Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) to Eliza Cook
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02570.44 Author/Creator: Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) Place Written: Sparta, [] Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 June 1863 Pagination: 4 p. Order a Copy
Says he has received Eliza's last 2 letters and is saddened to learn that their daughter Nellie is still sick. He tries to comfort her by saying that if she does not get better and dies, she will be with God and at peace. He is worried that due to his daughter's and wife illnesses they are running out of money and promises to send some ASAP. Wants the family to visit as soon as they can. He writes, "I think the mountain air of North Alabama and East Tennessee will bring the roses again to your pale cheeks….My heart is fairly sunk within me and I choke with grief when I think of your situation." Tries to quell talk of a scandal that involves Cook, Winston and Blakely (two recruits). Cook had given the two men a letter saying that they were welcome to join his company rather than being sent to another company. The two used this letter as a furlough and claimed that Cook had allowed them leave. Writes that he received a friend's letter. Send his best wishes.
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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