16 March 1862

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Short note reporting Cook's chronic dysentery. Feels compelled to come home to visit but has an obligation to the army and "if a battle is fought here I must see it or I can never be satisfied."

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22 March 1862

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Has received Eliza's letter and even though it was over a month old, "your hand had traced it and your thoughts were on it so I kissed it and read it over and over." Cook reports that he received letters from his father and his aunt, but nothing from his sisters. Apologizes for having nothing exciting to write since he does so frequently. He wonders why Mrs. Lamar has not written him back and attributes it to the fact that he may have written a letter that was "out of taste." Asks Eliza to tell Mrs. Lamar that if his writing was offensive it is only because he is ignorant of such matters…

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20 July 1862

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Short note about camp news. Includes lines about how when the war is over, Eliza and Gustave will come into their own and will be in "the heyday of our life." Reminds her to stay pretty because "…when I do return…then you can make me do as you please. You know how easily I am controlled by a pretty face and I think yours is quite so if you are 30 (almost)." Requests a letter from daughter Ida.

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30 July 1862

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Includes camp news. Cook promises to write friends and family once he has the chance. Wants Eliza to visit a good dentist "to plug any decayed teeth you have and file apart the two front ones…Pretty teeth you know are a great attraction and by having yours worked on a little they will be beautiful. Do it for my sake now darling and I expect to hear soon that you have done as I desire. Be sure to have the two front ones separated for they are decaying and need to be plugged badly. I shall send you plenty of money…" Is concerned about his two brothers. He writes, "I have not…

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17 August 1862

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Cook recounts his visits with his sister Ginny, "When I went to see her and the servant told her who it was in the parlor the nervous little woman came running with arms outstretched and tears streaming from her eyes. She threw herself upon my breast and sobbed as though her heart would break saying whenever she could speak, 'oh, my brother I am so glad you are alive' 'I thought you might be dead' etc, etc. She held me around the neck for fifteen minutes looking up at me every few moments to see if it was really brother Gustave and then hiding her little face to weep for very joy."…

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1 November 1862

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Discusses camp news. Complains about his charges; he thinks "they need too much waiting on and watching, they are not manly enough." Asks Eliza what she and the children do for fun and asks "Do you ever talk about me and wonder where I am and what I am doing?" Wishes she was at home in their house rather than staying elsewhere.

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7 November 1862

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Polly, Nettie and Peggy Cook

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."

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10 December 1862

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Writes how the ink is freezing in his pen's point and it is visible in the letter. Reports on possible campaigns. Is frustrated with the mail which he calls "uncertain" and he "must learn to endure although I am inpatient when I do not get letters from my little wife. My own sweet one must think of me often, as I am very jealous of her love. I dream of you often darling Lizzie and oh! how sweet are my dreams. I see you, fold you to my heart of hearts and you look into my eyes with love and confidence." Cook is unsure of his wife's intentions and wonders if she dreams about him, thinks…

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17 February 1863

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Discusses the incredibly cold weather and has frostbite on both feet and one finger. Mentions a paralysis (seizure?) in his arms, spine and "brain which left me senseless and speechless for about 24 hours. They all thought you'd be a young widow…" Lists all the letters he finally received from as far back as December. He is interested in what the family does for fun while he is gone and hopes they do not sit around sulking. He is glad his wife's finger is healed so she can pick up in writing letters. He writes, "My dearest wife it is one of the greatest pleasures and most easily…

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19 - 20 March 1863

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Had not meant to write to Eliza but his hand automatically wrote "Darling." Reminds her of taking walks on the prairies and jokingly tells her to watch for persuasive suitors. Cook had written Eliza an explicit letter and wonders why she has not returned the favor. He continues, "If I should find a pretty, sweet, nice, little one here who would indulge me for your sake would you object? It is not fair for me to ask the privilege without extending to you the same and as I know I am safe why I will just say on the Bible that when I get home I will exchange secrets with you, telling you all…

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15 April [1863]

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Wonders if all his letters are boring his wife. Discusses having a cough and recovering. Reports that he will be stopping one day and expects to see an abundance of letters from home, "If not, it is strange and I shall incline to think you neglect me. This may be unjust in me but why is it so few letters from you ever reach me?" Says he writes to more people than anyone in camp yet receives the least. He writes, "Enough, I have done, and unless my letters are answered and promptly I shall take it for granted they are uninteresting and shall cease writing altogether. My opportunities are…

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20 April 1863

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Fuss about Cook's lack of mail: "I will venture that no other wife in Texas, or sweetheart even, gets half as many letters from her lover as you do. Is it not so? And yet I do not get letters from you as often as many do from others. How come this? Who is to blame, you or the mail? Never mind though I wrote you one ill natured letter on this very subject last week and that shall gratify my spleen for a time." Discusses his loss of good looks, "…I have just lain aside my mirror in the reflection of which I have been gazing upon the once attractive features of your husband. Alas! Miss…

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1 June 1863

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

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…

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6 July 1863

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Writes that his brother Walter has been killed near Chancellorsville, Virginia. Comforts his wife over the loss of their daughter Nellie by saying she is with God and "God has done best. We will cherish her memory." Eliza thinks Cook blames her for Nellie's death. Cook writes a page reassuring her that she is good and able. Offers to have Eliza come to Tennessee to recover. Shares his desire for success in the law once he is through with the war, but would forget it all if his wife needed him. Encourages Eliza to be strong and hopeful for those that are still alive.

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30 July 1863

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Discusses the rainy weather and knows that things like that are not unusual in the army and should not complain. Has an awakening (Page 4) and apologizes for being unkind and uncaring in the past. Cook promises to change his ways when he comes home. Has put in for a furlough and a transfer and was been rejected twice. Discusses his promotion to colonel and how important it is that he is fighting in the war. Writes, "Let those who prefer civil life with it's present ease and inglorious advantages but as for me enjoy it, but forbid it God that me or any of my blood should ever falter in…

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6 August 1863

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Rejoices that his wife's health has improved. Tells her to keep in mind her health for everyone's sake so she will be healthy when he returns. Reports that his brother Girard was shot through the thigh at the Battle of Gettysburg. He writes, "Were he to die I should feel as one lost forever. He is my only and darling brother and beside myself, our dear mother's only child living." Promises Eliza she will be repaid for all her suffering and sacrifice when the war is over. Writes that his horses and uniforms take up much of his wages. He states, "The expenses of my position will more…

GLC02570.48

7 - 12 August 1863

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

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…

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24 October 1863

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Opens with, "Do not be frightened at my new handwriting as it is done with my left hand." Describes his wounds.

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3 November 1863

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Short note letting Eliza know his wounds are improving. Letter looks as though it was written over a previously written letter on bleached paper. Contains ANS by Gustave Cook to his wife on page 2.

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31 December 1863

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Has sent $300 and wishes he could have sent more. Tells Eliza that she shall reap her reward for all her sacrifices. Writes that Sam has been taken prisoner and reasons that "while a prisoner [Sam] is at least out of danger." Notes that his brother Girard is almost ready for duty again. Reports that he has been promoted to Colonel and writes "Who knows but what I might be a Brig Gen'l one year from today!" Includes general camp news of local friends.

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1 - 9 February 1864

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Discusses their good fortune in life. Describes how he looks and feels. Says his wounded hand has greatly improved and is better than he would have ever suspected. Has stopped writing to people at home except for his wife "and they shall only hear from me through the papers." Closes with: "Say to Blonde, Brunette and Twinkler that papa thinks of them always and hopes they will not forget him. I shall send you an ambrotype on photograph at the first opportunity. I wish yours my wifey dear very much but I am afraid the Yankees might get it some day."

GLC02570.53

4 March 1864

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Christens his wife with a pet name: "Mavourneen" (my darling). Has sent her a care package. "Then as now I had comparatively nothing to write but I neglect no opportunity to send you a line." Discusses the importance of men being with women to break "off the rough corners and polishes him up". Continues, "You may see from these that I am somewhat of a gallant yet. But you must not be jealous as I am doing this on your suggestion and besides you are in the habit of going to frolics. It must have been a gay one you and Dr. Feris attended at Esq. Andrews'. I shrewdly suspect that there was…

GLC02570.55

29 April 1864

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Glad that he received Eliza's picture and letter. Cook is relived that she is well again and shares his fear of her death. He was most afraid she would die without ever knowing how much he loved her. Wishes their children to grow up and follow in their mother's goodness. Note takes the tone of an apology/guilt ridden letter. He writes, "Oh that I were with you every day and hour, that I might in some measure atone for the past and convince you that I am wholly truly and forever thine and thine only." Cook is upset by the death of his good friend Robert Calder and says "The death of…

GLC02570.56

13 June 1864

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Cooks wants to set the record straight on "the house 'I loved so much'." He feels he has been straightforward and has told Eliza everything of his past indiscretions. Says he will again clear things up when he returns. He writes, "…nothing will afford me more pleasure than to take you in my lap and all alone in our little room tell it all to you truthfully and fully. If you wish it I will tell you all that occurred while I was in Texas before the war and will answer all questions your curiosity may prompt." Follows with a suggestion for Eliza to work on her letter writing, especially her…

GLC02570.57

14 June 1864

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Cook writes that he has been very sick but is getting better. Critiques Eliza's last letter in which she doubts his love and truthfulness. He writes, "You speak of "Annie Laurie" as being sung in the house I 'used to love so much.' Was this kind? Thus to allude to a matter which I hoped was buried with the past and fully understood. How I may have acted heretofore I hoped you had forgiven when I so humbly begged forgiveness. But it seems that you still cherish it in your heart…I had hoped you were not jealous of me darling but this looks rather strange. I do not [illegible] anything I…

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