Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) to Eliza Cook
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02570.49 Author/Creator: Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) Place Written: Near Rome, Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 - 12 August 1863 Pagination: 3 p. Order a Copy
Reports attending a barbeque, presentation and a review. Describes what he wore and how "well I looked and all the girls refused to believe that I was married thinking it a joke." Puts Eliza's mind at ease with: "But as pretty and charming as they seemed I could not think how sligh were all their attractions when compared to my sweetheart." Writes that he has again applied for furlough to visit his brother Girard and has not heard back. He is worried about Girard's condition and would very much like to see him. Cook includes information regarding the regular Masonic meetings in the regiments called "Terry's Lodge." Tells Eliza to never discuss Walter's unfortunate marriage to "a gay, sick, fashionable woman without a heart. Married him for his money and character. I wrote home to know if she showed any symptoms of sorrow at his death. I knew her before and hated to ask the question fearing the answer but I did it and here is the character of your sister. Never tell it even to our children. Walter never spent ten days with her in his life and knew nothing about her."
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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