| Summary |
The purpose of this thesis is to show that Wade Hampton's experiences before the Civil War enabled him to become a successful military leader. The experiences and knowledge Hampton employed to make his five plantations flourish, by necessity, translated to the battlefield. Although the Civil War provided a more hostile environment, the fundamental skills he possessed allowed him to organize troops and lead them into battle, conduct cavalry raids, both independently and with combined forces, and ultimately assume overall command of the Confederate cavalry. Further intentions of this work is to give a more accurate and detailed account of Hampton's life. Although Manly Wellman offered the first biography of this man, in several places he distorts facts, omits Civil War engagements and uses contradicting footnotes. Using the Hampton Family Papers, Official Records of the Civil War, and other primary sources, this thesis will shed more light on General Hampton's life, before, during and after the Civil War. Once these facts are shown the reader will be able to get a clear understanding why Wade Hampton received the rank of lieutenant-general in the Confederate Army. Even more amazing is the fact that Hampton achieved this rank with no prior military experience before the Civil War. Even though he opposed the institution of slavery and the idea of secession, when South Carolina called for his assistance he devoted himself steadfastly to the Confederate cause, fighting until the bitter end. |
