Based on the brief OR and endorsement by "Union citizens", it appears that Mr. Starnes was a patriot. A good book to read about the subject is "With Blood and Fire: Life behind Union Lines in Middle Tennessee". The author might appear to have a Northern bias, but I think it is simply because of the understandable shortage of contemporary firsthand accounts for bushwhackers, partisans, etc. Anyway, Middle and Eastern TN were not neutral friendly places to live.
Here is an excerpt:
"Names of some disloyal citizens of the Fourth District Franklin County, TN. A narration of their crimes and the orders of (U.S.) Maj. General Milroy as to what punishment they shall suffer for said crimes....
Cynthia McCullum Wife of the above (Curtis) and also instigated her son to murder Kennedy, the same remarks that apply to her husband apply also to her with double force. She is a very bad and a very dangerous woman. SHOOT IF YOU CAN MAKE IT LOOK AN ACCIDENT"
Of course General Milroy was not a guerilla. Mrs. McCullum's husband and son were guerillas. And Kennedy was a "Loyal man".