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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 #: GLC02570.46 Author/Creator: Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897 Place Written: Near Rome, Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 July 1863 Pagination: 10 p. : Order a Copy

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. Has put in for a furlough and a transfer and was been rejected twice. Discusses his promotion to colonel and how important it is that he is fighting in the war. Writes, "Let those who prefer civil life with it's present ease and inglorious advantages but as for me enjoy it, but forbid it God that me or any of my blood should ever falter in the only honorable course in this great and awful crisis." he includes instructions on sending mail.
Postscript reads "Have not had a letter from Texas in over three months. You and my friends have most sadly neglected me but I'll get even yet."

Cooke, Gustave, fl. 1861-1865

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