On the Fact that Even Though the Standing Order Was Quite Clear that the Troops Were NOT to Pursue the Indians Beyond a Mile or Two from Fort Phil Kearny (the Tendency of the Indians to Ambush Was Well-Known by that Time and Being that Protecting the Trail and the Telegraph-Line Were the Major Goals, it Was Just Common-Sense), Captain (William) Fetterman Took it Upon Himself to Chase a Rowdy Band of Sioux Warriors Well Beyond the Perimeter With the End-Result Being Him and His 48 Underlings Being Killed, Scalped, Decapitated, and Disemboweled

Hubris and stupidity don't seem to mix well (with this being a perfect example). Have you noticed?