Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) to Eliza Cook
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02570.62 Author/Creator: Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) Place Written: near Gadsden, Alabama Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 October 1864 Pagination: 19 p. Order a Copy
Has received Eliza's letters those from friends dated as far back as December 1863. Fills her in on where his camp is going and where they have been since his last letter. Can't bear to write any news of the war and instructs Eliza to read the papers. Thinks there is a chance of getting a 90 day furlough that winter but goes on to say that he has a tough decision: "it [would be] best for all that I should stay if I get proper assurances that I can organize the command and be promoted also but unless I get the certainty of raising the Brigade I would not stay for a major General commission…I would give a world for the opportunity [to see Eliza], yes everything save duty and honor. These must never be sacrificed." Follows with a recap of the previous page and his future aspirations and finishes with a suggestion for Eliza to visit him if he cannot get home. Questions his ability as a soldier after a skirmish almost drew him in. Reports some family news. Includes a line about a friend (John Weston) who has been treated badly by his girlfriend and writes, "I have found a new sweetheart here. I do not know how long I will keep her though. She is a very pretty little girl about sixteen and oh! she does send me some very sweet messages. So you see "Mavourneen" I have sweethearts as well as yourself and I bet mine is prettier than yours."
Discusses his regiment's casualties and asks Eliza to pray for him.
Has received Ida's (his daughter's) letter and is very impressed with her spelling and letter-writing skills.
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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