Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897 to Eliza Cook
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02570.58 Author/Creator: Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897 Place Written: Marietta, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 June 1864 Pagination: 7 p. + addr. Order a Copy
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? Thus to allude to a matter which I hoped was buried with the past and fully understood. How I may have acted heretofore I hoped you had forgiven when I so humbly begged forgiveness. But it seems that you still cherish it in your heart…I had hoped you were not jealous of me darling but this looks rather strange. I do not [illegible] anything I [illegible] have done and have after told you of everything that ever transpired between certain persons and myself…Think, Mavourneen, before you are so unkind again." Doesn't want Eliza corresponding with Ned McDaniel because "his estimate of female virtue is too low and he is not a man of conscientious scruples on that subject….Be sure to obey me on this. I don't like men who have no regard for a woman's virtue."
Says he has not heard from his family in Alabama in several months, "They do not write nor do I."
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