The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-10-22
IS ACTIVE AT,
EIGHTY-FOUR.
Wade Hampton Living Quietly
al Columbia, S. c.
GOES HUNTING AND FISHING.
Fond Of Children and Horses and Passes
Many Harpy Days Reading on
tho Piazza

Columbia. s. c., Oct 22-Gen. Made
Hampton. who has recently been brought
conspicuously before the public because
of the suggestion that he be sent back 10
the senate next year, is leading life OF
serene quiet and simplicity in Columbia.
The general has been a victim OF fires.
When sherman's army marched through
here. in 1855. 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.
lie moved TO the other place. and a
few months later saved It from the flames
by himself going upon the roof and aid
ing the servants in throwing water.
IA the dead Of night this house was
fired three years ago. presumably by a
negro boy who had been detected steal
ing
Gen. Hampton was awakened by the
flames and aroused his daughter. n was
too late 10 attempt 10 save the family
silver. an exceptionally valuable library
and highly priced swords and other war
relies but the general heard the bowling
of 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 ami
mails in HIS arms. but minus his eyebrows
and most OF his whiskers.
LIVED IN A KITCHEN
After this misfortune Gen Hampton oc-
cupied what had been his kitchen--a de-
tsched house q bout Il By ~ feet. All in
yitations of friends and relatives were
declined. There he lived for more than a
year and until a committee ~ ladies no.
thed him that the residence built in CO.
lumbis by the people OF South Carolina.
testimonial Of their love and rever-
ence. was awaiting his occupancy. There
he has since lived with his daughter, Miss
Daisy
The generals health has been better
recently than II was year ago. For
some time he was unable 10 use his cork
1eR a0d slTered great pain IN the foot Of
tho leg that was amputsted many years
ago. This peculiar fact can be apprecis
tod only by surgeons and those who
have lost limbs.
Gen Hampton is accessible to visitors
any hour Of the day or early evening hs
sleeps late and retires early. Most OF the
day i'm pleasant weather Is spent upon
the piazza. He reads great deal. anl
when his eyes need rest his daughter
reads 70 HIM
The general Is very fond ~ children ard
they frequently go TO see him. There is n
boys school near his house and he takes
pleasure in watching their play Al recess
Occasionally Gen Hampton drives I'm a
buggy TO the Columbia club and spends
an hour or two there: sometimes he will
stop ~ the office OF friend on the
street and have chat. He drives HIM
self. although having a boy 10 hold his
horse
RARELY RIDES HORSEBACK
While he can stin ride we'll and makes
a fine figure upon spirited horse, Gen
Hampton has practically given up that
exercise and only appears on horseback
on rare occasions.
Although eighty-four years of age, the
spirit OF the sportsman is siill strong
i'm the general. He went upon door
hunt last season. and this summer whip
ped mountain streams I'm western North
Carolina for trout His eye for "A horse
is of the keeuest No animal goes BY him
without having Its points Observer ana
II II IL striking In appearance the gcner-
al viii put himself 10 some trouble to
ascertain his pedigree and owner
The generals side whiskers are now
quite white. bat hic hair and mustache
retain something OF the iron gray. His
large graN-blue eyes are not soon for
gotten. They are kind yet penetrating
and keen. To friends the general talks
freely and 20 the point he says what he
thinks about men and affairs and keeps
well Informed on current matters of pub
lie interest.