Cooke Castle

1887. May 17th arrive alone on my spring visit. on Alaska 11:30

June 8th I leave to day on Alaska -- noon -- having spent many happy days. All I have heretofore written but feebly expresses my sense of thankfulness to God & my appreciation of Aunty Mac & Sallie Never did "mortal man" have so much done for his comfort & happiness

My health has improved & I go home more & more convinced of the wisdom of coming here for rest & enjoyment -- We have had good fishing -- have visited East Sister 4 times on the Trio -- This has been written with a pen of an Eagle which I picked up at East Sister

Jay Cooke
1887

General Sherman's Visit

General W.T.Sherman paid a visit to Gibraltar Island on Sunday afternoon of June 17, 1866. Many Cooke family visitors to the Island, inscribed journal entries within the Gibraltar Records commenting on their visit. General Sherman was no exception and his entry was written and signed by him as follows:

June 17, 1866

"Having just returned from a most interesting trip in the Upper Lakes, with the U.S. Steam Revenue Cutter, "John A. Dix," I have come to this beautiful island, sure of the Courteous reception of its distinguished owner and occupant."

W. T. SHERMAN
Maj Genl

But "the Courteous reception" that the General described in the above passage, was evidently not genuine. Jay Cooke describes in the journal entry below, his dis-pleasure of being interupted by the General on a Sunday:

". . . . .We were just preparing for our after dinner Sunday snooze when "John" came in & asked if he should raise the flags - - as a Revenue Steam Cutter was coming in the Bay - as it was the Sabbath we of course answered no, & gave orders for the family to keep in doors, hoping thereby that the party on the vessel would not land - Mrs MacMeens very shrewdly guessed that as Genl Sherman was expected at Detroit - he might be on board -- As the cutter anchored a launch was lowered & several officers were rowed to our dock - we were all in our rooms but Mrs McMeens who met the party at the door & Genl Sherman (for it was he) introduced himself & Maj Genl Ord & the others - She welcomed them & called for Me (J C) & the rest of the family - Deeply regretting that it was the Sabbath we yet felt it a duty & a pleasure to extend our warmest hospitality to the great Warrior & his noble companions - The weather was very unlike that usually experienced at Gibraltar & quite unfavorable to viewing the Island still they enjoyed the view from the Tower - from Perrys Look Out - the Monument &c &c & departed after 3 hours stay - for Johnson Island & Cleveland having apparently enjoyed the visit. Why is it that the grave duty & rich pleasure of keeping sacred the "Lords day" is almost wholly unknown amongst the Warriors & Statesmen of our Country?

It is a sad thought - that that righteousness which exalteth a nation - so far as our rulers & leaders are concerned is not thought of or regarded as it should be. Shall we have more wars - shall we have pestilences & famines? - before our great men - our rulers - the guides of our people - learn to honor God - Gods Laws & Gods Holy day? Genl Sherman was not aware that we of this Island (& Put in Bay Island) were disturbed last Sabbath by a Steamer load of excursionists from Sandusky, who brought with them their band of music, beer casks &c&c & that we had earnestly endeavored to create a public sentiment & to move the hearts of the owners of the Queen to prohibit such excursions on the Sabbath -- What will they say now? - that we had an excursion on our Island on Sunday & that one of the highest of the land was the visitor who thus disregarded Gods command to honor His Holy day -

In Washington a large majority of Senators Representatives high officers of the Govt Army & Navy &cc do not regard the Sabbath - but continue their labors - in some of the departments - even openly. During the war - the excuse was that it was a work of necessity - but this excuse is not valid now & never was & there was no sort of excuse for Genl Sherman journeying on the Sabbath - He should have remained in Detroit & permitted his officers & men to rest & attend Church & have attended himself that he might set a good example. Had he arrived on Monday we would have felt a thousand fold more honored & would have had all flags flying & his welcome would have been more sincere - Tonight at Prayers we prayed for our rulers & Chief men

Jay Cooke
1866 June 17
The Gibraltar Records

In Memoriam of Jay Cooke

"On Thursday evening, February 16th 1905 Jay Cooke, beloved Father, entered into his well earned rest "The rest that remaineth for the people of God." The end came very peacefully, and after less than twenty-four hours illness; those who watched him with silent sorrow, scarcely knew when his spirit was set free. It was the end of a glorious earthly life, that will be an inspiration, not alone to his family, but to many who have witnessed his unselfish kindness and charity, his sweet thought for others, the simplicity and purity of his life, its heroism, its patience, -- oh let us not forget what he would have us, his children remember-- to serve God, and live true Christian lives."

Written by Mrs. Laura (Cooke) Barney, daughter of Jay Cooke
July 18th 1906