Last in Their Class: Custer, Pickett, and the Goats of West Point (review)

A "goat" at the United States Military Academy is a cadet who, by academic standing or by way of total demerits, graduates at the bottom of the class. The "goats" are a marked contrast to generals William T. Sherman, George Meade, and Robert E. Lee, all of whom who graduated at or near the top of their classes. Surprisingly, West Point cadets themselves have never considered the term or position of "goat" to have a pejorative meaning. Goats were of two types: those who truly barely graduated because of poor academic performance, or those who were capable, yet did only the minimum necessary to pass. They were generally the bons vivants of the class, popular among their classmates. As "goat" Henry Heth wrote of his more cerebral and well-behaved roommate: "He was good, but he was not happy; I was not good, but I was happy."

While readers may not know about the notable exploits of such goats as Heth, they may be more familiar with those of Confederate General George Pickett and Union General George Armstrong Custer, the youngest general of the Civil War, or those who failed out of West Point like poet Edgar Allen Poe or artist James Whistler.

Last in Their Class: Custer, Pickett, and the Goats of West Point covers the period of military history from the unfortunately little-read or written-about Seminole War through the battle of the Little Big Horn. The Seminole War had the highest death rate of any U.S. Indian war. In this seemingly endless guerrilla-type war, morale plummeted and frustration mounted as troops proved unable to find or engage the enemy. Public support for the war evaporated and Congress increasingly scrutinized war expenditures. With the author's depiction of the service of the "goats" in the Seminole, Mexican-American, and Civil Wars, readers will find more than expected, and welcomed, references to current affairs.

There are few weaknesses in this book. There are instances where the author seems to leave the reader short, such as when he notes that in battle George Pickett used his "small, inadequately supplied force in inspired ways" (p. 276), but fails to explain how. Examples like this are likely less due to the author's carelessness and more to concerns for space—the narrative itself is over 400 pages.

Robbins, a professor at National Defense University, tells a strong story. The research is original and comprehensive with an appropriate emphasis on "goat" correspondence. Based on his review of all the "goats" in the early- to mid-nineteenth century, he concludes that any organization benefits from a certain degree of nonconformity; "a poor academic record does not reflect a lack of honor, sense of duty, or physical courage. It does not mean one cannot be a good or inspirational leader" (p. 411).

This book would appeal to military historians as well as to social historians for its enlightening references to off-base activities at West Point in the early nineteenth century, including those at the legendary Benny Havens Tavern where some adventurous cadets congregated, or more aptly, found refuge when they escaped the confines of West Point. But these were Goats. And they were happy.