58th North Carolina Partisan Rangers KIA Letter

Autograph Letter Signed, "E. Kirby" 58th North Carolina Partisan Rangers, KIA Chickamauga, 2p. octavo, December 12, 1862, with cover addressed to his brother, franked "Lt. Edmund Kirby 58th N.C. Regt. Big Creek Gap" and reads in part: "... Joe come up from Knoxville to see me yesterday with Col. Palmer he will return tomorrow and expects to leave on Monday morning. Our scouts report the Enemy at Camp Dick Robinson and Manchester. I don’t think the enemy will come in this direction this winter, perhaps they may send cavalry in this direction to find out our position. I don’t think any infantry will on account of the impractable conditions of the roads and the distance provisions will have to be brought. Col .Palmer commands the forces at this point, they consist of the 58th NC Regt 1082 men, Tenn commanded by Col. N.I. Lillard, 2nd Batt Tenn Cavalry comd by Lt. Col. MCkingied, The cavalry attached to Smiths Legion commanded by Lt. Col. Hart 500 men, Hillards Legion and a battery of Artillery in all about 5,000 men. Also four companies of cavalry commanded by Col. Palmer. I think before spring the Col. will be a brigadier general. Joe told me Col .Ned said he was a very fine officer, and he entended to give him a separate comamnd. The Engineers have commenced to fortify the gap, it is next in importance to Cumberland Gap...Tell mother I can’t get any Kentucky money at any price, as it is in great demand to buy salt in Kentucky..." Fine.