(1830-1886) Popular Virginian author and member of the Richmond Howitzers, present at Harpers Ferry during the capture of John Brown. During the Civil War, he served on the staff of J. E. B. Stuart during most of his campaigns, and later served as Inspector-General of Horse Artillery for the Army of Northern Virginia. Author of postwar hagiographies of Lee and Jackson, proponent of the ‘Lost Cause’. Good content war-date A.L.S., 1p. 8vo., Millwood, VA, April 24, 1864, to a George L. Bedford, likely a literary agent or bookseller, discussing his most recent novel. In full: ‘I received your note and wish some means could be arranged to put ‘Wearing of the Gray’ on sale with you. The publishing people however, have control of the whole thing. Try the Richmond agents. Please send me the music sheet ‘O I’m a Good Old Rebel’ with [illustrator and fellow Richmond Howitzers soldier] Willie [Ludlow] Sheppard’s picture – I want to frame it. Will send you the price. I hope you are well and in good spirits ‘my boy!’’ He signs ‘Jn. Esten Cooke’ at the conclusion, adding a postscript at the top of the page: ‘What is Willie Sheppard’s full name Laddy?’ Shows original mailing folds, with an ink identifying inscription beneath the postscript, a pencil inscription beside the signature, and a lengthy biographical inscription in pencil on the verso, otherwise in very good to fine condition overall.