Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) to Polly, Nettie and Peggy Cook
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02570.32 Author/Creator: Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) Place Written: In camp near Kingston, Tennesee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 November 1862 Pagination: 3 p. + addr. Order a Copy
A short note just for the little girls so they "see that he does not forget his babies." Tells them to say their prayers, to study, be good and take care of their mother. Writes that he has a small white tent all to himself and say, "Would you not like very mush to have my little tent for a playhouse? Oh! I know you would and when the war ends I may bring you a little one if I can get 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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