The following letters were written by John Viles, Jr. (1817-1882), a musician from Waltham, Middlesex county, Massachusetts, who enlisted in July 1861 in the 13th Massachusetts Regimental band and served with them until late August 1862 by order of the War Department. Several of Viles’ letters can be found on the web page kept by the 13th Regt. Riles Mass. and his bio reads:

“Viles’ position in the regiment gives him a unique perspective on things, almost like a civilian observer.  He did not play an instrument with the band, so he did not have to participate in the morning and evening duties at dress parade, etc. Nor did he have the added burden of doing guard duty or participating in drills.  Still he followed the fortunes of the regiment and suffered many of the same hardships of the rank and file.  The arrangement of music kept him busy for a long while, but in time, when that work was done, he had little to do.  

His letters are written to his wife “Franky,” whom he addressed as “Frank.”  He had three children, a baby girl Fannie, and two sons, Franky and Gene,  the son Gene, quite a bit older.  Domestic concerns take up the greater portion of content in the letters.  He  was concerned for his wife’s well-being at home, alone with the three children.  The fact that times were hard came up frequently, and it was clear John appreciated the fact that he was receiving regular pay with his fortunate position in the army, although he missed his family.” [see 13th Regt. Rifles Mass. Vol.]

Letter 1

Camp Jackson
Williamsport [Maryland]
Thursday, December 5, 1861

My dear Frank,

Your letter of December 1st was received this morning which is the 3rd I have had so far. The last time I wrote was December 1st. This is the 8th I have written from this place besides two or three papers. The last I had from Ned was mailed 16 November. I wrote to him a day or two after Thanksgiving but have not had but one Sentinel since I was at home and that was for the week before Thanksgiving. I am glad you received the money I sent. The next time we are paid I hope I can send twice a much as it will be likely to be a two-month’s payment.

We have had very pleasant weather for several days. The mornings are rather frosty and cool but as the sun gets up, it grows warmer. Today is remarkably warm—almost like summer and much the warmest day since my return here. Yesterday I changed my flannels and put on two shirts—the thin one I brought from home for the under one—and it is so warm that I almost wish I had left it off. We’ve had some quite cold weather, cold enough to freeze the ground, but no snow except a few flakes now and then. I had much rather have cold than rainy weather.

I’ve not much to write about. Everyday goes on about alike. There are plenty of camp stories that we are going to this and that place floating about every day to day. The camp gossip is that we are going to Frederick. A messenger arrived in camp this morning from Banks’ Headquarters and that I suppose gave rise to the report. Banks has moved his quarters to Frederick but I don’t think we are to move for some days as the teams are bringing wood and hay into camp for a day or two past and are still engaged in it. There is no truth in what you read of this regiment, or any part of it, having a fight. What you wrote is the first and last I’ve ever heard about it. As you have received but three letters when you wrote, there must have been four more on the way which you have probably received by this time as the last was written December 1st.

I see by what you wrote about Ned that he was paid the same day as this regiment. The man that was accidentally shot the other day is still living. There is another bad case of a private in the Westboro Company [Co. K] from a [ ]. I believe there are no hopes of his recovery. I don’t think of anything more to write. Yours truly, — J. V. [John Viles]

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Letter 2

Note: The following letter describes the aftermath of the Battle of Cedar Mountain that took place on 9 August 1862

Camp five miles beyond Culpepper Courthouse
Thursday morning, August 14, 1862.

My dear Frank,

I received yours of Sunday 10th last night. I wrote last Sunday which I suppose you have received, giving some account of the battle of Saturday, but of course you have read the particulars in the papers.

We are still camped on the same ground as when I wrote on Monday, but some of the army has advanced and this Division will probably move forward today or tomorrow. The line of battle was kept formed through Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. It was several miles in extent from the right to left. The enemy has fallen back beyond the Rapidan and yesterday the advance of Pope’s forces began to move forward. Troops were constantly arriving here through Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday and the sum total of the army must be upwards of one hundred thousand. It certainly cannot be less.

Last Monday the dead were burned by both sides under Flag of Truce. They had laid there from Saturday afternoon till Monday noon. Some of the wounded were still living at that time and were brought off. Yesterday—Wednesday—a party of us went about a mile further on in the woods and found some 8 or 10 dead Rebels and one Union soldier. Also one Union soldier wounded and alive. He was brought off and taken to the hospital. One battlefield is quite as much as I desire to see and is a sight one can never forget. The account which we get in the Philadelphia and Baltimore papers is mostly correct. The loss of this side is estimated from 12 to 15 hundred in killed and wounded. Rebel prisoners—mostly stragglers who have been taken each day since the battle—admit a greater loss.

We had a heavy thunder shower Tuesday afternoon since which the weather is more cool. We are camped in a horrid place for water. It would be good enough if there wasn’t so many to use it. But thousands dipping out of two or three little springs makes the water dirty. The order for our discharge does not come yet. We expect it this week. We see by Baltimore papers that about 600 musicians were brought up by boats from the armies south of Washington on Monday and Tuesday to be discharged. As soon as we are in Washington I’ll be sure to write.

I had a letter from Ned also last night dated 5 Inst. which I enclose. As our mail closes at ten, I must say goodbye for this time dear Frank.

Truly, — J. V.

General Banks was not wounded but received a slight hurt from his horse falling. There was not more than 7000 of union troops engaged. The enemy had 15 or 20,000.