Description:

PHILIP ST. GEORGE COOKE
(1809 – 1895) Career Army cavalry officer and Union brigadier general, noted for his authorship of an Army cavalry manual, and is sometimes called the 'Father of the U.S. Cavalry.' War-date A.L.S., 2pp. 8vo., ‘Near Wash[ington]', Dec. 8, 1861, to a Mr. Brown. In part: ‘When I was leaving your house, they presented me a bill on the [illeg.] sale; and you could not be found to speak to. You will remember I bargained with you, at your new price of $48 [illeg.]; telling you I could not possibly ‘say how long it would last' - as, of course, you must know, as far as I was concerned, being in the army, & nothing settled. I you will send me your bill accordingly… I will enclose you a check…' He signs ‘P St Geo Cooke' in black ink at the conclusion, adding ‘B[rig.] G[en.]' Shows a small hole near the return address, with a small split between the two sheets of the letter, mounting remnants to both sides of the uninscribed leaf, and folds overall, else very good. SOLD WITH: an interesting manuscript document, 2pp. 4to. [n.p.] Jan. 23 [likely 1860], a handwritten copy or draft of a Virginia General Assembly resolution requesting that the governor present Cooke with an engraved sword ‘...as a testimonial of their high regard for his character, and services…' The resolution also features a flowery description of Cooke's service in protecting wagon trains through Texas and New Mexico from Indian attacks and during the Mexican-American War, ‘Bleeding Kansas', and the Utah War. The signature or name ‘Gibson Jefferson' appears at the conclusion, and several ink emendations are present in the body. Shows folds and slight toning, else very good. Two pieces.

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November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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