The National Archives list a W.T.Wilkins as captain of Company C of the 2nd Battalion South Carolina Cavalry reserves. Possibly the same soldier you search for in Company E. I also found records for a W.T.Wilkins as 1st sergeant of the SC 7th Batt Res Infantry, and a 2nd Lieutenant of the SC 5th State Line Infantry. I would doubt that the 2nd Batt. Cav reserves were mounted, as they were formed so late in the war. Prime horseflesh was just not available; I have a record of my extended family in Chesterfield County trading 300 acres of land for a single mount (think that was in '63 or '64).

Looked up your book on carbines, and I recall seeing it a one CW show or another. I,too, burn black powder now and then, mostly CW revolvers. I own a Confederate first model Maynard carbine, 36 caliber, but have yet to shoot it. I do have 3 or 4 cartridges for it, might have to pull the lead and refill with modern powder just to say I have fired the pretty lady.