Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897 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, but don't. Complains that he has received "less than 6 letters" since he left home (probably September 1861) but he writes once a week. He writes, "There is something wrong in the mails, not in the correspondents." Puts Eliza's mind at ease over whether Cook loved her. He writes, "You have sometimes laughingly intimated that I did not love you but your own heart told you better and you know darling Lizzie that I love you above all the world." Writes that there is nothing of importance happening in camp except that they expect a battle any day. Says that they have 80,000 troops while the Union has 100,000 and they are within 8 miles of one another. Reports on the good health of his regiment and says he will come home if he can secure a furlough. He writes, "Will you have me if I come to you? I am a powerful little fellow now, though, as I weigh only about 140, but I am some man yet." Tells his wife to kiss the children and his ambrotype in the parlor and "it will kiss you." Written at Camp Hardee.