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to Eliza Cook
6 December 1861
Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897
Short note encloses $55 (not included). Postscript reads, "Will write in a few days. Don't get poor til I come back."
GLC02570.10
January 25, 1862
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
13 August 1862
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
22 August 1862
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
9 November 1862
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
23 November 1862
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
10 December 1862
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
February 17, 1863
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
1 June 1863
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
6 July 1863
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
30 July 1863
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
31 July 1863
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
7 - 12 August 1863
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
February 29, 1864
Describes camp news. Almost illegible, very faint writing.
GLC02570.54
29 April 1864
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
13 June 1864
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
7 July 1864
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
22 October 1864
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
1861-1865
Illegible fragment
GLC02570.69
8 September 1861
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
30 September 1861
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
18 October 1861
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
28 October 1861
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
25 December 1861
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
January 12, 1862
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
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