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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02570.61 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of Gustave Cook, H company, 8th regiment, Texas, cavalry |
| Title | Gustave Cook to Eliza Cook discussing his despair at the loss of family members, the hardship of the local people and his regiment |
| Date | 16 September 1864 |
| Author | Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) |
| Recipient | Cook, Eliza |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Shares his distress over being one of the few people left in his family. With his brother Girard paralyzed, Gustave feels he must take his place as the beloved warrior in the family but feels like he would be usurping that position. Tells Eliza she must be a pillar of strength for the family. Wishes to change to a more cheerful subject but goes on to discuss the awful circumstances of the local people and writes, "The sight I see daily, almost hourly, would sicken your tender heart and fill you with compassion for our brave women and old men. Even the children [illegible] to the loss of every earthly comfort with perfect composure trusting to the God who rights the wrong to reinstate them in their homes again and visit the spoiler with a [illegible]." Discusses the weather and yearns to spend the fall with his wife. He writes, "Oh how sweet the reverie I indulge. It is too happy to last. The harsh, sad realities of war around me awaken me to the knowledge that it is all but 'castles in the air.' We may enjoy such yet; let us hope at any rate." Is very proud and protective of the local Fort Bend boys in his regiment. He writes, "They are…most brave soldiers of whom Fort Bend County may well be proud…They are a splendid set of boys and I love them all dearly as noble men and their country's stay in the hour of danger." |
| Subjects | Religion Soldier's Letter Civil War Military History Confederate Soldier's Letter Confederate States of America Cavalry Children and Family Injury or Wound Health and Medical Women's History Railroad Wartime Pillaging and Destruction Poverty Union Forces Love Letters Bravery Patriotism |
| People | Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) Cook, Eliza Jones (b. 1837) |
| Place written | In camp, North Alabama. |
| Theme | The American Civil War; Women in American History; Children & Family |
| Sub-collection | Papers and Images of the American Civil War |
| Additional Information | Born in Alabama on July 3, 1835, Cook moved to Texas alone at the age of 15 and studied law independently. Cook enlisted as a private in 8th Texas Cavalry, "Terry's Texas Rangers," in 1861 and was promoted to colonel by July 1863. After the war he became a circuit court judge for Galveston, served in the Texas state legislature and led an unsuccessful campaign for governor in 1890. He died in 1897 of complications from a wound suffered during his military service. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |
| Civil War: Recipient Relationship | Wife |
| Civil War: Theater of War | Main Western Theater |
| Civil War: Unit | 8th Texas Cavalry, H Company |