[af_vet_rr]

They were available. Custer’s decision was to not take them. And possible they wouldn’t have survived the march from the Yellowstone to the site of the battle.

On the other hand, many of his men didn't survive to march beyond the battle. I've always thought that he should have taken the extra cavalry he was offered. I can actually understand leaving the Gatlings behind, but the arrogance of refusing the extra cavalry, that's a lot harder to ignore.

Of course, Custer was facing an enemy that was refusing to give up their way of life, and a lot of us can certainly sympathize these days.

[bcsco]

The extra cavalry wouldn’t have made a difference. Benteen wouldn’t have made a difference had he obeyed Custer’s command to bring packs and arrived on time. It was a poor site for cavalry operations, the 7th wasn’t prepared for that type of fight, and they were far outnumbered and separated.