[Peter Libra]

It would be interesting to know the actual numbers of combatants. I have not done any in depth studies, but one figure was given as that of Indians - "10,000, including squaw men and renegades". This seems unlikely. I have seen bumper stickers lauding the victory at the Little Big Horn. I think it would be fair to say that Custer's men were outnumbered by at least six to one.

Curiously enough in the annals of the French Foreign Legion, a platoon of Legionaires held off a huge number of Mexicans. (Emperor Maximillian"s brief reign). All wiped out. This is - or was, celebrated by the French Foreign Legion as a glorious thing annually

I cannot understand the derision of Custer. Oh, those darn historians- whatever suits 'em. (lol).

[drzz]

Excellent post, peter!

The Legion’s last stand was Camerone.

Custer’s decision to attack was sound according to everything: the enemy (the Indians weren’t as organized as we say today), the strength, the surprise (Custer achieved surprise), the location...

Custer acted well. But his subordinates didn’t. When Custer reached the village, he couldn’t believe that he could loose the battle. Everything had gone better than he expected.

That’s why so many lies were spread about Little Bighorn. The real responsible of the disaster, the traitors Benteen and Reno, couldn’t explain their actions, unless the village would be enormous and Custer’s decision to attack would be foolish.

131 years of lies and myth - and Custer’s honor tarnished.