Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) to Eliza Cook
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02570.64 Author/Creator: Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) Place Written: West bank, Savanna River Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 December 1864 Pagination: 6 p. Order a Copy
Discusses camp news. Feels that the war is more than half over. Interested in how the children are doing and what they are learning. Wants daughter Ida to continue her education away from home but doesn't think she would do well in the presence of complete strangers. He suggests she come stay with him where he can better support her. Says he hasn't sent money because he learned that Confederate money is of no value in Texas. Offers to send home the "hands" he brought with him to war. Suggests moving out to the country and growing the food she needs and being self-sufficient. Discusses the care package he received from his sister and family. Post-script mentions the possible capture of a family friend.
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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