Initially, Custer's battalion only faced a few 'stay-behinds' at the ford. Although he had 5 cavalry troops(C, F, E, I & L) only 2 or 3 went to the spot in my photo.
Once Reno was driven from the river flats... and word got around of Custer's approach... THEN the thousands of warriors began to appear before him.
I bow to your knowledge about Custer and Little Big Horn, Sir! What a fateful day! Yet it did not stem the onrushing white tide nor give the Indian a victory the lasted beyond a few summers, eh?