The age-herald., 1901-11-03
WADE HAMPTON
 AT AGE OF 84 The Old General Still Shows No
 Signs of Decay LIVING IN COLUMBIA, s. C A Suggestion That He Be Returned to the senate-A Victim of Costly :.
 Fires During and Since s the Civil War.

Columbia, S. C., November 2-Gen Wade Hampton, who has recently been brought conspicuously before the public because of the suggestion that he be sent back to the Senate next year. is leading a life of serene quiet and simplicity in Columbia
 The general has been victim of fires When Sherman's army marched through here in 1865 the three mansions of the Hampton family near Columbia were de- stroyed. In comparatively recent years cottages were built on two of these places and four years ago the one in which the general was living burned.
 He moved to the other place, and a few months later saved 1t from the flames by himself going upon the roof and aid ing the servants in throwing water. In the dead of night this house was fired three years ago, presumably by negro boy who had been detected stealing.
 General Hampton was awakened by the flames and aroused his daughter. It was too late to attempt to save the family sil yer, an exceptionally valuable library and highly prized swords and other war relics, but the general heard the howiing of a little dog and remembered the pet was locked in back room. He sprang through the smoke and into the burning house, coming back with the little ani- nal in his arms, but minus his eyebrows and most of his whislers-
 After this misfortune General Hampton occupied what had been his kitchen-a detached house about IA by 20 feet. All Invitations of friends and relatives were declined. There he lived for more than a year and until a committee of ladies notified him that the residence built in Columbia by the people of South Caro- lima, as a testimonial of their love and reverence, was awaiting his occupancy. There he has since lived with his daugh- ter, Miss Daisy.
 The generals health has been better re- gently than it was year ago. For some time he was unable to use his cork leg and suffered great pain in the foot of the leg that was amputated many years ago. This peculiar fact can be appreciated only by surgeons and those who have lost limbs.
 General Hampton is accessible. to vis- itors any hour of the day or early even- ing. He sleeps late and retires. early. Most of the day in pleasant weather is spent upon the piazza. He reads great deal and when his eyes need rest his daughter reads to him.
 The general is very fond of children and they frequently go to see him. There is a boys school near his house, and he takes pleasure in watching their play at recess. Occasionally General Hampton drives in a buggy to the Columbia Club and spends an hour or two- there; some- times he will stop at the office of friend on the street and have a chat. He drives himself. although having a boy to hold his horse.
 While he can still ride well and makes a fine figure upon spirited horse, Gen eral Hampton has practically given up that exercise and only appears on horse- back on rare occasions
 Although 84 years of age the spirit of the sportsman Is still strong in the gen. eral He went upon deer hunt last sea- son, and this summer whipped mountain streams in Western North Carolina for trout. His eye for a horse is of the keenest. No animal goes by him with out having it's points observed, and if 1t is striking in appearance the general will put himself to some trouble to ascertain his pedigree and owner.
 The generals side whiskers are now quite white. but his hair and mustache retain something of the Iron gray. His large gray-blue eyes are not soon forgot ten. They are kind, but penetrating and keen. To friends the general talks freely and to the point. He says what he thinks about men and affairs and keeps well in formed on current matters of public in terest.