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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02570.49 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of Gustave Cook, H company, 8th regiment, Texas, cavalry |
| Title | Gustave Cook to Eliza Cook discussing entertainment in camp, his opinion of other women, Masonic meetings and the unfortunate marriage of a friend |
| Date | 7 - 12 August 1863 |
| Author | Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) |
| Recipient | Cook, Eliza |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Reports attending a barbeque, presentation and a review. Describes what he wore and how "well I looked and all the girls refused to believe that I was married thinking it a joke." Puts Eliza's mind at ease with: "But as pretty and charming as they seemed I could not think how sligh were all their attractions when compared to my sweetheart." Writes that he has again applied for furlough to visit his brother Girard and has not heard back. He is worried about Girard's condition and would very much like to see him. Cook includes information regarding the regular Masonic meetings in the regiments called "Terry's Lodge." Tells Eliza to never discuss Walter's unfortunate marriage to "a gay, sick, fashionable woman without a heart. Married him for his money and character. I wrote home to know if she showed any symptoms of sorrow at his death. I knew her before and hated to ask the question fearing the answer but I did it and here is the character of your sister. Never tell it even to our children. Walter never spent ten days with her in his life and knew nothing about her." |
| Subjects | Soldier's Letter Civil War Military History Confederate Soldier's Letter Confederate States of America Cavalry Marriage Women's History Clothing and Accessories Military Uniforms Entertaining and Hospitality Children and Family Injury or Wound Fraternal Organization Morality and Ethics Masons Finance Sexuality |
| People | Cook, Gustave (1835-1897) Cook, Eliza Jones (b. 1837) |
| Place written | Near Rome |
| Theme | The American Civil War; Women in American History; Children & Family; Health & Medicine |
| 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 |