such hope or inspired me so. His friendship was a treasure that no amount of gold could match. I feel him and hear him in this piece as I do all the poems that I wrote together with him as well. Pat, we had an angel in Patrick and now he watches out for us from above. (((Wrapping arms around you Pat))) Love always sis, ~Laura
-
I hear his voice as I read these words and know you two were so well writer's together as this does show.
I am proud to own the book that has the poem where Diane spoke you two poems in her brillant Irish tone.
I am proud to have known both you fine poets.
may peace be always on your side
Tamara
-
Thank you, hun. Catz and I are starting a new page for poets who have passed away. We are just getting started but you will find Patricks link there.
Hugs & Laughter
Pat -
thank you Pat for this fine piece of work and gentle reminder of how talented both you and Patrick were. Although I am sad he is gone from us all my heart still melts when I read his work.
love to you both
Tamara
-
A wonderful poem, about an exceedingly interesting historical figure who is too often overlooked. Very well done!
~Amanda -
WOW this is an awesome poem i like hpow you put the history in it. It makes it easy to see what is going on. this is a really good poem!
-
This is a great write.
Keep it up!
Lady anairO -
Yes -- it is all good and God, my dearest friend. HUGS Myra
-
Thank you so much, Mom. Patrick and I wrote a few historical poems. This one, unfortunatly, I had to finish without out him. But I am sure he would have loved it. Thanks again for taking the time to stop by and leave a few words...
Regards
Pat -
Amazing Imagery
Wow! What a powerful poem. You always have written well. This is the first time I've read a historical poem (if that's what they're called). You and Patrick have done an excellent job. Thank you for the historical account afterward. I look forward to reading more. And, I'll head on over to Patrick's poems. -
Thank you Myra. Patrick did the bulk of this one and he asked me to put the finishing touches on it, but it sat here and I had forgotten about it till I came across it again and remembered his request. I'm just glad I found it and was able to post it...
Thank you for your wonderful comment...
Hugs & Laughter
It's all good...
Pat -
Pat X 2
Dearest Pat -- Not only did you and Patrick shared the "same" name, you also shared your talent, also with the world. I miss him -- only yesterday looked at a photo he sent me of him two years ago ... and a poem he had written for me in his own hand. At that time he was not well at all. Yet he always gave everything he could. What a lovable soul!
Thank you for sharing this collaboration, written with such flair: unmistakenly YOU. Sometimes difficult to turn history into poetry -- you've done well.
Thank you for remembering me.
Love
Myra
Edited on Feb 05, 3:05 because 'clarity'. -
beautiful peice my friend!
unfortunately for Custer he let his pride get the best of him which caused his own tragic death.
But then there were many broken treaties from the US government. it's bad they couldn't keep their promises
Bill
Edited on Jan 27, 12:42 because ''. -
What a great compliment, thank you so much.
I am so pleased you enjoyed this...
Regards
Pat -
BRAVO
You have done a marvelous job of this piece. I really enjoy writing poetry from current events...I think if every piece of history could be turned into a piece of art like your writing here...there would be a lot more people keen to learn it! -
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I'll look into the punctuation I think you may be correct...
Again Thank you
Regards
Pat -
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment on our work. I'm so glad you enjoyed it
Regards
Pat -
Guilty
I'm really gald you put the historical reference on here as well, that made a huge difference as to the reading of the piece. (or re reading after the informative session) There was a couple places where the punctuation did not seem to flow very well, such as the last two stanzas. Otherwise, well done -
I had no idea that Custer was Scottish so I'm glad I read this to glean that knowledge. This is a great piece full of compassion and thoughtfullness. I can see that you must have done your research methalodically and intensively. Well done, this is exellent.
-
Oh Joan.. You are so kind. Let me ask you something. Have you ever written with Patrick?
-
dear pat, I had to come back to re-read this wonderful colab between you and our Pat, I feel close to him when I visit here or his site~Thank you my sweet~Love~Joan
-
Thank you Timothy, I know Patrick cherished your friendship. I still have a few more bits and pieces of things he gave me to work on so maybe in the future there will be more. It's not easy without him here to egg me on. LOL But as time passes and inspiration comes I'll do my best to finish them in a way that would make him proud.
Thank you again...
Hugs & Laughter
Pat -
Maureen, if you and your husband are into historical poems we have a few more in my collection that might interest you. Check out allpoetry.com/list/26
Patrick and I tried to put different view points on the historical angle.
I'm so glad you both enjoyed our work. I know Patrick would be thrilled to know it was posted. I still have a few things he wanted to write I just hope I can do them honor...
Thanks for you kind words, both you and hubby..
Hugs & Laughter
Pat
-
Mina, if you liked this one you must read some of the others we wrote. This one I just know you'll love allpoetry.com/Poem/71221
The others are on my lists on my authors page.
Hugs & Laughter
It's all good hun...
Pat -
Yes, I think my writing has fallen behind since his passing. He loved to push me to do better things.
Thank you for your kind works.
Hugs
Pat -
Excellent!!
Pat, You and Patrick together made such a amazing writing team.
So glad you finished this Hon.. it's such a historical piece.
The poem reminds me of the letters Ada wrote to Inman in the movie
Cold mountain during the Civil War. The heartbreak and hardships of being left behind in waiting.
Dearest Patrick, i was just thinking a few days ago.. how wonderful it would be to read your poetic words once again.
I can see now, you're not far.. you are still with us dear' Patrick.
Thank-you for inspiring Pat to finish this incredible piece.
Love Always ~ Mina XXO
I know if Patrick was here.. Pat.. he would leave you some Roses... "Here's to you sweet Lady" Bravo!!
-
Amazing Work You Two!
What a day, his soul dos lay
Upon a thousand hills
Only him, could write and pray
Leaving all who read fulfilled
I thank you for the grace you share
For both of you, speak your hearts
And thank you Lord, for souls so dear
To lead us through the dark
I still this day, cherish his words
As now we hold his candle proud
With the pieces, unread, unheard
I read them now aloud...
Love you both, pen on my friend, and my dear brother, I shall never forget you, till we meet again my friend...
-Timothy The Poetic Weaver
-
Excellent!
My husband, Mike, and I enjoyed reading the poem that you started with Patric and now have finished on your own. My husband has always been very interested in learning all there is to know about General Custer and the battle at Little Big Horn. We read the poem together and, at first, we thought it was going to be a tribute to him. We were relieved to see it was mostly about Libby. You both did a fine job writing about how the battle affected his wife. The facts you included were very revealing about General Custer's character (or lack of it) and what led up to the huge blunder he made at Little Big Horn. Libby would have been a great press agent..she did a terrific job of making her husband look like a fine soldier and leader of men when the exact opposite was true.
I miss Patric. I knew he wasn't well but it was a shock to me when he passed away. His poems (and the poems you wrote together) are his legacy and I'm sure he will never be forgotten by those of us who knew him well or only knew him through the poems he wrote. May he rest in peace and may you continue to honor his memory as you did with this poem.
Very nicely done!
<3 Maureen
-
Well, I must offer condolences.
This is an interesting poem. I have read some things about Ol' Yellow Hair, and I remember a picture of him, with a prisoner that he had gone to school with at West Point. He was looking really cocky leaning in to show his dominance, and you know that since he graduated as the last hair on the dogs tail, the guy he took prisoner had definitely graduated ahead of him! He was very flamboyant, inviting photographers and reporters to follow his troops as an entourage. But he went AWOL to be by his wife's side when she was ill, so I guess he wasn't all bad.
This collaboration is very nicely done.
-
Thank you for sharing this Pat. I knew him slightly, I had no idea he was sick. This is both touching and heart breaking for me. You must miss him a lot, you did a beautiful job together.
Red -
Thank You Gill, I know you were a good friend to him and he would be thrilled to see your comment. He is gone but never forgotten. His words and love with live with so many of us...
Hugs & Laughter
Pat -
Wonderful Pat.. truly wonderful
I'm so glad you got to finish it finally and help with grieving process for you but also giving you hope and love with such a joyous piece of work
Well done my friend
~GILL~xxxx -
Thank you so much for stopping by to read and comment on our work. Patrick would be thrilled...
Hugs & Laughter to you
Pat -
Really Nice
This was nicely written, Great job
Sorry he isn't here to see it..
Frances Lynn
The Br0ken One -
Thank you Emo, I'm sure Patrick would be thrilled to know you stopped by..
Regards
Pat -
Actually Dee I have a few things we talked about, a few lines we tossed back and forth but nothing I can publish just yet. But you never know..
Hugs & Laughter to you my friend
Pat -
Beautiful ... of course, you two really hit a spot with this. I'm glad you posted it!
Take care.
Kati. xox -
Pat, this is another wonderful collaboration between you and Patric....and an interesting piece of history as well. I'm glad you posted this, it helps keep Patric's memory alive and perhaps peeks the interest of some poets who are not familiar with his wonderful work.
It's a lovely write, Pat. (I don't suppose you have any more as yet unpublished collaborations hiding there somewhere do you??)
luv and
Dee
-
Dear Pat,
Thanks so much for the link to this!
I am not sure of the existence of other poems which treat of the life of Custer, but this should be right up there with the best of them.
The biography following the poem was a super-bonus!
You couldn't ask for a better rhyme scheme. Well, you could, but you wouldn't get it!
Sorry I have been so in communicado lately, but I sort of have my hands full these days, and am looking forward to things righting themselves soon so I can get back to my poems.
Thanks again....B-U-tiful poem and page.
Always Friends,
John -
Thank You, Ann. I know he would be pleased to see this finally posted.
Hugs & Laughter to you Sis
Pat -
Thank You, John. Patrick did a lot of work on this poem and I'm very happy to be able to finally get it posted...
Hugs & Laughter
Pat -
Pat, I am so pleased you did post this wonderful collaboration of yours and Patricks.
Well penned. and a great event to write about.
to you sis. and thanks again for showing it to me.
Ann -
well written
Thank you for the link to this poem. Seems the loss of one poet and the carrying on of his work parallels the efforts of Custer's family to keep his name in memory forever.
I found this to be a very smooth read.
thank you
John -
Thank you Maddie. I'm just sorry he's not here to see it even though I know he is watching I miss his comments and inspiration.
Hugs & Laughter
It's all good
Pat -
This is absolutely stunning in it's scope and content, Pat. I know he would be proud at how you finished it. You both were such strong talents on your own, and your collaborations had more than a touch of magic, and sounded like one voice.
Beautifully done.
Maddie -
Dear Pat, thank you for sending me the link to this, I am very glad you finished it and posted it, absolutely brilliant my sweet, I can feel Pats spirit running through it as you finished it, as he would have been there looking over your shoulder. Love~Joan
Did I send you the link to his Birthday poem.
allpoetry.com/poem/967300
Adding your comment:
1 - 46 of 46
