The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1897-07-15
the state a description Of Governor
Harris. Brownlow's

DESCRIPTION OF HARRIS
was as as follows: "He is black-eyed
heavy-jawed man, and is an inveterate
chewer of tobacco"
When the reward for Harris was with
drawn by Brownlow, the proclamation
of withdrawal ended thus: WITHDRAW
the reward for Isham G. Harris, trai-
tor"
When the Federals took possession
of Nashville, Governor Harris took the
State school fund, which amounted to
something over $4,000 and cared for
it during the entire war. After the
war he returned it to the state. After
the evacuation Of Nashville by the Con-
federates, Gov. Harris served yolun-
tarily aide for General Albert Sidney
johnson, and after the death of General
johnson he served in like capacity on
the staff of General Bragg. 1t was into
the arms of the sturdy war Governor
the gallant johnson fell after he receiv-
ed his death wound on Shiloh's bloody
field. During the first day of this ter
rible battle General Breckenridge gal
loped up to General johnson, who was
talking to Governor Harris, and COM
planned that he had failed in the ac-
cOmplishment of mission he had been
sent on because a certain Tennessee
regiment had faltered. Governor Har-
ris asked that the regiment be shown to
him. His request was granted, and he
rode to the front of the offending SOL
diers, where he made a short, bat stir
ring speech, after which he wheeled
his horse and led the regiment in a
charge which was successful, and which
accomplished the end wanted. After
this charge in which Governor Harris
showed great bravery, he rode to the
side of General Johnston and while
talking to him bullet struck the sole
of the Generals boot and tore part OF
itaway. The General leaned over to see
whether the bullet had inflicted wound
and while he was in this position the
ball which killed General Johnston
buried itself in the target for which
it had been nodded. The General reel
ed and fell over into the arms of the
Governor.
care you hurt, General?" asked Gov,
ernor Harris.
eyes, and 1 fear seriously" was the
answer.
Holding the wounded soldier with
one arm with the other Governor Har
ris guided his own and the horse o.
the General to place of safety, where
he lifted the dying Johnston TO thu
ground. Death claimed the prize 1
few moments later. On the same daJ
when General Beauregard stopped th'
battls and made the mistake which los
to the Confederates victory and cos
the lives of many gallant men. Cover
, nor Harris begged him to recind the or
der and push the battle. Subsequen
events proved that the Governors ad
vice was better than the iudgment:of th
General concerning the matter. At tn
battle of Chicamauga Governor Harri
begged Bragg when the General ha,
: made the same mistake that Beauregar'
' had made to push the battle. Again
his advice was disregarded and agail
the Governors advice was proved t.
be the wisest. After Shiloh Coverno
Harris figured in many battles and hi
bravery was most notable. The dasl
and spirit which characterized his fight
ing during the war characterized his
Q POLITICAL STRUGGLES
{ After the war. When the war close'
: the position of Governor Harris wa
, not pleasant one. Tennessee was full
: Of bushwhackers, who would cut
t federal throat as soon as they woul
/. the throat of confederate, and thes
e men and many others looked on tn
s now ex-governor as prize, the rewar,
: for him having at the time just bee
offered. lIr Harris knew that h
would be hanged if he was captured, Sc
b with several other ex-confederate sold
% iers and their families, he went t
> Mexico, and there, in the coffee district
established colony, permission havin
> been granted them to live there pre-
\ vided they maintained a neutral pos
4 tion as to the Mexican insurgents an
the imperial forces of Emperor Max
milan, who we're then at war. Senate
Harris was the agent of the colonists
and looked after their interest. II
~ frequent interviews with Empress Cal
q lotta, who he often said was one of th
!. most brilliant women he had ever me-
!. She was, he said, thorough politicia
- and had the details of the governmer
at her finger tips. Empress Carlotta
e now in Belgium. Her mind has bee
a unbalanced since her husband was sho
- After the fall of Maximilian's govern
"a ment Mr.. Harris went to Liverpool
England, where he entered into bus
ness as merchant. After the
a REWARD OFFERED FOR HIM
r Had been withdrawn he returned
IN this country, and in this city entere
At the practice of law with Gen. GideO