In 1881, with a "house full of young 'rebels' clustering about my elbows," Watkins began to chronicle his experiences in the First Tennessee Regiment. "Co. Aytch" is considered to be one of the great memoirs written by a soldier of the field.
In 1881, Watkins started recording his experiences as a member of the First Tennessee Regiment. His account is regarded as a significant work among memoirs from soldiers who fought in the field.