george custer s plan to revive his struggling career is backfiring. the general abandons 20 of his men on the battlefield. captain frederick benteen turns on his leader, alerting the country to custer s callous command. [ whip lashing ] let the slandering coward come forward and face me. sir! i am the author, and i am prepared for whatever punishment you see fit. captain benteen, i will see you again, sir. you are dismissed. losing the respect of his officers and fearing