The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-06-15
Elampton's Sword Returned to His
Son.

The sword of chieftain returned
by a foe! The stainless blade of him
who sleeps meath the giant oak in
peaceful Trinity churchyard-the
knightly Hampton.
This sword, which has been obtained
from Mr.. Jos. Major of Eureka, ILL.,,
is one long missing, but the one In
whose keeping it has been known to
be for some time. Mr. McDufie
Hampton, learning in March of this
year that the sword was in possession
of Mr.. Major, communicated with
him and received in reply the follow
ing letter: =,
''In regard to the sword of which
you ask, I have sword that probably
once belonged to your lamented father:
"As for the particulars as to how l
came to get it. I will try and inform
you the best ] can.
About the 18th of February, 1865.
our corps, the Fourteenth, being then
on the extreme left Of Gen. Sherman's S
column, as battalion of mounted in
faotry were passing through our camp
at night, one of them offered for sale
this sword, and having lost my own l
bought it. He said about noon as theil
command was some distance from the
main road, on nearing farm house
they saw four or FIVE officers leave
hastily in the opposite direction, and
he being the first to reach the house
found the sword lying on the bed IN
the room adjoining the dinner room.
He said that everything appeared as
though the officers we're eating dinner,
and being surprised left hastily, leav-
ing the sword. did not know this
man and at the time did not believe
one word of it. I only thought he
had taken it from some private house.
I regret 70 say there was much OF that
done.
"The sword is not like those in gen
eral use in either army, more like
dress sword used on civic occasions.
The belt is such as used by guard
officers, of light material, with emblem
of G. S. A. with what appears to ha
like silver chains fastened to belt to
hold sword in place.
"The carved ivory hilt is moulded
with ancient helmet, with small
chains in place of guard.
1.-The sword is of usual length and
thickness and is engraved and stamped
thus, Ames Mfg. Co.. Chicopeee,
Mass, and has a silver scabbord.
After I got this sword [ covered the
scabbord with leather, not to hide, but
to avoid theft, the belt and chains l
did not use at all. l did not see the
engraving on the scabbard until l was
mustered out Of the service. On the
scabbard is engraved, Lieut. Gen.
Wade Hampton, G. S. A
"This sword is in very fair condi-
tion considering wear and usage. l
was not staff officer, simply of the
left line. AS recollect we were on
that day about Is miles south west OF
Columbia. I was not in Columbia at
ALL
"In telling yo1 how 1 came by this
sword, 1 say I bought it, simple
fact, but do not for one moment infer
that | would sell it to you or any
living creature. God forbid
"But if you, as representing the
late Gen. Wade Hampton, are satisfied
and certain that this was your fathers
sword, I will cheerfully return it to
you at once; but I want satisfactory
evidence that you are the person you
represent
To this letter Mr.. Hampton wrote
Mr.. Major again, thanking him for
his courteous letter and generous I'M.
pulse. He suggested that the sword
be delivered to him through Gov:
Howard as a matter of formal and
easy Identification. This was done,
and the governor received the sword
on Friday last and handed it to Mr..
Hampton on the following day.-The
State.