Distant Thunder

Limited Numbered & Signed

Indian depredations, acquiring supplies and finding his wife Libby safe after a major flood at Fort Hays.
Jerry has depicted Captain Benteen and his escort on the Smokey Hill Trail near the Monument Rocks in present day Gove County, Kansas.
Following the Civil War where he was awarded brevet ranks of Major and Lt. Colonel for his actions at Wilson Creek, Pea Ridge, Vicksburg, and West Receiving special orders on July 11, 1867, Captain Frederick Benteen of the 7th Cavalry was to take a party of five enlisted men along with a four-gun battery of Gatling guns and proceed on to Fort Wallace, turning over the guns and ammo to the commanding officer at the post. A Butterfield Overland Despatch Stage also joined the escort along the way.
Near the Monument Rocks, Captain Benteen would meet Lt. Colonel George A. Custer on his forced march from Fort Wallace to Fort Hays.  Custer was in hopes of opening up the trail which had been under Port, Benteen received a new assignment with the Seventh U.S. Cavalry regiment and its field commander Lt. Colonel George A. Custer. Benteen commanded Troop H of the 7th Cavalry.
On June 25, 1876, Captain Benteen at the Battle of Little Big Horn was assigned command of a battalion comprising of companies H, D, and K.  Although Custer was uncertain of the exact location of the Indians, he assigned Benteen the task of defending the left flank.  Finding no war parties, Captain Benteen eventually joined up with Major Marcus Reno and companies N, A, and G on the high bluffs across the Little Big Horn River.
The Lakota and Cheyenne would destroy Custer's battalion and turn their attention to Reno and Benteen's position further to the south.  During the engagement, Benteen would lead two charges which drove Indians back just as it seemed the soldiers would be overrun.  Benteen was seen walking among his troops encouraging them and leading by example.
Frederick Benteen died June 22, 1898 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Jerry unveiled this painting at the Little Big Horn Associates National Convention in Billings, Montana, June 2009.  Unveiling the painting were Captain Benteen's descendents Myron, Fred and Buddy Steves.
