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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