I am interested in finding out what was the military objective of General Stoneman's raid into the Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina area. Was it to cut off supplies to the Confederacy or try to prevent General Lee from metting up with General Johnston or both? Also I was wondering what was the impact of having along Alvan Gillem who is said to have a deep hatred of East TN and Western NC Confederates. Was G. W. Kirk on this raid also? Thanks for any help....James Horton.