Custer was reputed to have said a toast to his family and fellow officers "To a brevet (promotion) or a coffin!" before riding off to meet his final destiny at Little Big Horn. He was a fatalist, and he figured it was his last big chance for glory, and could secure him a possible future run for the presidency. He knew the risks were great, and he was a man always known to take risks without hesitation. It had always worked before. Why not one more time...?