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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) to Eliza Cook

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02570.04 Author/Creator: Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) Place Written: Harrisburg, [?] Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 September 1861 Pagination: 3 p. + addr. Order a Copy

Camp news. Discusses his company and the support his charges extend to him. He writes, "I am treated with such kindness and appreciation by the men that it more than compensates for the hardship. I know I shall be well cared for and think that I have many warm friends." Cook informs his wife that he will be corresponding "with the 'Houston Telegraph' and it would be well for you to take it if you could." Includes a promise to send her his pay once he receives it and instructions on sending mail.

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.

Cooke, Gustave, fl. 1861-1865

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