Brierfield

29^th Sept. 1847

 

Dear Cook,

            I am anxious to have your report of the transactions of the third day at Monterey, to send in with others. yourself and Moore were the only officers who were with me all day, and poor Moore had not when he was killed made a report.

 

            The points I would suggest are, our approach on Fort "el Diablo", when and how we found it had been evacuated; the reconnaissance to the right where the prisoners were taken; the reconnaissance to the left, how made and how far and by whom; our advance over the ground reconnoitred, including the composition of the command and the beginning of the action; progress of action; condition and position when ordered to retire; absence of all troops in our rear as we came out—and whatever may occur to you and seem important.

 

            Recollect you are now a candidate and I am a "sovereign", and let this prompt you to be attentive.

 

            My health is rapidly improving and I hope soon to be on my legs, the natural ones.

 

as ever yr. friend

Jeffⁿ Davis

 

 

[overleaf]

 

Steam

 

Capt. H. F. Cook

            Vicksburg

"Magnolia"     Mi

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