New York Herald Rooms
Cor. 10th and Clay Streets
Richmond, Va., April 29, 1865
General:
Bearing in mind your intimation at the close of the last interview I was honored with having with you, and respecting your sensibility in that respect. I have not pursued to repeat my call on you, though several times feeling that the good work of restoring tranquility to the country could be greatly advanced by a more free use of your well matured and intelligent views and ideas.
But I have lately been informed that you are preparing a final report of your campaigns at the head of the Army of Northern Virginia. To whom this report will be submitted I of course cannot tell, nor do I suppose it is a matter that concerns me at all. But I wish to submit to you that the report will obtain wide-spread circulation both in this country and Europe, through the columns of the New York Herald. The use of those columns I hereby tender to you, with the personal pledge that, if you commit the document to my care, I will be very glad to see it faithfully printed and copies sent to you.
I will thank you for an intimation of your wishes in this respect by the bearer of this note. You will also oblige me by giving the time when the report will be ready and some idea of its probable length.
With very great Respect,
I am Truly yours
T. M. Cook
Special Correspondent N. Y. Herald
Source: Robert E. Lee Headquarters Papers, Folder 29, Mss3 L 515a, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2017 February 7
