A good war-date Confederate officer's letter, 1p. 4to., written by Major John Rodes Viley (1821-1880 a famed Kentucky thoroughbred breeder), Atlanta, Ga., July 11, 1864 to Major General John Breckinridge, reading, in part: "I recd an order from Richmond…to report to Genl. Johnston for duty in Genl. [Joseph H.] Lewis' Brigade. This as you know would be anything but a comfortable place for me and I am determined not to remain with him if I have to resign & run the risk of being conscripted. You have already [?] me out of several scrapes and I see no other way to call on you again. Genl. Bates seems willing to do all he can but evidently prefers his brother in law, Maj. [Edward P.] Tyree to be with him…I may be able to stave off the order until you can do something for me. Genl. Bate says the new Staff Bill allows a Maj. Genl. to choose his Q. M…I hope you may be able to do something for me. I could not with any degree of self respect go with Genl. Lewis & I know he does not wish to leave me having made application to have Capt. Phillips assigned to the brigade…I know Genl. you will do what you can but I never felt the want of assistance as much in my life. With kindest love to Cousin Mary Cabble & yourself…Jno. R. Viley." Minor toning, else VG