Frederick William Benteen papers

Descriptive Summary
Title: Frederick William Benteen papers
Creator: Benteen, Frederick William, 1834-1898.
Inclusive Dates: 1833-1951
Bulk Dates: 1871-1896
Language(s): English
Extent: 1.5 Linear Feet (3 document boxes, 1 volume, 1 oversize folder A)
Collection Number: ms770
Repository: Hargrett Library

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Collection Description

Historical Note

Frederick William Benteen was born in 1834 and died in 1898. He served in the American Civil War and the Black Hills War. Against his father's wishes, he fought on the Union side as a soldier with the 10th Missouri Volunteer Cavalry. He later married Catherine L. Norman (1838-1906) in 1862 in St. Louis, Missouri. During the Civil War, Frederick was awarded the ranks of major and then lieutenant colonel and commander of the 10th Missouri Cavalry.

After the Civil War, Frederick led the 138th U.S. Colored Volunteers from 1865 to 1866 - as a colonel. Later in 1866, Frederick was made a captain in the 7th U.S. Cavalry. From 1867 to 1883, he served under George Armstrong Custer. He commanded Troop H. During the Battle of Little Bighorn (or Custer's Last Stand), after Custer's battalion was destroyed, Benteen took control of the remaining troops. After many years of service, Benteen acquired the rank of major, 9th U.S. cavalry, in 1882. He finally retired in 1887 after a suspension due to drunk and disorderly conduct. He died in 1898, survived by his wife and son.

Scope and Content

The collection consists of papers of Frederick William Benteen from 1833-1951. The collection contains a variety of material mainly relating to Benteen's service in the 7th U.S. Cavalry and, in particular, his involvement in the Battle of Little Big Horn. Includes correspondence (1871-1888) from Benteen in the Montana territory, Kansas, and Nebraska, to his wife, Catherine L. Benteen; a map drawn by Benteen of the Little Big Horn battlefield; some official military documents including the draft and revised draft (July 4, 1876) of Major Marcus A. Reno regarding George A. Custer and the Battle of Little Big Horn; and numerous photographs of members of the 7th Cavalry, military groups and locations, including Ft. Dodge, Kansas (1868-1869), Native American leaders, and several of the Benteen family.

The collection also contains some military documents relating to Benteen's service in the 10th Missouri Volunteer Cavalry during the Civil War; photocopies of correspondence from Benteen to Theodore W. Goldin regarding the 7th Cavalry; "Cavalry Scraps", articles written by Benteen regarding his cavalry service; correspondence (1929-1949) between E.A. Brinistool and various members of the Benteen family; newspaper clippings; printed material; and a scrapbook.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Frederick William Benteen papers, ms770, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Finding Aid Publication

Finding aid prepared on: 2010 April 15.

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Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

Related Collections in this Repository

Related materials available in the following collections of this repository: Frederick William Benteen addendum, MS 770a.

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Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

1. Benteen letters to Mrs. Benteen

This series lists chronologically the letters from General Benteen to Mrs. Benteen, written during the years 1871 to 1888, and include only those that appear in the original form; photostatic copies of certain correspondence will be found in series II. The designation of "Signature" as used herein may refer to the full name, a part, or initials.

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Correspondence - Frederick W. Benteen to his wife, Catherine Benteen 1 of 3, 1871-1876 Access Online

Includes letters dated around the start of The Battle of Little Bighorn, including several important camp locations, such as 7th Cavalry Camps and Steamers along the Yellowstone river. Also comments on George Armstrong Custer, Marcus Albert Reno. Contains original account of the conflict.

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Typescripts of correspondence from Frederick W. Benteen to his wife, Catherine Benteen, 1876 Access Online

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Correspondence - Frederick W. Benteen to his wife, Catherine Benteen 2 of 3, 1877 Access Online

Personal letters and comments on 1877 campaign along the Yellowstone River.

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Correspondence - Frederick W. Benteen to his wife, Catherine Benteen 3 of 3, 1879-1883 Access Online

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Correspondence - Frederick W. Benteen to his wife, Catherine Benteen, and miscellaneous letters, 1888, 1893, 1933 Access Online

Personal letters to Catherine Benteen written from Fort Niobara, Nebraska, 1888, single letter to E.S. Godfrey written from Fort Riley, Kansas, 1893, and three letters from Ida E. Godfrey to Frederick Wilson Benteen, 1933.

 

2. Photostats of Benteen letters to Mrs. F. W. Benteen

Photostats of certain letters of Benteen to Mrs. Benteen during the period of the 1876 expedition against the Sioux.

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Photostats of correspondence from Frederick W. Benteen to his wife, Catherine Benteen, 1876 Access Online

Contains photostats of letters from around the start of the Battle of Little Bighorn, written from 7th Cavalry Camps and Steamers along the Yellowstone River. Comments on George Armstrong Custer and Marcus Albert Reno. Contains photostat of account of the conflict.

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Photostats of correspondence from Frederick W. Benteen to his wife, Catherine Benteen, and miscellaneous letters, 1876 Access Online

Personal letters and comments on 1876 campaign. Also includes photostats of a message to Benteen from George Armstrong Custer, and a letter to Benteen from his brother Theo.

 

3. Civil War Correspondence

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Civil War era correspondence and papers pertaining to Frederick W. Benteen, 1862-1866 Access Online

Military reports, orders, correspondence, accounts and certifications, including Frederick W. Benteen's 1862 commission.

 

4. Correspondence

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Military correspondence pertaining to Frederick W. Benteen, and miscellaneous papers, 1867-1894 Access Online

Edited drafts of Marcus Reno's official report on the Battle of Little Bighorn, letters to and from Frederick W. Benteen concerning military orders, and note on photograph by David F. Barry.

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Military correspondence and reports pertaining to Frederick W. Benteen and the Battle of Little Bighorn, 1876 Access Online

Originals, photostats, and typescripts of official reports on the Battle of Little Bighorn by Frederick W. Benteen and Marcus Reno, and related papers.

 

5. "Cavalry Scraps"

The manuscripts listed in this section (with the exception of no. 13, identified below) are described as "unpublished" since research has failed to produce any evidence that they have appeared in print. However, it was evidently the General's intent that they should be published, and some at least may have been submitted to an editor for that purpose. Certain newspaper accounts of interviews with the General carry brief extracts of some of the incidents related in the manuscripts, but merely as a passing mention of them.Item no. 13, mentioned above, has appeared in print, but as an original manuscript is included with the "Cavalry Scraps".

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Unpublished manuscripts by Frederick W. Benteen 1 of 3, 1867-1868 Access Online

Five handwritten short stories by Frederick W. Benteen concerning military campaigns and camp life in Kansas and Colorado.

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Unpublished manuscripts by Frederick W. Benteen 2 of 3, 1868-1877 Access Online

Five handwritten stories by Frederick W. Benteen concerning military campaigns and camp life in Louisiana, Oklahoma, Missouri, South Dakota, and Montana.

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Unpublished manuscripts by Frederick W. Benteen 3 of 3, 1870-1885 Access Online

Three handwritten stories and twenty-two page handwritten manuscript by Frederick W. Benteen, concerning military campaigns and camp life in Okalahoma, Colorado, and Montana.

 

6. Benteen Family

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Family papers and correspondence concerning Frederick W. Benteen and relations, 1833-1904 Access Online

Miscellanous documents of the Benteen and Norman families, including letters, deeds, pension requests, marriage certificates, and etc. Includes original marriage certificate of Catherine L. Norman and Frederick W. Benteen.

 

7. Photographs and scrapbook
		The General's notations and descriptions appear on much of the surfaces of the photographs. "Nothing on face" indicates no additions by the General; all references to additions refer only to those made by him, unless otherwise noted.Titles of the Photographs are generally those given by the General, and are not in every instance the entire caption.
	7.1 Military Groups and Locations
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2	2		Soule, "Train of the 7th Cavalry crossing the Arkansas at Fort Dodge, Kansas", 1869 Access Online
			Note and signature on face. Signature on reverse.
2	3		Soule, "Cheyenne & Arapaho camp, Canadian River. 5 miles below Camp Supply T.T.", 1869 Access Online
			Note and signature on face. Signature on reverse.
2	4		"Camp, 7th Cavalry, 10 miles below Fort Dodge on Arkansas River, Kansas", 1868 Access Online
			Signature on reverse, note and two signatures on face
2	5		Soule, "Trailers used by Gen. Custer's command in campaign against Indians", 1868-69 Access Online
			Note and signature on face and also on reverse.
2	6		Soule, "Officers of the 7th U.S. Cavalry. Fort Dodge, Ks.", October 1868 Access Online
			Note, 29 individual identifications, and signature on face. Signature on reverse.
2	7		"Fort Dodge, Ks. on the Arkansas River. C.O.s quarters of stone", 1869 Access Online
			Notes and signature on face. Signature on reverse.
2	8		Savage, "Fort Douglas, Utah." Group of Officers mess at Capt. Baker quarters, May 3, 1887 Access Online
			Notes on face. Identifications and notes cover reverse side.
2	9		D.F. Barry, "Reno Survivors at Custer Battlefield", June 25, 1886 Access Online
			Comment and Signature on reverse.
2	10		O.S. Goff, "C.O.s house. Fort Rice, D.T.", 1892 Access Online
			Notes and title (same removed) on face, Identification and comments on reverse.
2	11		Soule, "Soldiers' quarters, Ft. Dodge, Ks.", 1868 Access Online
			Comment and signature on face, comment and signature on reverse.
2	12		"Sutter's Layout, Ft. Dodge, Ks.", 1868 Access Online
			Title, identifications and signature on face. Comment and signature on reverse.
2	13		D.F. Barry, "Ft. A. Lincoln. N.Dak." Access Online
			Title and comment on face. Reverse side completely covered with holograph history of Ft. Lincoln, with signature.
2	14		"Fort Sill. Indian Territory" Access Online
			Title and identification on reverse.
2	15		S.S. Massey, "Bannocks at Fort Douglas, Utah", March 1887 Access Online
			Title, identification, and signature on reverse. (presentation signed)
2	16		1st Lt Solon Massey (studio F.I. Monsen). Soldiers, civilians & Native Americans, "Capt. Bakers qtrs. Fort Douglas, Utah", May 1, 1887 Access Online
			Data, identification, and signature on reverse.
	7.2 Native Americans
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2	17		D.F. Barry, "Gall," Bismarck, Dakota Access Online
			Comment and signature on reverse.
2	18		Soule, "Awn Cope or 'Kicking Bird' of the Kiowas," Fort Dodge, Kansas, 1868 Access Online
			Title, data, and signature on front. Reverse filled with data and signature.
2	19		D.F. Barry, "Rain in the Face" Access Online
			Signature on reverse.
2	20		D.F. Barry, "Sitting Bull's House and Family", 1886 Access Online
			Date and signature on reverse.
2	21		Soule, "Cheyenne squaws & pappooses captured at the Battle of the 'Washita,'" Ft. Dodge, December 1868 Access Online
			Title, data, and signature on face. Signature on reverse.
2	22		Soule, "Teepee made of tanned Bison hide," and photo of "'Little Shield,' an Arapahoe chief of great note," Arkansas River, Kansas, 1869 Access Online
			Description, identification, and signature on face. Data and signature on reverse.
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1A			Illustrated newspaper and Native American portraits Access Online
				Misc. Native American portraits (1 sheet), February 16, 1895
		Presentation signed by Barry. Group of portraits of five Native Americans plus Sitting Bull's camp. Barry's presentation to FWB on face. On reverse, date at top, data and comment, with signature, covers entire back.
				Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, Battle of Washita - Attack on Black Kettle's Cheyenne Camp, 1868 December 26
		Includes notations "Sock it to them Arty!", "Where's my bowl of blood?", and "Cook, How high ish dot! (?) ... Faust Mephistopheles. Margharita! Mag!...the horse & sabres, I sing!"
	7.3 Portraits, Military
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2	24		Zimmerman, St Paul, "1st Lieut. George D. Wallace, Adjt. Seventh Cavalry", 1896 Access Online
			Identification on face. Data and note on reverse.
2	25		O.S. Goff, Fort Lincoln, D.T., "2d Lieut. Ezra P. Fuller 7th Cav." Class 1873 MA, 1876 Access Online
			Identification on reverse.
2	26		"'Mamie Merrill,' 7th U.S. Cav. Mrs. Hugh L. Scott" Access Online
			"With her father's cadet coat on." Identification and data on reverse.
2	27		Sarony, N.Y. "1st Lieut. E. Garlington. 7th Cavalry", 1881 Access Online
			(autographed), dates and data on reverse.
2	28		Fort Rice, Dakota. "Pvt. Joseph Way, H. Company, 7th Cavalry", 1873 Access Online
			Identification and data on reverse
2	29		Scholl, Philadelphia, "Lt. Col. Fletcher, 2d U.S. Infty. curd Capt. R.N. Price, class 1870, M.A.", April 1, 1880 Access Online
			Comment and identification on reverse.
2	30		D.F. Barry, "Capt. Tom McDougall, 7th U.S. Cav. Retired" Access Online
			Identification and comment on reverse.
2	31		Barlow & Hatch, Janesville, Wisc. "Theo. W. Goldin. Troop "6" 7th Cavalry", 1895 Access Online
			Presentation holograph in ink on reverse by Goldin.
2	32		D.F. Barry, "Comanche," held by McGinis of Troop I, Seventh Cavalry Access Online
			Identification on face. Data and signature on reverse.
	7.4 Benteen Family
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2	33		D.F. Barry, (Gen) Frederick W. Benteen U.S.A. Access Online
2	34		Gentile, Chicago, "Brevet Brigadier General F.W. Benteen, U.S. Army", 1879 Access Online
			Identification and signature on face. Date, memo and signature on reverse.
2	35		D.F. Barry, (Gen.) Frederick W. Benteen Access Online
2	36		Cabinet folder. Civil war photograph, "Captain Frederick W. Benteen, 10th Missouri Cavalry", 1861 Access Online
2	37		Atwood & Montgomery, New York Outdoor group: General and Mrs. Benteen and their son, Frederick Access Online
2	38		Outdoor group: Col. F.W. Benteen and son, 1883 Access Online
			Identification and signature on reverse. Evidently taken at some time as item (41) above.
2	39		Monument to General and Mrs. Benteen Access Online
	7.5 Portraits, Union
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2	40		General Nathaniel Lyons Access Online
2	41		Gentile, Chicago, Lieut. General Philip H. Sheridan Access Online
			Identification on reverse.
	7.6 Scrapbook
	On the front of the ledger the General drew the design of the Seventh Cavalry and lettered the title "Some of the Reminiscences of Camp and Field." The scrapbook is in very poor condition, and some of the items listed elsewhere may have once been included in it. A listing of the contents follows, paged according to the General's notations. The abbreviation of CW indicates reference to the War Between the States, and Track identifies material concerning race-meets. General Benteen will be referred to as B.
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2	42		Benteen family scrapbook, 1863-1898 Access Online
			Bound scrapbook in poor condition, containing letters, clippings and articles assembled by Frederick W. Benteen and his relations, with handwritten annotations. Letters, reports, and clippings concerning Benteen's military campaigns, 1860-1880, including letters to Benteen from Gen. Emory Upton and Gen. Philip Sheridan. Copies of official reports by John B. Sanborn, John Mcneil, E.F. Winslow, and John F. Phillips. Clippings on topics of scientific and agricultural interest, including geography and animal husbandry, including notes on Benteen's parents' farm. Clippings on deaths of Frederick W. Benteen, Ms. Anita Benteen, and Carrie E. Benteen. Clippings from "Spirit of the Times" (S.T.), with notes by B in ink, 1872. Pressed spray of Ivy, with note by Benteen December 25, 1886. Clippings from miscellanous papers including the "Selma Union," the "Bismarck Union," and the "Kansas City Times." 50 cent Confederate paper bill.

 

8. Col. W.A. Graham, U.S.A.

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Biographical manuscripts concerning Frederick W. Benteen, and assorted letters, 1876-1951 Access Online

Assorted biographical manuscripts of Frederick W. Benteen prepared by W.A. Graham and Frederick Wilson Benteen, including a 118 page typed manuscript and related correspondence. Also letters from W.A. Graham to Miss Benteen.

 

9. E. A. Brininstool

This section is comprised generally of letters exchanged between E.A. Brininstool, writer and newspaper reporter of Los Angeles, California, and certain descendants of General Benteen. Associated correspondence is also included. All letters are typed, and no typing appears on the reverse of the sheets listed. Signatures are in ink, as signed.

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Correspondence from E.A. Brininstool to Benteen family, 1929-1938 Access Online

Letters between E.A. Brininstool, descendants of Frederick W. Benteen, and others, concerning the publication of Benteen's letters to Catherine L. Benteen and Theodore W. Goldin. Provides some provenance of materials in this collection.

 

10. Newspaper accounts and clippings

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Newspaper clippings concerning Frederick W. Benteen and military campaigns, 1865-1944

Miscellanous clippings from assorted newspapers concerning events during the life of Frederick W. Benteen, including some with Benteen's handwritten annotations.

 

11. Publications relating to Indian War
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3	4	Published narratives concerning the service of Frederick W. Benteen, 1889-1936 Access Online
			Four publications about the life and military service of Frederick W. Benteen, and one related letter to Frederick Wilson Benteen. Contains handwritten notes from Frederick Wilson Benteen.
3	5	Publications concerning the Battle of Little Bighorn, 1927-1936
			Two short publications concerning Dull Knife, Crazy Horse, and Custer, with magazine extracts concerning the Battle of Little Bighorn.
3	6	Correspondence over biography of Frederick W. Benteen, 1967 Access Online
			Letters between Mr. and Mrs. Stephens Mitchell, Hugh W. Shick, and Robert O'Brien concerning the potential publication of a biography of Frederick W. Benteen and personal matters.
3	7	Correspondence between Frederick W. Benteen and Theodore W. Goldin 1 of 3, 1891-1894 Access Online
			Benteen-Goldin letters, photocopies, pages 1-35.
3	8	Correspondence between Frederick W. Benteen and Theodore W. Goldin 2 of 3, 1894-1896 Access Online
			Benteen-Goldin letters, photocopies, pages 36-72.
3	9	Correspondence between Frederick W. Benteen and Theodore W. Goldin 3 of 3, 1896 Access Online
			Benteen-Goldin letters, photocopies, pages 73-111.
3	10	Map of the Battle of Little Bighorn by Frederick W. Benteen Access Online
			Hand-drawn map of the Battle of Little Bighorn with handwritten notes and account, by Frederick W. Benteen.
3	11	Benteen's narrative of the Battle of Little Bighorn, 1876 Access Online
			Handwritten account of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, by Frederick W. Benteen, sixty-six pages.