What a good thread! Yes, most of Reno's, and all of Benteen's men survived, as they were separated from Custer by about 4 miles in the actual attack. Comanche was the horse of Keogh. Keogh died with Custer. All were part of the 7th Cavalry. No one envisioned that so many indians were encamped along the Little Bighorn. It had been an unusually wet year and trees, brush, and grass concealed the indian camp size. What was an Army attack quickly turned into a rout. Reno's group managed to retreat with some casualties because they caught the indian encampment somewhat by surprise. Custer was not so fortunate, because he attacked, from a different direction, after the indians had been alerted.
Comanche was the only survivor, of Custer's group, that was immediately recovered, but another horse was later recovered from the indians (although I cannot recall his name, if he had one) when they eventually surrendered (Western Horseman - a year or so ago). Evidently, all the other horses, of Custer's group, were killed by the indians or the soldiers themselves, as barricades. Also, Custer was not then currently ranked General, but instead Lt. Colonel. His rank was reduced at the end of the Civil War, as was that of most officers continuing in Army service.
