“Resentment is anger that has been quieted but not resolved.” -Alain de Botton

Frederick Benteen was a reserved and quiet Union officer in the Civil War. He kept to himself and his close friends. He performed well in several battles, from Pea Ridge to Mine Creek. He fought bravely in a series of skirmishes. These events showcased what could have been a “rising star” in the U.S. military but was lost between the overwhelming talent of Phil Sheridan, George Crook, Benjamin Grierson, James Wilson, and George Custer. In 1862, Frederick Benteen and Phil Sheridan held the same rank of captain in 1862. However, by 1864, Phil Sheridan was a major general in the regular army, while Col. Benteen had not managed to move up as high in the ranks.

The young Benteen could not even look to home for support. His family was from Petersburg, Virginia. Frederick Benteen’s father, Theodore Benteen, was an ardent secessionist who opposed the election of Abraham Lincoln. Hardly a civil rights advocate, Frederick Benteen believed his loyalties belonged to the Union and abandoned his family’s cause. Frederick was not a West Pointer but had some informal military training at the Petersburg Classical Institute. This education aided him in becoming a Lieutenant for the First Missouri Cavalry Regiment. Luckily, Frederick found a partnership with Kate Norman in 1862. They would have five children, but only one survived infancy. Benteen was restrained in his temper throughout the Civil War despite the losses in his family. If he became frustrated with someone, it would come out as sarcasm. However, upon experiencing the loss of his children and the lack of career advancement in the military, his temper and jealousy were harder to bottle up.

Following the Civil War, Benteen found himself under the command of George Custer in the Seventh Cavalry. Custer was a Civil War icon fighting with Major General Phil Sheridan. Now, Custer was rewarded with the Seventh Cavalry out west. Benteen’s anger worsened following the Battle of Washita, a significant event where Custer ignored Benteen’s exploits. This battle, which took place in 1868, was a part of the larger campaign against the Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. Benteen wrote a scathing letter criticizing Custer’s performance at the Battle of Washita to the newspapers. This account made its way to the Seventh Cavalry. Custer was shocked upon discovering that the reserved Benteen would go to the media to criticize his commanding officer. This feud created a division that further isolated Benteen from rising in the ranks.

Custer split his command into three columns at the Battle of Little Big Horn. One was under him, the other under Major Marcus Reno, and the last under Benteen. Benteen’s column was away on the left flank from the fighting. Custer sent a message to Benteen telling him, “Come on. Big village. Be quick. Bring packs.” Benteen could not wait for the packs, seeing that Custer demanded that he “hurry.” Meanwhile, Reno was heavily routed near the Little Bighorn River. Benteen arrived and quickly saved Reno’s army from complete destruction. Unfortunately for Custer, he never reached his desperate position, where Benteen would later find his body after surveying the aftermath of the battle. Nevertheless, Benteen saved a large portion of the Seventh Kansas Cavalry.

His career following the Battle of Little Bighorn was satisfactory; performing well during the Nez Perce Campaign and testified at Reno’s Court of Inquiry. Yet, Benteen began relying more on alcohol, most likely to cope with no possibility of career advancement and the distance from his wife and son. He was charged with drunk and disorderly conduct and was almost removed from command. It was only by Grover Cleveland’s actions that he saved face. He was suspended from rank for only half pay for one year. He retired the following year on disability. Only in retirement did he learn he was brevetted to brigadier general for his actions after the Battle of Little Bighorn. He would die ten years later with twenty-seven years of service in the military. His fame never overshadowed more extraordinary military heroes, and his resentment almost led to his demise, but his service and performance in battle were always well above the average.

Mills, Charles. Harvest of Barren Regrets: The Army Career of Frederick William Benteen, 1834-1898. Nebraska: Bison Books, 2011.