Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) to Eliza Cook
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02570.48 Author/Creator: Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) Place Written: Near Rome, Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 August 1863 Pagination: 4 p. Order a Copy
Rejoices that his wife's health has improved. Tells her to keep in mind her health for everyone's sake so she will be healthy when he returns. Reports that his brother Girard was shot through the thigh at the Battle of Gettysburg. He writes, "Were he to die I should feel as one lost forever. He is my only and darling brother and beside myself, our dear mother's only child living." Promises Eliza she will be repaid for all her suffering and sacrifice when the war is over. Writes that his horses and uniforms take up much of his wages. He states, "The expenses of my position will more than double my wages soon and then what you are to do I am at a loss to imagine. But all will come right." Includes news that his cousin was taken prisoner at Shelbyville.
Born in Alabama on July 3, 1835, Cook moved to Texas alone at the age of 15 and studied law independently. Cook enlisted as a private in 8th Texas Cavalry, "Terry's Texas Rangers," in 1861 and was promoted to colonel by July 1863. After the war he became a circuit court judge for Galveston, served in the Texas state legislature and led an unsuccessful campaign for governor in 1890. He died in 1897 of complications from a wound suffered during his military service.
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