Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
A good war-date Confederate officer's letter, 2pp. 4to., written by Major John Rodes Viley (1821-1880 a famed Kentucky thoroughbred breeder), Atlanta, Ga., July 10, 1864 to Baxton Bragg staff officer, Major J. Stoddard Johnston, reading, in part: "…I am sorry to say the army is on this side of the Chattahoochie River having come over last night and we are as far off from a fight…as ever. There is great opposition to retreating further without a fight…if we fall back behind Atlanta we will loose as many men as in a battle…[11th]…I was interrupted to move the train and am now in Atlanta. There was considerable shelling & some musketry late yesterday evening this side of the river. Hood, Stewart &…Hardee are anxious to fight at Kennesaw and also at the river. where we will fight no body seems to know except Genl. Johnston and perhaps he does not. Hood thinks the enemy will cross the river…fortify and flank us out of Atlanta. Everybody fears they will cut the West point R. Road and we will be unable to get any forage. I suppose we will retreat towards Macon…officers & men are anxious for a fight and all believe we would whip them. I must confess things look blue…Gus Smith is in command of 2500 State Troops & reports to Genl. Hood. They both think Genl. Johnston has thrown away good opportunities, but we must all hope for the best. I was very much astonished…at getting an order from Richmond (our friend Maj. Metton) to report to Genl. Johnston for duty in Genl. Lewis' brigade. This was unexpected…I will resign before I will stay with him as…I would be compelled to do…after standing all the indignities that hew old be disposed to put on me. Genl. Bates professes to be willing to do anything…he can to prevent it, but he clearly wants Maj. [Edward] Tyree with him. I hope to be able to remain where I am until I hear from Genl. Breckinridge. Genl. Bates tells me that under the late Staff Bill Maj. Genls. have the report to nominate their Quarter Masters. Tell the Genl. I am under more obligation now than…ever…I am determined to resign [even] if I am conscripted rather than go with Lewis…Jno. R. Viley." Minor toning, else VG
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