1858 letter from Edward Cook

A 4 page letter written by Edward Cook to his brother, dated Feb 1858. Tells of his travels, sailing from New Bedford, rough storms by Cuba into Gulf of Mexico, adventures with James Webster encountering wild animals, settling into New Orleans, seeing slave auction, feeling the slaves are not as badly treated as has been reported. Some not easily read, transcribed parts are included with original letter. Not mentioned are his further travels, apparently up the Mississippi River to Bethalto, Illinois, close to St. Louis, Missouri. He writes letter from Bethalto. (Transcription by Bev Shepardson)