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[Collection of Gustave Cook, H company, 8th regiment, Texas, cavalry] [decimalized]

#3 mentions intention to attend the Jeff Davis inaugural. #8 mentions Union POW's from 1st Manassas arriving in New Orleans. #9 has good description of camp life. #10 has account of battle of Woodsonville, KY 12/17/1861 and death of Col. Terry....

GLC02570

to Eliza Cook

Cook has just arrived in New Orleans and is excited to be involved in the war. Probably doesn't realize the gravity of the nation's situation when he writes, "I think it probable that I shall be back by the 10th of February but am not sure of it."...

GLC02570.01

to Eliza Cook

Has arrived in Hayneville from Montgomery and plans to return to the latter to attend the inauguration of Jefferson Davis. Has received Eliza's letter and writes, "…I do assure you that I was much gratified that you had thought enough of me to write...

GLC02570.02

to Eliza Cook

Short note. Letter of introduction of a house guest. Includes his third forecast of an early return when he writes, "I will be with you in two months. I am getting well very rapidly. Be patient."

GLC02570.03

to Eliza Cook

Camp news. Discusses his company and the support his charges extend to him. He writes, "I am treated with such kindness and appreciation by the men that it more than compensates for the hardship. I know I shall be well cared for and think that I...

GLC02570.04

to Eliza Cook

En route to New Orleans. Discusses his impending appointment to captain. Writes that Louisiana is beautiful and wonders if Eliza would consider living there. On the people of New Iberia, Cook writes,
"The people here all talk nothing but French...

GLC02570.05

to Eliza Cook

Short note. Introduces a Mr. Brauch, who is delivering this note. Discusses the wellbeing of the regiment and writes that he doesn't know where they will be moving next but thinks it will be Kentucky. He writes, "Before leaving I shall write to...

GLC02570.06

to Eliza Cook

Short note. Introduces a Mr. Brauch, who is delivering this note. Discusses the wellbeing of the regiment and writes that he doesn't know where they will be moving next but thinks it will be Kentucky. He writes, "Before leaving I shall write to...

GLC02570.07

to Eliza Cook

Cook has kept up his correspondence with the "Houston Telegraph" regarding the daily camp lives of the soldiers. He reports that he didn't have any time to write Eliza and asked his friend John to address her in his letter to Lou (wife or sister?)....

GLC02570.08

to Eliza Cook

Writes that he is bored and that nothing is interesting happens. He and a friend (John Weston) have decided to take turns writing home to keep their families posted. Reports that Sam Glascock is very ill but tells Eliza to be careful who she tells...

GLC02570.09

to Eliza Cook

Short note encloses $55 (not included). Postscript reads, "Will write in a few days. Don't get poor til I come back."

GLC02570.10

to Eliza Cook

Recounts a battle where Cook's regiment lost 5 soldiers, including their commander. Describes the bullets whistling by his head. Has sent money home and promises to send more once he is promoted. News about local Fort Bend boys in camp.

GLC02570.11

to Eliza Cook

Discusses money matters. Raves about the "good coffee we have here." The coffee is so good, Cook has promised to send "forty or fifty pounds (by the first chance) of coffee. You must let Lou and Susan have some if I send it." Concerned over the...

GLC02570.12

to Eliza Cook

Short note jotted down at daybreak. Writes that he is enclosing a letter. Says he has rheumatism in his arms "which is not very troublesome."Written at Camp Johnson.

GLC02570.13

to Eliza Cook

Takes offense at the charge (by Susan, his wife's sister?) that he doesn't write as often as he could. Defends himself by saying he is very busy and does not have an abundance of materials with which to write, unlike the people at home who can write...

GLC02570.14

to Eliza Cook

Has written a letter to Mr. Earnest and wants Eliza to read it. In this letter he has recounted the terrible weather.
He is very glad that Eliza is writing him letters and takes "great pleasure in correcting any spelling errors you may make so far...

GLC02570.16

to Eliza Cook

Discusses Eliza's letter to Sam Jones (GLC02570, #15) that he returns with this letter. Compliments her letter writing and encourages her progress in this "art which you so much desire."
Reply's to Eliza's claim that she writes every week with "I do...

GLC02570.17

to Eliza Cook

Short update quelling the rumors that his company was cut off from the army. Fears that the south has lost Kentucky and Tennessee. Has received family and friends' letters and will write back when he gets the chance.

GLC02570.18

to Eliza Cook

Cook's cousin is visiting. Wonders if the girls received his last letter. Reports that there are a handful of soldiers that are so ill they were left behind with a civilian. Parts of letter are missing. Written in a camp near Mursfreesboro...

GLC02570.19

to Eliza Cook

Writes that he has been sicker than he has ever been in his life. Mostly camp news and general interest news. Cook hopes to visit and writes, "Will you be ready for me? Are you still the great fat girl you were writing to me about two or three...

GLC02570.20

to Eliza Cook

Cook wants Eliza to come visit him in Alabama. He thinks that even though it is expensive ($200 each way), it will be worth it if the war lasts much longer. He thinks that the war will be over before the year is through and plans to see Eliza in...

GLC02570.21

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."

GLC02570.22

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...

GLC02570.23

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...

GLC02570.24

to Eliza Cook

Gustave writes this letter by candlelight which he says "shoots up as I begin a word and dies out before I record the first syllable."
Includes camp news. Writes that he may stop by his father's house and check on his brothers' well being.

GLC02570.25

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...

GLC02570.26

to Eliza Cook

Cook went to visit family and "I found the whole country in mourning for relations and friends killed at the battles of Seven Pines and Richmond." Includes news about Girard and adds that Walter has been very sick but is improving slowly. He...

GLC02570.27

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...

GLC02570.28

to Eliza Cook

Cook discusses camp news. He says he doesn't know where to tell her to write but has decided that sending mail by way of the private citizen is "not a good plan."

GLC02570.29

to Eliza Cook

Discusses camp news and recent campaigns. Includes a graphic description of the aftermath of the battle of Perryville: "Such slaughter I never dreamed of. Any where on the field you could stand still and count from one to two hundred dead men in a...

GLC02570.30

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...

GLC02570.31

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...

GLC02570.32

to Eliza Cook

Camp news and possible rumors of a possible promotion. Says he bought a young mare and a large horse and regrets the purchase of the horse because he could have sent her the money. He will send money for Christmas dinner.

GLC02570.33

to Ida Cook

Remands her for not writing after she promised to. Send his love to the family. Makes a deal with Ida: if she writes him a long neat letter he will tell her "how I live and all about the war and also send you a twenty dollar bill in it."

GLC02570.34

to Eliza Cook

Says he has just received all the letters Eliza has written him since he left. Says he just bought another mare for $300 "which I wish now I had to send you."

GLC02570.35

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...

GLC02570.36

to Eliza Cook

Gustave has been wounded and his letter is written by the chaplain. His horse was shot and subsequently fell probably during the Battle of Stone's River. Says the fall "caused the blood to gush from my mouth and nose and made me a little [more...

GLC02570.37

to Eliza Cook

Long letter discusses camp news, campaigns. Written near Shelbyville, Tennessee.

GLC02570.38

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…"...

GLC02570.39

to Eliza Cook

Cook has no supplies to write a decent letter so he uses a pencil. Reports camp news and current situation. Written near Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

GLC02570.40

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...

GLC02570.41

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...

GLC02570.42

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...

GLC02570.43

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...

GLC02570.44

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...

GLC02570.45

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...

GLC02570.46

to Eliza Cook

Includes news from camp. Discusses his recovery from a cough. Writes about his mistrust of sending mail with someone he doesn't know. He writes, "It is a great trust to send letters home by one and a man who would betray it would very materially...

GLC02570.47

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...

GLC02570.48

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...

GLC02570.49

to Eliza Cook

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

GLC02570.50

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.

GLC02570.51

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...

GLC02570.52

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...

GLC02570.53

to Eliza Cook

Describes camp news. Almost illegible, very faint writing.

GLC02570.54

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...

GLC02570.55

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...

GLC02570.56

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...

GLC02570.57

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?...

GLC02570.58

to Eliza Cook

Writes that he is thinking of Eliza and has nothing to write except "that I love you and fear you do not believe it." Discusses at length camp and army news. Reports on his gaunt physique and how much he has changed from the man Eliza fell in love...

GLC02570.59

to Eliza Cook

Writes about his and Eliza's wedding day, 11years ago. Reminds her of God's blessings regardless of all the illness and death that has been bestowed upon them. Wishes he had kept and journal and "let our children see the joys and sorrows, hopes and...

GLC02570.60

to Eliza Cook

Shares his distress over being one of the few people left in his family. With his brother Girard paralyzed, Gustave feels he must take his place as the beloved warrior in the family but feels like he would be usurping that position. Tells Eliza she...

GLC02570.61

to Eliza Cook

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...

GLC02570.62

to Eliza Cook

Short note reporting that "Sammie is alive and well though a prisoner in the hands of the enemy." Writes that his application for furlough is being strongly recommended. Was written near Jacksonville, Alabama.

GLC02570.63

to Eliza Cook

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...

GLC02570.64

to Eliza Cook

Decides to write a lighthearted and witty letter since he cannot sleep. Describes the routine morning activities and talks about the bad food. Writes a bit later in the day and includes "…I only need the love of one being and that one you can guess...

GLC02570.65

to Eliza Cook

Tells Eliza that he wrote her four days ago and "sent the letter off by a very uncertain carrier but hope you will get it. I now regret not having retained it until the present as I have a most excellent opportunity to transmit letters." A friend...

GLC02570.66

to Eliza Cook

Illegible, very faint writing.

GLC02570.68

to Eliza Cook

Illegible fragment

GLC02570.69