Letter, Babe Cook to sister
Object number1998.044.03
DateSeptember 6, 1861
OriginCamp McGregor, Virginia
MediumPaper and Ink
DimensionsOverall: 9 3/4 x 8 1/2 in. (24.8 x 21.6 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
Terms
- Letter
Isaac "Babe" Cook served in Co. B of the 1st (Colquitt's) Arkansas Infantry. His sister was the widow of Alex Spence's older brother. Cook was killed a the Battle of Murfreesboro on December 31, 1862. Tom Spence was killed during the same battle.
Camp McGregor Virginia
Wednesday Sept. 4th, 1861
Dear Sister
Your very kind letter of the 20th August came direct to hand that afforded me much pleasure to hear from with the best of the family and to hear that you are all well. This leaves me in very good health. I've written you by Mrs. Marberry. I also intended writing by Maj. Bourland. I was at Fredericksburg when Pen and Maj. Bourland left for Ark. went down expressly to see them leave. I should have written by them if I had of had time. They left Fredericksburg early in the morning. Pen appeared quite anxious to get off. His health was improving very much when he left. But we have had the painful misfortune of losing one of our brother soldiers that is long to be remembered by all of our company. Poor Calhoun bid fun not more than three weeks ago to live as long as any man in our company but Sunday last it was thru will of God to take him from our midst. A noble young man he was two [sic] every on in the company was his friend. He was not thought to be dangers [sic] when sent to Fredericksburg, nor even until the evening before he died. I learn since his departure that he said when first taken that he did not believe that he would get well. None of the company thought of his being dangerous until the word came to us that he was dead. It will be about heart breaking to his old mother(?) to hear of it. If his things were sent back by Maj. Bourland.
We have but few cases of sickness in our company at this time. None considered dangerous. Jan had herd [sic] I was sick. My health is very good now. If I should get sick I will certainly leave camp and go to a private home. Sister, I have almost saw a full account of the fight at Springfield, Mo. An account of the killed and wounded. All things came through right by Dr. Ward. They came through in good time. I was beginning to kneed [sic] some of the tricks. We are still at the same place. I would not be surprised if we were to remain here all winter. Give my love to the old man & Lady Spence and tell Mrs. Elder she's out of the question for me to send her the flag she spoke about. My respects to Mr. Elder & Joshua, Mr. Hearn & family, Parson Beattie & family & say to him I read his letter and will answer it in a short time. I must close. Write often. I remain your loving brother,
Babe Cooke
Status
Not on view
November 7, 1861
July 17, 1862
August 28, 1864
August 16, 1861
February 18, 1862