Roger that, I understand. Out of respect, out of instruction and habit (as well as the way I was raised), I always use Sir or Ma'am, regardless of who I'm talking to, because that's just the way I talk. And I certainly meant no offense, nor to cast any such aspersions upon you, as to call you an officer. For I too, was a mere lowly enlistedman/NCO, and in fact even one wrung below you on the ladder, as an E-4, Specialist. But more to the point, I did, and do not, address you nor anyone else as "Sir", in a mocking or sarcastic fashion, if that was what you were thinking. Now, with all that aside and out of the way.....................
*From an old tourist brochure Re:Great Saltpeter Cave, published by/for Renfro Valley in late 1950's-early 1960's:
"31 graves of Confederate "guerillas" are located at, in, or very near the main entrance to the cave, having allegedly been KIA in skirmishes nearby with Federal troops and/or Union Home Guards, in an attempt to capture or destroy the saltpeter works within the Great Saltpeter Cave." As I'm sure you understand, these were very important as it became more and more difficult, as the War dragged on and the Federal Blockade tightened(much like a noose), for the Confederate War Department to procure or produce gunpowder, as well as the necessary minerals and ingredients required to produce it. The Great Saltpeter Cave is located in Rockcastle County, with entrances/exits from the cave coming out at several points on each end/face of the spurs of Big Hill which extend into Rockcastle County. Does anyone know anything about these "skirmishes" at all? Or the dates of the actions, units engaged, or the names of any of the dead? If anyone can PLEASE help me with this, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks again for your reply, Sgt.(Any better?), and I hope you'll respond again soon. I'm hoping you can help, or know someone, ANYONE who can, and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Michael Jace Gabbard
**To make our correspondence easier/faster, please email me at: GabbardHistories@yahoo.com