James W. Watkins (b. in Georgia ca. 1828) was a farmer from Carnesville, Franklin County, Georgia. In the Fall of 1863, Watkins was in the Atlanta area serving as a private in Co. E, 3rd Regiment, Georgia Cavalry (State Guards). By June of 1864, he was back in the Atlanta area serving in Co. F, 4th Regiment, Georgia Militia.Watkins was married to Francis (Franky) Maxwell Watkins (b. ca. 1820). In 1860 they had no children but were raising two nephews, Richard (Dick) Watkins, b. ca. 1836, and William T. (Tom)Watkins, b. ca. 1848. Apparently, James and Franky Watkins could not read or write and their letters were written for them. James Watkins last name is spelled “Wadkins” in many of the letters, as well as in the Federal Census of 1870. The collection also includes letters from several relatives and neighbors including some serving in the 29th and 34th Georgia Infantry regiments.