Hi Hal,
To add to the discussion on the spelling of Rodes' middle name: Rodes's son was named Robert Emmet Rodes, as was his grandson, his great-grandson, and his great-great-grandson (me). All of his descendants have always spelled their name with one t. The understanding of our family is that we are named after the Irish patriot Robert Emmet, whom his father David admired. For these reasons, as well as the spelling on his gravestone and the VMI record, it seems to me unlikely that the correct spelling of the General's name has two t's, biographers notwithstanding. I'm not sure how the discrepancy began, but would be interested to find out. Perhaps there's a signature somewhere?
Best Regards,
Bob Rodes
(Robert Emmet Rodes V) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Robtrodes (talk • contribs) 00:02, 24 June 2010 (UTC)