Benjamin F. Cook Letters, 1860-1865

Cook explains when he will get paid and when he expects his regiment to be mustered again. He asks his wife to have a ring made with specific instructions. He also mentions that Colonel Allen is in charge instead of Colonel Bates due to a hand wound.

Cook mentions how tired he is of the conflicts he sees, but doesn't expect they will be ending soon. He tells his wife to burn the letter after reading it.

This letter details a "row" had amongst the company between the captains and a Mr. Bapson. This argument made it impossible for Cook to visit home.

Says that he misses his wife and children very much while explaining why he hasn't visited home yet.

Cook talks about receiving a letter informing him of the death of his only son. He describes how New England feels 50 years advanced from where he is now and also mentions the price of local foods.

Cook explains why he will be late in visiting and asks his wife to pass his love on to his two children.

Reports a safe journey without rain and a meeting with Kate (a family friend).

In high spirits after a splendid parade, a good meal, and subsequent Sabbath. Mentions his protocol with reporting deserters.

Talks of missing home, while mentioning how Julia hasn't replied to several letters, and of a possible promotion to First Lieutenant if Lieutenant Bapson resigns.

Cook has just been mustered and given the rank of First Lieutenant. Says he earned his position based on qualifications and didn't have some rich friend pay for it.

The company traveled through New York with a great reception, but also got robbed. While in Baltimore, Cook met women who were in favor of secession. He was also near the place of "John Brown's notoriety" or Harper's Ferry.

Says the Negro slaves say that their masters are for secession, but pretend to be for the union while the troops are stationed there. Talks about the housing of the company and chain of command.

Mentions eating stolen food, then talks about the high prices of goods. Reports on strict disciplinary code in his unit.

Talks extensively about wanting to be back home with his family, about fighting in battle, and says he would rather get shot than run away. Tells his wife what to do in case he does die, but assures her he won't.

A man from another regiment got drunk and was subsequently court martialed. He was punished by being hung from a tree by his wrists. Cook's regiment becomes a bit disorderly and noisy while observing the man, but "not more than was natural." Captain Allen instructs Cook to disperse the men. Captain Allen is then arrested by the other regiment's Colonel for not doing his duty. Cook and his regiment are upset by this and tensions rise, but nothing comes of it. Cook questions the legitimacy of the arrest, but praises Allen for his willingness to be upheld, even unjustly. Cook calls him a "gentleman, a soldier, and a scholar."

Writes to correct a mistake in his previous letter and to say that he misses his family and wonders why he hasn't received letters from his wife.

Explains that all he thinks about is his wife and children contrary to what his wife believes. He again urges her not to discuss the arrest he mentioned in his previous letters as talking in a derogatory fashion of a superior could get him court martialed.

Recounts two separate events in which soldiers stole from wagons on the road. Both instances involved fighting.

Explains how his company is currently guarding the river, but had to move camp as the enemy was shelling their camp in the mornings. Spends half the letter telling his wife to be brave, and to try and not miss him. Promises good times when he visits next.

Requests a new watch to be made. Talks a lot about money including the last $200 he sent her. Wishes he had more letters to read.

Talks of the cold weather and his longing to be home. At one point he asks her if she would rather be unmarried so that she wouldn't have to be alone.

Was happy to receive his wife's letter. Seemed in great spirits. Explained what a forced march is. Talked of an ailing friend in the company, but is, himself, in good health.

A very detailed telling of his march to Washington with some fifty men.

Talks of marching up and down the Potomac River looking for a crossing. Complains of a lack of proper bridges.

Complains of the cold weather, the excessive marching, and a lack of letters from his wife.

Again says he longs for home, but not before he has had a good fight. Expresses confidence in his men and himself if they ever have to fight. The second part of the letter explains details for supplies that he would like to remain warm. Written on letterhead.

Talks of gifts he received from friends. Tells his wife that the men are not as well clothed as the papers make them out to be. Also mentions giving away some of his clothes to a man that shot himself. On letterhead of Commander of the Federal Forces on the Potomac.

Talks about theoretically switching places with someone at home. Says that Henry, his father, is safe. Says the weather is so bad and muddy that the men can't do any work. Says many men gamble and some have lost all their money. Reflects on hearing gunshots across the river. Realizes that he has gotten used to hearing them so he doesn't notice them anymore.

Details his troops' movements.

Left Winchester, Virginia with General Shields in charge. Subsequently lost one hundred men there and feels personally responsible for not having cleared the area of rebels. Now bound for Centreville and then Richmond. Mentions his return to Winchester. Talks of forced marches, worn out troops, and a lack of skin on his heels.

Mentions several places he expects to be marching towards. Mentions trouble sleeping because of a longing for home.

Arrives in Centreville after about two weeks of marching and observes abandoned Rebel fortifications. Then marched to Bull Run and observed the mass graves. Says Captain Allen and the men under Cook's command both think considerably of him.

Talks of a man from Gloucester that defaulted and ran away. Says that he wishes to be in the regular service so that he could have Julia and the children with him. Considers applying to the regular army when he returns home. Ends the letter with a romantic sentiment to his wife.

Explains the last few days in which he was temporarily promoted as other officers were away. Apparently answers a question that his children had previously asked about Captain Allen's dog.

Expresses concerns about the effectiveness of the Generals' movement orders and claims he could do a better job. Says that the men feel similarly.

Explains that he will be sending her money when he can and that next pay should be around $400. Talks of shelling the Rebels back 15 or 20 miles to Culpeper Courthouse.

Says he has been Officer of the day for a month straight now and that other Lieutenants are jealous of the higher ups partiality. Was recommended by Col. Webster and Brigadier General Abercrombie for a promotion. Tells a short story of his soldiers that, while on picket, put flowers in their guns and wore wreaths.

Sends his condolences for a Charles Friend who died by drowning. Believes they will be heading towards Fredericksburg to join McDowell. Hopes that a Captain Swift is not convicted of cowardice.

Spends the letter expressing his doubts that he will get the appointment that he had originally thought he would receive. Complains a bit about his higher-ups. At the end talks about a photo he sent his wife and if she likes his facial hair.

Has heard from several people that he will receive the promotion when the board convenes next so now believes he will get it. The President and the Secretary of War came to visit. Believes he may see fighting soon if the enemy does not retreat soon.

Talks of traveling aboard a steamer named Vanderbilt. Mentions riding with the New York Ninth Coloured. Explains how his men got quite drunk and rowdy and led to some arrests including Captains. Tells his wife that he is very loving and has stayed faithful unlike many other men.

Talks of hearing about the evacuation of Corinth and Richmond which he thinks will hasten the ending of the war. Mentions several officers who were disciplined for their rambunctious behavior in Alexandria. Talks of setting up to engage the enemy, but not being able to find them.

Bemoans the current weather and his own downward feelings. They are chasing Jackson by marching constantly. There is a small drawn map displaying a crossing of a river.

Describes his unit’s movements from the 27th to 30th. Arrived in the second battle of Bull Run on the 30th. Colonel Webster is killed, "A braver man never breathed." Lieutenant Colonel Bryan ran and is branded a coward.

Writes during a day of rest. Explains that their chaplain is resigning. Spoke to rebel prisoners. Says that McClellan almost cut off Jackson, but McDowell failed. He and the other men do not like McDowell. Says he doesn't know where they are headed to next, but expects backtracking.

Says that he hasn't received any letters for some time because of issues with the mail system. He talks a lot of pay, his hopeful upcoming promotion, and the wisdom in saving for a "rainy day."

Finally receives a great many letters. Explains that they have been resting for almost a week now. Cook doesn't have much to talk about.

Writes playfully to his wife. Apparently his wife read a note that was addressed to an "Edwin" and not her. Explains how he shouldn't have talked about potentially getting the captains position, but that the process takes some time.

Letter explains the latest march and the expected next march. Thinks that they may encounter fighting soon. Last page appears to be a shopping list.

Mentions George Friend who got medically discharged and now resides at a hospital in Alexandria. Observed a lunar eclipse. Says they are under McDowell's division. Wishes he was in Banks' and says he has never "heard him spoke well of," referring to McDowell. The men are not well-disposed towards McDowell.

A detailed list of objects he wants his wife to get for him.

Receives his Captain's commission. Requests for a speedy delivery of everything that he previously asked for.

Hears of his children being naughty and is sympathetic to his wife. Tells her to remind them that when he returns they will "catch a stick." Recommends keeping them from school for a while. Handwriting very faded.

Wishes to be back home, but explains why he can't get a leave of absence. Confides that he doesn't much care for anyone he is with.

Seems very pleased with the men in his company. Average age of 21, only two foreigners, and he gets along well with them all. He wishes more men from Gloucester would be drafted because his company still needs more men. Doesn't seem to think another promotion is very likely.

Has been sick for two days now. Talks about his symptoms and treatments he receives. Reports that he expelled two eight inch worms.

Writes after recovering from a remittent fever. Talks about his treatment and his experience of being sick.

After a two day march from Waterloo, Virginia, he tells of a terrible meal he purchased in the town of Culpeper. Relates that he was sick during the march over from Waterloo.

First portion of the letter replies to questions his wife had talked about in a letter. Does not know of any planned troop movements. On letterhead of Company E, Head-quarters.

Tells his wife that he is in good spirits. Says that he fears she is being too easy on the children, though wishes he could be there to help raise them.

No days of rest in ten days. Plenty of hard marching, sometimes through the night. Occasional hard fighting along the Rappahannock River. May have lost his chest when they retreated from Rapidan. Rebels were there the day after they left. Raiding Rebels almost successfully stole personal baggage of regiments near Warrenton Junction.

This letter is dated three days after the battle of Antietam. Cook was the only Captain not injured. His company went in with 45 men. 10 died and 23 were injured. His whole regiment had 330 and 210 of them were either killed or wounded. He is acting Colonel and was responsible for sending the list of casualties to the papers. Has now seen 7 fights and suspects his luck is running out. 570 dead rebels lay in a row. Has seen all he wants to see of war. Says "we have whipped them." Written on illustrated "Union" letterhead.

Wishes to be at home. Says "I suppose I have seen the hardest fighting that ever was on this Continent." Talks of the injured Captains and which ones will be promoted to fill vacancies. Mentions a father who came to see his son at the hospital.

Explains that he has been Officer of the Day for a bit and that he is charge of the pickets protecting the Potomac River. Talks about some religious debates that he and Colonel Bates had with the chaplain. Cook calls himself a Universalist while the chaplain is a Methodist.

The first third of the letter describes a dream he had of returning home. His wife would not recognize him and a dead soldier was there at the family house too. He goes on to explain some of the terrors he faced in battle and how there are very few officers left now.

Talks of a chaplain that he gets along well with. Also mentions how great of a man Colonel Bates is. Reminds him of John James Babson, a Massachusetts state senator from Gloucester.

Talks of not really expecting a promotion because none are available. Says that Captain Allen might be eligible for the Lieutenant Colonel position. Hears fighting going on nearby all day long. Says the surgeons are getting ready for the wounded.

Talks of expecting to march soon. Asks his wife to not read his letters to visitors for fear that his ignorance would show. More praise for Colonel Bates.

Talks about the politics of "earning" promotions and how the best men are often not rewarded for their skills.

Tells of a miserable wet march to Edward's Ferry. Also tells a story that he finds amusing about the men accidentally starting a fire while they were all trying to get warm and go to sleep. Seemed to be in good spirits.

Talks of bad, rainy weather.

Talks of past marching orders. Mentions that they are headed to Ashby Gap and expect fighting. Tells a story about how the men stayed up all night in the cold waiting to start marching because a mistake was made, all while the general slept.

Talks of very poor weather and more snow than last year already. Expects to support General Bayard at the Rappahannock River.

Short letter explaining how often he will be able to write back. Talks of many promotions because people have either died or been transferred. His own Lieutenant was promoted even though Cook didn't want him to, but he is glad to be rid of him. Cook weighed himself at 153 lbs.

Apologizes for his poor handwriting that his wife can't seem to read. Says that the men are cold and missing shirts because they lost supplies in the Second Battle of Bull Run and still have not been resupplied.

Learns who is elected governor, says he doesn't have much interest in politics and thinks the men at home don't either, but should. Talks of McClellan being superseded and how this is bad for the army as he had their trust.

Complains of army just sitting around and waiting. Talks again about Burnside superseding McClellan. Mentions that the pay master is still late (over two months late again). Daydreams about saving up their money and buying a farm out west.

Talks of being within sight of the Rebels that are across the Rappahannock River. Considerable artillery fighting across the river. Talks about wanting to go across the river to fight the rebels. Says that they chased the Rebels so fast that they didn't have time to destroy the railroad bridge that they had built. Another of his men has died from wounds from the battle of Antietam. Sixteen have been killed or died of wounds. Some men are still in the hospital.

Thought they were headed to Fredericksburg, but appear to be headed to Acquia Creek. Explains how his regiment got transferred to another to serve as an example for them. Says the government must be stretched pretty thin to pay their troops once in four months. Comments about receiving letters from his deceased troop's friends wanting descriptions of the men and how it's hard to reply to them all.

Talks of poor weather and not having butter for some days. Says that he and the Colonel agreed to quit smoking, but after two weeks he feels the need to smoke again and says it is too much of a sacrifice for a soldier to give up while in the army.

Some men do not have shoes. It has been five months since he was paid. Talks of a potential winter campaign and says that while he is willing to do anything to bring the war to an end, he believes a winter campaign will not succeed.

On Thanksgiving, he reflects on his last holiday last year when they had enough food for a Thanksgiving dinner unlike now. He says that the rebels have cannons set up to prevent them from crossing into Fredericksburg. Colonel Bates tells him that he knows more about the military than some generals and he means this as a compliment to Cook.

Talks highly of Colonel Bates again. Mentions a doctor being captured by the rebels and is very angered by this because it violates the rules of engagement of war.

Detailed description of the battle of Fredericksburg that he was involved in. Crushing defeat for the union.

Gets a promotion to Provost Marshall. He is now stationed in General Taylor's headquarters. Talks of new duties to be expected of him. Still hasn't been paid and expects to in January, making it nearly six months without pay.

Talks about his new duties and position more. Reminisces about all the Captains that left Fort Warren with him and how many are left.

The camp seems to be settling for the winter. Didn't realize it was Christmas until the morning of, remarks that only gift he got in his stockings was probably lice. Is quite lonely with his new position.

Talks more about life in headquarters and adjusting to the changes there. Wishes to go home, but explains that to get a leave of absence he would either need to be wounded or handicapped.

This letter functions as an apology as Cook had been a bit "extravagant" with his money recently. It is briefly mentioned that he visited his home sometime between this letter and the last one.

Talks about his horse and how well he gets along with it and how well it serves his purposes. Hopes that the president will use his power granted to him by Congress to end the rebellion.

Talks more about his duties and how he has never let a prisoner escape. Expects the war to end within a year. His wife asks him if would accept being in command of a Negro regiment and he says no. He understands that the president uses these soldiers because they can fight, but he is opposed to the idea of them being officers. Comments that if men were in the dark they would not be able to tell black and white apart.

Talks of enjoying his position as Captain. Says that if another Massachusetts regiment gets mustered he would apply for the position to be a field officer and he thinks he would get it due to recommendations. Quotes a report in which his regiment is referred to.

Says they were just about to go on the march but a storm prevented them. Thinks a hard fight is coming, but says that he will be in the rear thanks to his position. Says that some of the prisoners he is supervising are deserters and will be branded as such. Enjoys his position and says other captains want it. Tells of playing cards with his old regiment and Colonel Bates.

A letter assuring his wife of his love for her. He alludes to something that occurred as a result of his visiting last month which caused some distress to his wife and he apologizes for it, but never mentions what it was.

Talks of his father not doing well and asks that his regards be given to him. Some talk about other members of the army and their cowardice.

Short letter. Says he sent her $200 but will send more as the government owes him for two months’ pay. Has a cheeky remark where he says, "I received a letter from you which you did not scold me at all. You must have felt better."

Another update on his time in camp to his wife. Says he is worried about spending too much money so he may send more to her to keep him from spending. Asks his wife to make a rosette for him so he can wear it as an emblem.

Says that Colonel Bates requested for him to come back to the old regiment, but General Robinson said that Cook was the best Provost Marshall he had ever seen. Realizes that he is bragging again and hopes that his wife will forgive his weakness in character.

Mentions fighting either in Aldie, Virginia or Leesburg, Virginia close to where he is. Apologizes again for coming home when he did.

Army is still on the march, though this time northwards and into Maryland. General Robinson thinks that that the Rebels cannot hold on much longer.

Is thankful fo a recent victory [possibly Gettysburg or Vicksburg]. Says that if the Rebels would have won they might have been in Washington by now.

Has been marching for days. Thinks the Rebels won't come north again. Thinks they could have gotten Lee's army too, but did not. Talks of the severe cold he has, the lice in his clothes, and his only extra set of clothes being moldy. Talks of not wanting friends or relatives under his command. Thinks of after the war, if there was another war with England he would have a high ranking position.

A minor rest day after many days and nights of marching. Talks of the Massachusetts 8th returning home. Government now owes him three months of pay. Requests that his father send him a new suit of clothes with a sash.

Letter seems to be missing content. No parting signature or farewell address. Talks of a dress parade in which he led.

Remembers today as the anniversary of the Battle of Antietam. Takes the moment to reflect and examine the differences in the war and notices how much better the north is now. Expects to have fighting soon and believes he will be in command, but does not fear the fight and almost seems to welcome it. Thinks the heavy fighting is all but over. Apologizes again for visiting when he did. He has apologized several times for this, but it is not apparent what event he is referring to, although it seems to have pained Julia some. Talks of a man that Julia must know, who is very sick and might not recover. Says they sent him by ambulance to Alexandria, but Cook doesn't think he will survive.

Talks about the cold weather and how it has made him feel ill. Explains how the Provost is going to execute three deserters soon and how he almost had to do that duty. Says that many people desert, especially conscripts. The ones he talks about do not speak English well as German is their first language. Tells his wife to take care of herself and wishes her well on her confinement in pregnancy.

Tells a heartbreaking story about a father arriving to visit his son a day too late. Weather is getting colder. Briefly mentions meeting with Lt. Mason who he says replaced him as Provost Marshall.

Hand drawn hand pointing at text to be read first, "Try and read this before you burn it." Received a long awaited box from wife. Talks of a friendly meeting with Rebels across the Rappahannock River. Witnesses a deserter being shot and says, "it was a solemn thing, but necessary."

Talks of wanting his wife to stay with him, but believes the battlefield is no place for a woman. Very confident that the war will end in nine months. Says he doesn't care what the baby will be, but he would prefer a boy. If it was up to him, he would not want any more children on account of his wife. Wouldn't trade either of his girls for fifty boys apiece even if he had the ability.

Says the Rebels have backed off of their side of the river. Thinks they are trying to out flank the Union army. Feels sympathetic to his wife while she is in confinement.

The regiment moves slightly each day. Cook thinks it is a tactic to appear as a larger force, but he believes it to be a futile tactic. He doesn't believe he will see any more fighting this summer. Talks of a couple run-ins with Rebel pickets and how friendly they were. Can't imagine the war continuing past next summer. Wants peace badly and talks of potential plans for occupation after the war.

Talks of being in command for six weeks straight while Colonel Bates is away. Complains a bit about some of the unfairness of his duties in proportion to his pay. Reports losing his valise and how if he found the person responsible for the theft "there would be a funeral." Says there are several of those types in the regiment. In very small handwriting at the top of the letter is a sweet note to his wife remembering time when they courted.

Talks of the regiment’s potential plans of hunkering down for the winter. Tries to console his wife who seems to be having a bad time of it. Says that he might consider faking a sickness to get a leave of absence so he could visit her.

Believes the regiment will head to Fredericksburg to hunker down for winter because fighting a Potomac campaign in the winter is fairly worthless. Tells of meeting a "fine looking fellow with conscientious scruples against learning arms." Cook attempts to get him to participate in drills or even hold a musket but he refuses. Interestingly, the man says he isn't religious. Tells a story of a man who shot his own hand off and how he receives no sympathy from anyone. Cook says that war hardens a man. Says men at home would think the things they do to be horrid. A dead officer makes room for a promotion.

This letter is written the same day as the one before, but after marching orders were given. Talks of a near engagement they almost had. Cook says that tonight he has the blues again. He thinks this has to do with his poor health. All these thoughts amount to him giving all of his money to the doctor with instructions to send it to Julia, his wife, if he dies, and him keeping his Bible in his coat pocket so that if he should die, they would be able to recognize him. However, the battle did not ensue. Mentions a boy weighing four pounds which we can assume is his newborn son.

Says that he feels much better. Wants his wife to send him a new trunk with specific dimensions. Expects to get a leave of absence soon and wants to return home. Hopes his wife is feeling better and the baby as well.

Slightly frustrated letter about a lack of letters from his wife. He seems to think it is being done intentionally to receive attention. Finally says something about wanting to see his new boy.

Hasn't received a letter from his wife in three weeks. Wants to hear from her badly. Says it isn't right that he can't see his newborn boy. Wants to hear a vivid description of him. Says that if he takes after his mother he will be very good looking. Tells of being sent a man that was previously discharged for disability. Sends him to Alexandria because he does not want him.

Says Julia will do a great job with the boy. Asks her if she has a name picked out for his approval yet. Expects to apply for his leave within a month.

Short letter explaining his future plans for visiting Gloucester and home.

Receives a box from his wife and is pleased with the contents. Complains a bit about what is expected of the attitude of being an officer. Apparently Cook is perceived as being too timid or polite. He seems agitated by the notion.

While reading some of the papers that his wife sent him, Cook reads about a fire that occurred. Cook is sick and may request another leave of absence if he does not mend. Tells of being kept up all night by a man who has the typhoid fever.

Says he is fat at 160 pounds. Hears about a great fire in Gloucester and feels sorry about it. Talks of a cold he currently has. Mentions that a lot of the officers have their wives there at the camp with them. Mentions places he visited in Washington including the Smithsonian. Reminds her about sending some more photographs.

Still feels sick and wishes for his wife to be with him to nurse him back to health. Says he misses his wife very much since he was just with them. Expects the baby to be about twenty pounds by now.

Encloses money to his wife.

Talks about going to the theatre with some other officers and their wives. Explains that he is almost fully better apart from his persistent cough.

Talks of a party he had with some friends and their wives in which they ate roast mutton. He expects to be on court martial duty soon. Talks of being invited to go riding with some ladies but declining.

Talks of court martial duty and how that is keeping him busy. Doesn't think the war will be over by June anymore. Says the army needs more officers and explains that some higher ranking officers are commanding from away and not actually present.

Talks about how fat the new child is. Hears his father say the property is worth two thousand dollars, but Cook says he would like to sell it for ten thousand if he sold it. Vaguely mentions an official document that his wife sent him.

Cook was just paid and is now sending $275 home. Instructs Julia to not talk about the specifics of the money. Says that where he keeps his money, the interest is five percent.

Colonel Bates returns after an eight month absence in which Cook was in command for most of the time. His duties have decreased significantly and he is glad for it. It is still incredibly difficult to be given a leave of absence. Tells Julia to name the boy.

Talks of disagreeable weather, poor living quarters, and other sacrifices he has had to endure for his country, namely being away from his wife. Tells a story of him and a friend spilling dye on themselves and Colonel Bates making a colored joke. Tells his wife to name the boy.

Chides his wife for getting Kate's hair cut. Complains about a photograph that was sent and promises to send some photos back. Was given a new duty in which he is on a board for examining applicants that want to transfer to the naval services.

Talks about receiving about one hundred men from Boston which means that Cook's regiment will not be mustered out like he was hoping for in June. Suggests that he might put in an application to go to Baltimore and asks if his wife would be willing to meet him there. Agrees with his wife that prices for things are rising and that if this continues, it will be hard to live on the wages that they live on currently.

Tells in detail of his journey to Baltimore. Tells of soldiers getting drunk on the train and some falling to their deaths. Also mentions how he only received one month’s pay when he should have received more.

Reminiscences about courting his wife while he picks flowers. Says that he was given orders to command another regiment, but the orders were canceled. Isn't sure if his regiment will be mustered out this June.

Colonel Allen has died. Three days of fighting so far, but Cook is safe. No real ground has been made or lost in this stalemate of a battle.

Has seen seven days of fighting. Says half the men in his regiment are incapacitated. Says, "A man's life is not worth much in these times." Seems to think that they have whipped the Rebels and expects to chase them into Richmond.

Writes during a brief lull in the battle. While being in command temporarily, his men have formed a skirmishers line in front of the Rebels while the rest of the army regroups elsewhere. Talks of the constant rain and how the fighting has died down somewhat.

Follows the Rebels south towards Richmond. Tells of Colonel Allen's death and how they couldn't send his body back home so instead buried him. Expects to see more fighting either today or tomorrow.

Talks of having another fight today. Talks of several officers being killed, him being in the midst of all the fighting, and even hearing several bullets hitting close to where he was during the battle. Says he has now been in over twenty engagements. Cook has been in command of the regiment. He talks of how small the regiment has become and thinks it will be mustered out on June 26th.

Begins by correcting a false report that said he had been killed. His wife appeared to have asked him a question in regards to some possibility in the future and he replied, "I don't feel like planning much as I do not know as I shall live through this month." Talks of surviving many close calls on the battlefield while in command of the regiment. Gets a recommendation for Lieutenant Colonel.

Is still just outside of Richmond, Virginia, but they haven't fought for a few days. Before that, they had been within rifle shot of the enemy for a month straight and fought nearly every day. Meets a person from Gloucester who heard he had died as well. Plans on marching the regiment to Boston to get there before the 26th of June. He says they will be mustered out then, but until then the war department wants them fighting until the last day.

Explains that he has seen some hard fighting in the last few days but is well.

Writes before they are about to go skirmishing. Writes from inside the rifle pits and can't expose his head without getting shot at. 12 men have died and his men haven't even fired a shot.

Thanks his wife for the box she sent him even though its contents apparently spilled out. Explains that his men are guarding some woodsmen who are working with timber to clear a way for a battery. This involves protecting them as they attempt to cross the Potomac. The river is a bit too swollen for them to cross for now. Explains that he misjudged a person in his home town and tells her to go to him if she needs anything. Written on illustrated "God and Our Native Land" letterhead.

Is within ten or fifteen miles of the enemy, but is expecting "fun" every day. They had planned some reveries with General McClellan, but it rained. Seems in good spirits about the war. Doesn't know when it will be over, but expects it to be soon. Talks a lot about desiring a letter from his wife. Written on illustrated "God and our Native Land" letterhead.

Responds to several questions posed by his wife in her last two letters. The questions vary from being about pay, to frequency of letters, to responses about a photo of their boy, to questions about why she can't come visit him as she perceives incorrectly that other women are frequently around the camp. He talks of some of his current duties and how they are to his liking and easy.

Writes from within seven miles of Centreville, but laments not being able to write in a while. Promises to write later when he gets the chance. Says he is now in the land of slavery. Also asks his wife if he is spelling "whife" correctly.

Talks about possibly requesting a leave of absence for sickness to go and visit.

Eloquently talks of the beginning of spring. Expects to be on the General's staff when General Hooker comes to review them. Explains the type of dress he will wear while on the General's staff. Talks of an enjoyable night had with the officers. Asks for a picture of his wife, that she promised him when he last came home.

Talks of delays in receiving letters from his wife. Mentions that his letter may have been opened by a secession spy. Talks of a General Fremont that his wife supports, but he does not. Talks of almost encountering a large Rebel force, but at this point has not seen any combat. Answers a question that one of his girls had asked about Captain Allen's dogs. Wishes the war will end before this fall.

Says that Lieutenant Saunders is requesting a leave of absence because of his health. Talks about a skirmish in which he led the troops, but tells Julia not to tell anybody because Captain Allen was away and should have been leading them. Later in the letter, and in pencil, he tells her that he lead a dress parade and didn't make any mistakes.

Is expecting his appointment any day now. Jokingly says that he expects some "worthless cuss" will get it instead. Expects to be traveling south so he is sending a chest back home with most of his possessions in it. Along with the chest he gives specific instructions about what to do with the contents.

Fairly inconsequential letter talking about the receiving of letters and requests for items in return.

Writes his wife after an absence of letters. Asks for money to purchase a horse. Had previously given her money, but is now out of money.

Repeats the same instructions in the previous letter for his wife to give him money. Adds that a successful fight was had yesterday.

Talks of finishing a 16 mile march that took them from Berlin, Maryland, Waterford, Virginia, and then Hamilton, Virginia. Believes to be heading towards Warrenton, Virginia. Talks of wanting to come visit his wife, but won't be able to for about eleven months. Relates that the general of his corps and the corps commissary were taken prisoner. Says he doesn't want men from Boston, but if they were in his company he would treat them well.

Talks of missing out on some grand event because he was officer of the day. Takes comfort in the fact that his men did their picket duty well. Claims to have met McClellan when he was wounded and in the hospital, though he didn't recognize him immediately. This letter is hard to read due to ink bleed and marginal writing.

Writes in response to a six page letter he just received from his wife. Seems very dispirited about many things. Says that he has the blues again. Tells a brief story of a man who was shot with friendly fire. The man lived, but will be recovering for six months. Seems very lonely and talks a lot about how much he misses his wife and girls. Worries that his clothes will become lousy.

Very short letter. It took Cook three days to get to where he is now and is in good spirits.

Talks about the money he has sent his wife and wants to know if she got it. Talks about his great love for his wife and how she is the only woman in the world that he loves. Talks about wanting to get a new watch and says that he would want the chain of the watch to be made of her hair.

Pages 2-3 of an unknown letter. Talks of needing to pay off a debt. Talks about being in good health, saving suffering from piles. Expects to be in Virginia next week. Talks of some trouble with his mother.

Pages 5-6 of an unknown letter. Gives his wife permission to travel somewhere, but then later says she should stay home because she has children to take care of. Mentions his name being in the papers along with another Captain. Says he doesn't spend much on extra things except tobacco, but not much of that.

One page of an unknown letter. Requests writing materials and warm clothing for the upcoming winter season.

One page of an unknown letter. Talks about the lack of clean water. Apologizes for less frequency of letters, citing lack of paper.

One page of an unknown letter. Mentions walking through farms and trampling the grain and feeling bad about it. Talks of McDowell's 80,000 men. Sees a surgeon practicing amputating limbs of a wounded soldier and carrying him to the back lines. Believes they may go to Richmond.

Pages 5-8 of an unknown letter. Very animated letter. Talks of a person named "Saunders" leaving the regiment and how much he disliked him. Talks of missing his family, says that if his wife dressed up like a man, perhaps she could get the position of his clerk. Talks of seeing his family this winter by either a leave of absence or by deserting. Also says that the state owes him a good deal of money and that if he dies and she stays unmarried she will receive a pension.

One page of an unknown letter. Reports that he has heard from Henry.

Believes the men will be mustered out in seven months. Talks of trying his best to look out for the Gloucester men. In the last march tells of losing several men from the wagon train and finding them and others some time later with their throats cut. Believes this to be the work of guerrillas. Talks about how he will feel odd after the war without a horse, as he has gotten used to it, and how it will be odd working for and around those he commanded for such a long time. Requests her to send his pistol, bullet mould, and gold watch.

One page of unknown letter. Talks of some good food and a good cigar that he was given. Mentions Captain Allen and Saunders in this letter. Promises that he will return soon.

Talks about wanting to come home. Says that if he were with her he could take all the comfort in the world. Says that where he is currently is no place for a lady and that she wouldn't stand it for even a week.

Short undated letter with no location. Tries to comfort his wife who worries about his absence. Complains about the price of coffee, tea, cheese, letter paper, and other items.

Two pages of an unknown letter. Troops, cannons, and horses are pouring in from all directions. Says he is in good health and that the men are as jolly as ever. He says he isn't afraid. Thinks that there is a plan to trap the Rebels at Harper's Ferry.

An ordnance letter from the War Department addressed to Cook. Explains that if he returns everything that he needs to and complies with the department he will receive a certificate of indebtedness.

An affidavit signed by Cook that he had not taken ordance stores, including those captured from the enemy, without reporting them.

This letter is written to Cook from a friend from his old regiment. The author talks a lot about how he misses the old regiment. Explains how boring military life is now that the war is waning.

Another closing of accounts letter. Interestingly, they call him "Major" although he is a Lieutenant Colonel at this point.

Another closing of accounts letter. This letter addresses him as "Captain."

Apparently Cook is seeking restitution for payment owed to him for his services. This letter seems to imply they are granting him ten dollars.

This letter says the indebtedness amount is twenty dollars.

Another letter attempting to sort out accounts. This letter is more personal than the ones before and explains more of the problems had with the payment system.

This letter finally encloses the required payment to Cook. They reduce his payment and charge him extra for all the trouble they went through getting him his pay. On top of that, the claims agent only asks for twenty dollars because of his mistakes, but has his supervisor ask Cook to pay another twenty for a total of forty dollars. Cook is not obligated to pay the man any more than the twenty.