Co. Aytch, Maury Grays, First Tennessee Regiment; Or, A Side Show of the Big Show

Samuel "Sam" Rush Watkins (1839-1901) was a noted Confederate soldier during the American Civil War. He is known today for his memoir "Co. Aytch", Maury Grays, First Tennessee Regiment; or, A Side Show of the Big Show often heralded as one of the best primary sources about the common soldier's Civil War experience. He faithfully served throughout the duration of the War, participating in many battles. Of the 120 men who enlisted in "Company H" in 1861, Watkins was one of only seven alive when General Joseph E. Johnston's Army of Tennessee surrendered to General William Tecumseh Sherman in North Carolina April, 1865. Of the 1,200 men who fought in the First Tennessee, only 65 were left to be paroled on that day. Soon after the war ended, Watkins began writing his memoir; "Co. Aytch". It was originally serialized in the Columbia, Tennessee Herald newspaper. It was published in a first edition of 2,000 in book form in 1882. Watkins's writing style is quite engaging and skillfully captures the pride, misery, glory, and horror experienced by the common foot soldier. Watkins is often featured and quoted in Ken Burns' 1990 documentary titled The Civil War.