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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897 to Eliza Cook

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02570.21 Author/Creator: Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897 Place Written: Mooresville, Alabama Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 March 1862 Pagination: 6 p. : Order a Copy

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 May. He writes, "It is honorable to serve one's country and yet you have almost made me homesick by asking me to come to you. There my heart is and there I would be but for stern [imperative?] duty. I am true and faithful to you in all aspects and let the war last as long as it may as I shall continue." Cook continues with apologies for taking Eliza's kindnesses for granted while he was home.

Cooke, Gustave, fl. 1861-1865

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