The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1899-05-10
Hamp:on's House Burned.

COLUMBIA, May Cen. Hamp-
ton residence, about two miles from
the city, was totally destroyed by fire
this morning about 3 clock, and a
large portion Of It's contents were lost.
The fire may have been of incendiary
origin, but that is only suspicion
now. 1t began near the kitchen, and
it's possible it may have caught from
a defective chimney.
/ Gen. Hampton has been quite feeble
lately, and at the time of the dis
covery of the fire he was awake, being
sleepless. He first found the FIRE, be-
lieving, however, that the light he
saw was the break Of day. But feel
ing the heat he managed to hobble to
the door, when he beheld one end Of
the building wrapped in flames. The
household was aroused at once, aud
negroes living on the place were got
ten out Of their beds. They first bore
the General out of the house and
placed him on chair safe distance
away, where he saw the fire destroy
his home and many Of his valuable
papers, books and relics. Many Of
the neighbors were aroused and they
allrendered what assistance they could,
but it was evident from the beginning
that the house was doomed. Much
Of the furniture and other household
fixtures were saved.
But the fire spread so rapidly that
many of the valuables could not be
rescued. The General possessed a
magnificent library, some Of the vol
umes being very rare, out Of print and
not procurable. Some Of these were
lost, besides many others, possessing
peculiar value from association. In
all there were about 5000 volumes,
about 1000 Of which were saved, a
portion Of them, luckily, being in a
building close to the dwelling, but
which was preserved from destruction.
In desk Gen. Hampton kept many
valuable papers Of personal and his
torical character. This desk went up
in smoke, and the loss Of the papers
is irreparable. He had an English
saddle Of peculiar make which he
used throughout the war, and which
he highly priced. This was lost. A:
large portion of the family silver was
destroyed also. The family jewels, of
which there was large collection,
and which were kept in a big, stout
trunk, passed through the FIRE, but
they were saved from total loss, as the
bucket brigade was instructed to throw
as much water as possible on the walls
Of the building where the trunk was
kept
There was not cent Of insurance,
and the monetary loss to the old
warrior is serious one, not to con-
slider the loss Of valuable relics col
lected during his long career.
Twice within the recent past has
the house been on FIRE in almost the
same place, and once the fire was ex-
extinguished by the General himself,
who, though 81 years old, climbed to
the roof. The building was Of only
onestory, Many pleasant associations
clustered about it.
Gen. Hampton has removed to a
small house on the premises untilother
arrangements can be made.
When seen this morning the Gene
raj appeared to bear his loss with re-
signation, and was as cheerful as pos
sible under the circumstances. Al
though feeble, he still looks forward
to his trip to the Charleston Reunion,
which he will not miss if it is possible
for him to get there.
The greatest sympathy is expressed
for him on all sides, and some old
Confeds on the streets to-day began
talking Of movement to build new
residence for him as a token OF their
love.
In attempting to save a dog the
General was scorched ..bout the face.
Among his papers were several hun.
dred unanswered letters from persons
in all parts Of the country.-Neus ana.
Courier.