Here is an outstanding 2 page letter in nice dark ink clearly written by the Lt. Col. of the 58^th North Carolina.  It was at the battle of Chickamauga that Edmund Kirby “WHILE GALLENTLY CHEERING HIS MEN, FELL PIERCED BY FOUR BULLETS” (North Carolina Regiments 1861-1865, Vol. 3, Page 452).  Our letter is dated “Hd. Qtrs. 5^th Brigade, Army of East Tennessee, Clinton April 28^th, 1863”. 

My Dear Mother,

                      I have been looking every day for a letter from you,
but it has not come.  Why don’t you write?  I expect we will have
quite an exciting time in this Department this summer.  GENL.
BURNSIDE IS AT CRAB ORCHARD WITH A LARGE ARMY AND
IT IS SUPPOSED HE INTENDS TO INVADE EAST TENNESSEE. 
If he does, he will have some work, and I think WILL GET A
GOOD WHIPPING.  Gen. Maury is in command of the
Department.  He arrived in Knoxville last week.  Col. McKenzie
in command of the cavalry in front of Big Creek Gap has a fight
with the Yankees between Williamsburg and London, KY.  He
had one man killed and 9 taken prisoners.  He captured 4
prisoners.  I shall try and get a furlough if the Yankees don’t
come into the Department this spring.  If they do, I don’t want to
leave my regiment.  I don’t often hear from Ive.  I have only
received one letter from him since he left this Department.  I
must now close.  Love to all.  
                                                    I remain your affectionate son,

                                    E. Kirby     

 
A nice North Carolina letter from a Colonel who died fighting for his beloved state!      

 #L27 – Price $250