Confederate Major William J. Crook, 154th and 13th

Confederate Major William J. Crook, 154th and 13th Tennessee Infantries, Civil War Letter Grouping

Lot of 3, featuring 2 letters from William J. Crook of Company I of the 13th Tennessee Infantry to his cousin and sweetheart Miss Hattie E. Crook.

ALS, 7pp., from “six miles south of Marietta, GA”, July 3, 1864, with stamped envelope addressed to Miss Hattie Crook at Columbia Female College, Columbia, SC. Writing during the Atlanta Campaign in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Marietta, Crook appears to be in remarkably positive spirits given the losses suffered, “Our Army is in good health and splendid spirits. Very hopeful of our ultimate success. If our army in Va can only attend to Genl Grant we will see that Mr. Sherman’s on to Atlanta will be attended by very many difficulties.”

Crook seems to be a “true believer” of the Confederate cause, writing passionately to Hattie, resolutely confident in the South’s ability to win the war, “Wish I could have been of Columbia at the Commencement exercises of the College but alas no recreation no rest no peace to the soldier in the field. Toil danger and death are his allotments. Yet there is a future though distant...If I live I will realize it, if I fall I have the consciousness to know I am defending virtue truth and justice. There will be some who will live to enjoy the boon for which we continue God will not allow all our suffering & sacrifices to be in vain. A glorious future is in store for these Confederate States.”

Much of this letter concerns Crook’s feelings for Hattie, a student at Columbia Female College (now Columbia College). After imploring her to write more frequently, he feels “a high degree of pride and gratification that you have been pleased to give me assurances that your in a measure reciprocate the love which I feel for you.” William J. and Hattie E. Crook are listed in both the 1870 and 1880 census of Henderson, TN, leading us to believe that they did indeed marry after the war.

ALS, 2pp, from “in the field, near Lost Mt., Georgia, October 5, 1864, with stamped envelope postmarked October 10 in Selma, to Miss Hattie Crook in Greenville, SC. On July 17, General Joseph Johnston was removed from command of the Army of Tennessee and replaced by the more aggressive John Bell Hood. The second, shorter letter was written after the Union captured Atlanta and General Hood moved to northern Georgia to attack Sherman’s supply lines and attempt to lure Sherman to pursue him. Sherman followed and skirmishing occurred throughout October before Sherman abandoned his pursuit of Hood and began his March to the Sea. Hood continued to move his forces west, which explains why there is a Selma postmark on the envelope. Still optimistic, Crook writes on October 5, “our army is in the highest hopes. We will have a hard time but all are willing to endure...I never was so hopeful before in my life. If we can only succeed as I have every reason to hope for this campaign will end the war.” Vaughan, A.J. Personal Record of the Thirteenth Regiment, Tennessee Infantry. Memphis: Frank and Gennie Myers; Burke’s Book Store, n.d. Ht. 8.75 in., drab cloth with gilt titles, 95 pp. Reprint of book originally published in 1897 by the author A.J. Vaughan,“its old commander.” Records Crook from Company I, “Crook, W.J. started out private; elected Captain; promoted to Major Thirteenth Tennessee Regiment; died since the war.

Not much is known about William and Hattie’s post-war lives. He is listed as physician in the 1870 and 1880 census and she as “keeping house.” Interestingly, Major Crook’s slouch hat is pictured in the “Arms and Equipment of the Confederacy.” (Time-Life Books, 1992)
Condition Report: Slightly bumped corners and spine caps, binding tight with clean and bright pages. Paper of first letter toned, spotting and wear to envelopes.