Company Aytch: A Classic Memoir of the Civil War

One of the greatest Civil War books ever written. It is the first hand account of a Confederate private from Columbia, Tennessee fighting in some of the bloodiest battles and skirmishes of the war. Sam Watkins of the "Maury Greys" saw a lot of fightin' and dyin' while serving as part of Company H in the Army of Tennessee. He had many brushes with death and risked capture on several occasions. Read his accounts of the battles at Shiloh, Atlanta, Franklin, and Nashville just to name a few. This book is something every serious Civil War buff should have in his or her library.

I was introduced to this masterpiece a few years back when I was a novice to re-enacting and I wanted to know more about the soldier's experience. It is a true treasure-trove of information regarding the frontline experiences of a Confederate soldier. Watkins gently takes the reader by the hand and leads them through the horrors of day to day life in the Army of Tennessee (and even in the Army of Northern Virginia for a small portion of the book). The nightmare of their day-to-day existence is softened by Watkins' gentle humor, making the journey a wonderful read. True, there are some 'politically incorrect' passages relating to his opinions on slavery, African-Americans in general, and even regarding the Confederate hiearchy (if you're a dyed-in-the-wool Confederate, your feathers may get ruffled a bit), but remember: this is the first person account of a man who was there. There was no Civil Rights March in Waktins' day, only a Civil War. If you are a re-enactor of the War Between the States, this book is a must for you. IF you're not, this is still one of the best (i.e.: most entertaining) books on the subject of the Army of Tennessee. Enjoy!

Sam Watkins writes a novel like autobiography of his years with the Army of Tennessee. His service saw the front lines of every major battle including Shiloh, Chickamagua, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Franklin and Nashville. Amazingly, this rebel came through intact and lived to vividly record his experiences.This book is much more impressionistic than a historic telling of the facts (which Watkins reminds the reader frequently). It lays bare the attitude of a rebel private (although one suspects Watkins is much more literate and sophistocated than many of his fellows in the ranks) who endured starvation, forced marches, punishing battles and the monotony and arbitrary nature of camp life while serving a losing cause.Watkins does an excellent job of letting the reader into his head. He reveals well the base existence and actions of ordinary soldiers who paid for the drama of the Civil War with their youth, blood and life.

the best diary of a civil war veteran i have ever read!!