You're right. They were connected in a lot of ways. It's always interesting to read of those who may have been close friends or even related having those relationships destroyed because of the war. Some survived the conflict but many didn't. Same with the common enlisted soldier, we just don't read as much on them as we do on the officers. Must admit though, I see some poetic justice in Custer's story. As a kid, we always thought that's what he did. Have a last stand. It was later in life I found out he did more than just be an 'Indian' fighter. Same with a few others who showed up at places like Sand Creek. Their war record may be on display, but their 'other' exploits are sort of in the shadows.

Pam