The following letter was penned by Jacob Shook (1843-18xx) of Camp Hill, Virginia, who enlisted as a private in Co. G, 15th Virginia Infantry in April 1861. Jacob was promoted up in the ranks to Orderly Sergeant of his company before being reduced in the ranks back to a private (“for 15 days”) in September 1864. He was then commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant of his company before the first of November 1864 which is the rank he held at the time this letter was written. He assumed command of the company after the captain and 1st lieutenant of the company were badly wounded in the fight near Drury’s Bluff on 16 May 1864.

In the 1860 US Census, 17 year-old Jacob was enumerated in the household of Martin Baker of Henrico county, Virginia. It is believed that he was the orphaned son of Jacob Shook (1787-1858) and Maria Anna Chisholm. Shook (1802-1856) of Richmond, Virginia. Jacob’s father, before his death in 1858, had been a prominent butcher and grocer in Richmond. His wealth enabled him to have 11 slaves according to the 1850 slave schedules).

Lt. Shook’s letter was directed to a Miss M. S. Browning, otherwise unidentified. Indeed, Lt. Shook himself does not appear to know her except by name. He wrote to thank her for the socks that were contributed and distributed among members of his company. In a most chivalrous tone and referring to himself in the 3rd person, Lt. Shook praises her for the “pure patriotic impulse which prompts the fair donor to endeavor to do something for the physical welfare of her country’s defenders.”

Transcription

15th Virginia Regiment
Corse’s Brigade, Pickett’s Division
Chesterfield county, Va.
November 23rd [1864]

To Miss M. S. Browning,

Compliments of Lieut. J. Shook. commanding Co. G. 15th Virginia Infantry, and warmest thanks for the very excellent and seasonable present of a pair of nice warm socks for distribution to the most needy of his command. While attending to her wishes, he does not forget the pure patriotic impulse which prompts the fair donor to endeavor to do something for the physical welfare of her country’s defenders and sincerely trusts that the God of love and mercy may continue to bless us as heretofore until the glorious day when smiling Peace may once more resume her halcyon sway, when he dare to breathe the hope that he may repeat his thanks in person.

Hereafter the name of M. C. Browning will be another link to bind us to our holy and glorious cause and an incentive to greater deeds of daring and valor. Adieu—that the “love of God which passeth all understanding” may descend upon and protect our unknown benefactress is the prayer of Company G, 15th Va. Infantry and of your true friend in adversity, — J. Shook, Lieut., commanding Co. G, 15th Va.