"On the Staff" is the fourth of the series of historical fiction novels in the series, "The Blue and the Gray--on Land." Like its predecessors, it is set during the time of the United States Civil War. In this volume, the hero, Deck Lyon, has grown somewhat older, and his character and ability have been considerably developed; and he is given the lead in sundry expeditions on shore and on the great river, and proves himself to be as able in council as in wielding his sabre.