At the outset of the Civil War, St. George Cooke commanded the 2nd Dragoons, soon to be the 2nd Cavalry. Secession tore his family apart; his daughter, Flora, was the wife of JEB Stuart, and his son, John R. became a Confederate brigade commander. St. George Cooke was promoted to brigadier general on November 12, 1861 and he was selected by McClellan to command the Cavalry Reserve, a division-sized force, of the Army of the Potomac, during the Peninsula Campaign. His son-in-law, J.E.B. Stuart, then inflicted a withering blow on him from which his reputation never recovered. Stuart led the ANV Cavalry on the legendary “Ride around McClellan.” St. George Cooke ended up back on the frontier as Commander of the Dept. of the Platte. ALS signed “P. St. Geo. Cooke,” one page, lightly-lined, 5 x 8, July 20, 1885. Letter to a gentleman seeking a J.E.B Stuart signature. In full, “I have to inform you, for Mrs. Stuart, that she is unable to furnish an autograph of her husband, Genl. JEB Stuart.” In fine condition, with a mild shade of toning, and mounting remnants to integral second page. R&R COA.
