Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) to Eliza Cook
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02570.46 Author/Creator: Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) Place Written: Near Rome, Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 July 1863 Pagination: 10 p. Order a Copy
Discusses the rainy weather and knows that things like that are not unusual in the army and should not complain. Has an awakening (Page 4) and apologizes for being unkind and uncaring in the past. Cook promises to change his ways when he comes home. Has put in for a furlough and a transfer and was been rejected twice. Discusses his promotion to colonel and how important it is that he is fighting in the war. Writes, "Let those who prefer civil life with it's present ease and inglorious advantages but as for me enjoy it, but forbid it God that me or any of my blood should ever falter in the only honorable course in this great and awful crisis." he includes instructions on sending mail.
Postscript reads "Have not had a letter from Texas in over three months. You and my friends have most sadly neglected me but I'll get even yet."
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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