They Followed the Plume: The Story of General J.E.B. Stuart and His Staff
by Robert J. Trout
Stackpole Books, 1993
The book far which many of us has waited as patiently as possible has arrived. Bob Trout, an unabashed devotee of General Stuart, has written the story of men who followed "Stuart's indomitable feather. " In this book we meet men of the highest calibre, for Stuart had only the best for his staff. It is impossible for a man who offers everything, like Stuart, to tolerate mediocrity or selfishness. Bob dedicates the book "to those who followed the plume and to those who follow it still. " He has recognized a bond that exists between those who were there in person and those of us who are with them in spirit.
This is certainly a book to enjoy reading, but it is also a valuable reference work. It is well organized for progressive reading. First, Bob gives us a history of the staff, its selection and duties. The second section are biographical sketches of the staff mambers with photographs of all but a few of them. We hope that in later editions these photographs may be found and published. In format, it reminds us of Mary Elizabeth Sergent's book, They Lie Forgotten. The biographical sketches are not only informative -- showing exhaustive research -- but are well-written.
Especially important is the section, Stuart's Headquarters personnel. These
are people most writers leave out. Bob Trout has done a fine job in showing
us these "support personnel," who kept records, filed the reports,
fed and clothed the men, took care of the animals, and did many other necessary
duties about the camps. Those of us who have served in the military know how
important these people are, for they too followed the
plume!
Included is a roster of those men who were detached from their assigned units or were assigned directly to the cavalry. He tells us that no claim is made that this roster is complete and hopes that records can be corrected in the future --anticipating more editions of the book. Following this are Confederate regulations regarding staff officers' duties and uniforms. Bob includes some very helpful Notes, a list of abbreviations, sources of photographs, bibliography, and an index -- all of which are indispensable to the serious researcher.
They Followed the Plume is a book we will enjoy reading, then keep
it handy for reference. I think we will often find ourselves picking it up
to "visit" through its pages those wonderful Anericans who maintained
their honor, integrity, dignity and patriotism in utterly impossible
circumstances.
