Those tacticians whom I have studied agree with Custer's decision to leave them behind, and also opine that they would not have saved the day. Many of the casualties were caused by arrow fire, a good part of it indirect. It is tempting, but not realistic, to see the Gatlings, particularly those Gatlings, being basically light artillery, as salvation, on that ground, in that fight. Did I mention that there were WAY too many Indians?