Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) to Eliza Cook
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02570.36 Author/Creator: Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) Place Written: In camp near [Trime?], Tennesee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 December 1862 Pagination: 4 p. Order a Copy
Writes how the ink is freezing in his pen's point and it is visible in the letter. Reports on possible campaigns. Is frustrated with the mail which he calls "uncertain" and he "must learn to endure although I am inpatient when I do not get letters from my little wife. My own sweet one must think of me often, as I am very jealous of her love. I dream of you often darling Lizzie and oh! how sweet are my dreams. I see you, fold you to my heart of hearts and you look into my eyes with love and confidence." Cook is unsure of his wife's intentions and wonders if she dreams about him, thinks about him. Writes that he thinks the war will be over soon: "it will be sweet to remember that we have suffered and know that all is over, that we are reunited and happy. It is such a beautiful hope such a happy anticipation that I allow myself to indulge in it freely. Do you ever think about it?"
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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