“But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate — we can not consecrate — we can not hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.”
Among the plethora of books about the Civil War Company Aytch stands out for its uniquely personal view of the events as related by a most engaging writer--a man with Twain-like talents who served as a foot soldier for four long years in the Confederate army. Originally published in 1881 as a series of articles in the Columbia, Tennessee, Herald, Sam Watkins's account has long been recognized by historians as one of the most lively and witty accounts of the war. Parallels between this text and The Red Badge of Courage suggest that Stephen Crane was also among Private Watkins's readers. This edition of Company Aytch also contains six previously uncollected articles by Sam Watkins, plus other valuable supplementary materials, including a map and period illustrations, a glossary of technical and military terms, a chronology of events, a concise history of Watkins's regiment, a biographical directory of individuals mentioned in the narrative, and geographic and topical indexes. This new edition of a Civil War classic is bound to become the edition of choice for students, military buffs, and general readers alike.
The irony of secession is that without it and the Civil War, slavery would have continued much longer in the United States. How would it have ever been ended? Even in Delaware, with 2000 slaves (outnumbered by the free persons of color), the slaveholders refused to agree to gradual emancipation during the War.
Wonderful prose by both the President and the TN senator. Oh but we have such inspiration to achieve and dream today.
Count me as a Yank that had relatives on the lines, (I have their discharge papers) bled, and suffered.
I believe they would agree that our Southern brothers have every right to honor their past.