Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Harris, Isham G. (Isham Green) (1818-1897) to Thomas C. Reynolds

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00909 Author/Creator: Harris, Isham G. (Isham Green) (1818-1897) Place Written: Memphis, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 March 1868
Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Discusses his return to Tennessee after escaping to Mexico after the Civil War. Describes how he went to England to investigate the prospects of making a living there in the cotton industry. After a three year absence he realized "I should never be contented separated from the ties and associations of my former life." Consequently, he "resolved to brave all the consequences and return to Tennessee and share the fortunes of her people." Discusses turning himself in to face the indictments against him, his anticipation of the charges being disposed of, and his view that he will be able to make a living in the state. Notes the welcome he received around "the Country was most Cordial and Kind." Also notes that Reynolds will be at no risk if he should return and that the "revolutionary condition" of Mexico should be an inducement to leave. Harris was the Confederate Governor of Tennessee. With a small piece of paper (possibly the envelope) attached to the first page.

Harris, Isham G. (Isham Green), 1818-1897
Reynolds, Thomas C. (Thomas Caute), 1821-1887

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources