The Godfrey Diary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn

Godfrey was a central figure in the Reno-Benteen defense over the 25th and 26th of June, 1876. In 1892, (then Captain) Godfrey wrote what became a very famous and widely-read article for Century Magazine about the Battle of the Little Bighorn. He kept a diary of the Yellowstone Expedition against the Sioux from May 17 to September 24. Lieutenant Edward Settle Godfrey was commander of K Company of the 7th Cavalry in the battalion of Captain Frederick Benteen. The diary reveals anecdotes and observations of General Custer's mood and behavior before the fight on June 25th, as well as the desperate story of survival experienced by the battalions under Reno and Benteen. Both of these documents are cited by most serious Custer books. It also contains fascinating details about how the cavalry moved,

Many of the soldiers of that era carried pocket diaries and it’s amazing that this important document not only survived (it’s in Mohamed Belali The importance of Edward Settle Godfrey’s participation in the Little Bighorn battle and its aftermath cannot be overestimated. This transcript of his diary from the fateful summer of 1876 is fascinating and I’ve read it through a couple of times. Many of the soldiers of that era carried pocket diaries and it’s amazing that this important document not only survived (it’s in the Library of Congress) but is so affordable.In addition, Godfrey’s famous 1892 Century magazine article is included here. It was . I enjoyed reading this and having read many books on the adjutant10 I enjoyed reading this and having read many books on the LBH, it was interesting to read the daily notes that Godfrey penned. Reading the actual writings and accounts of the participants is always enlightening and provides a better perspective on the activities surrounding this event. While this book is a quick read, it is worth the reading time invested.. james hutton said A fascinating, candid, and objective first-hand account of. A fascinating, candid, and objective first-hand account of the Seventh Cavalry's involvement with the entire 1876 summer campaign against the Sioux, including the Battle of the Little Bighorn, from the time they left Fort Abraham Lincoln in May 1876 until they returned in September.