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

"Co. Aytch," Maury Grays, First Tennessee Regiment by Samuel R. Watkins is a recollection from the late 1800s that shares the experiences of a soldier in war. The book explores a soldier's journey through the American Civil War, told from the viewpoint of a private in the First Tennessee Regiment and the memories of battles, the close relationships between the soldiers, and the challenges of war that take over their lives. Watkins remembers joining the army, the strong feelings of the early war period, and the battles he fought in with his fellow soldiers. He shares detailed stories of friendships among the soldiers and what motivated them, often pointing out how strange life in the military could be: personal stories, battle memories, and serious thoughts about war and doing what one is told. The book captures the spirit of the soldier, painting an attractive picture of the problems faced during the Civil War while blending humor and sadness.