Wade Hampton: The Other Cavalry General

The Confederacy was fortunate to have superior cavalry commanders and men like Jeb Stuart and Nathan Bedford Forrest, who are well-known. There were others that, while not as easily recognizable, were highly effective. One of these was a Southern aristocrat named Wade Hampton III.

To the Manor Born

Wade Hampton III was born on March 28, 1818, in Charleston, South Carolina, into a wealthy and influential family. His father, Wade Hampton II, was a prosperous planter and general in the War of 1812; his grandfather, Wade Hampton I, was a Revolutionary War veteran. Growing up on his family’s vast plantations, Hampton was educated in private schools and graduated from South Carolina College (now the University of South Carolina) in 1836. He inherited considerable wealth and land from his father, making him one of the wealthiest men in the South. Despite his privileged background, Hampton developed a reputation for being a skilled horseman and a competent manager of his estates, which would later serve him well in his military career.

When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Hampton was already in his early forties and had no formal military training. Nonetheless, his social standing and wealth allowed him to raise and equip a unit of soldiers known as “Hampton’s Legion,” which he financed. The Legion, consisting of infantry, cavalry, and artillery units, was unique and reflected Hampton’s understanding of the need for a versatile fighting force.

Distinguished in the Front Lines

Hampton’s first significant engagement came at the First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) on July 21, 1861. Despite his inexperience, Hampton’s leadership was noted for its bravery and tactical awareness. His Legion played a crucial role in holding the Confederate line, and his ability to inspire his men under fire was evident. The battle was a Confederate victory and helped cement Hampton’s reputation as a capable leader.

In 1862, during the Peninsula Campaign, Hampton’s Legion was engaged in several key battles. Hampton’s tactical acumen was fully displayed during the Seven Days Battles, which took place from June 25 to July 1, 1862. He effectively utilized his cavalry for reconnaissance and flanking maneuvers, providing critical intelligence and support contributing to Confederate successes. Hampton was wounded during this campaign but continued to serve with distinction.

Hampton’s participation in the Second Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) and the Battle of Antietam confirmed his reputation as a military leader. At Second Manassas, his cavalry was instrumental in disrupting Union supply lines and communications. Hampton’s reconnaissance and screening operations were vital in providing General Robert E. Lee with crucial information about Union movements.

Brandy Station and the Gettysburg Campaign

One of the most notable engagements involving Hampton’s cavalry was the Battle of Brandy Station on June 9, 1863. This was the largest cavalry battle of the Civil War and a prelude to the Gettysburg Campaign. During the Gettysburg Campaign, Hampton’s cavalry continued to perform crucial reconnaissance and raiding missions. At the Battle of Gettysburg, Hampton’s brigade was heavily engaged in the fighting on July 3, 1863, during the East Cavalry Field action. Despite being wounded, Hampton’s leadership and the performance of his cavalry were commendable, contributing to the overall Confederate effort, even though the battle ultimately ended in a Union victory.

The Beefsteak Raid

After the death of Jeb Stuart, Hampton was promoted to lead the cavalry of the Army of Northern Virginia. He quickly demonstrated his strategic prowess at the Battle of Trevilian Station on June 11-12, 1864, where his forces defeated Union cavalry under Major General Philip Sheridan. This significant victory delayed Sheridan’s cavalry from joining forces with Grant, thereby providing the Confederates with a tactical advantage.

What Wade Hampton is best known for was the Beefsteak Raid. By mid-1864, the Confederate forces defending Petersburg, Virginia, were in dire straits. General Robert E. Lee’s troops were suffering from severe shortages of food and supplies due to the Union Army’s persistent sieges and raids. Hampton learned from scouts and informants that the Union Army had a large herd of cattle at Coggins’ Point on the James River, intended to feed the Union troops. The herd, comprising over 3,000 head of cattle, was lightly guarded, presenting a tempting target for Hampton.

On September 14, 1864, Hampton set out with approximately 3,000 cavalrymen, including the divisions of Generals W.H.F. “Rooney” Lee and Matthew C. Butler. The Confederate force moved around the Union lines, using the cover of night and knowledge of local terrain to avoid detection. Early September 16, Hampton’s men attacked the Union cattle herd at Coggins’ Point. The raid was swift and efficient, resulting in minimal Confederate casualties. The Confederates captured over 2,400 head of cattle and numerous Union prisoners. Additionally, they seized wagons filled with supplies and returned to the Confederate lines without significant engagement from Union forces.

The Beefsteak Raid was a significant morale booster for the Confederate troops at Petersburg. The captured cattle provided much-needed food for Lee’s starving soldiers, temporarily alleviating the critical shortages that plagued the Confederate army. The raid underscored the importance of cavalry in conducting deep raids and disrupting enemy supply lines, a strategy that Hampton had effectively utilized throughout the war. It also showcased Hampton’s ability to inspire and lead his men under challenging circumstances. His tactical acumen in planning and executing the raid was a testament to his skills as a military commander.

Post-War Life and Legacy

After the Civil War, Hampton returned to South Carolina and became involved in politics. He opposed Radical Reconstruction and was a leading figure in the Democratic Party. In 1876, he was elected Governor of South Carolina. His election marked the end of Reconstruction in South Carolina and the beginning of “Redeemer” rule, which sought to restore white supremacy and roll back the gains made by African Americans during Reconstruction.

Hampton’s post-war political career also included serving as a U.S. Senator from 1879 to 1891. Despite his controversial political stance, he was respected for his moderate and conciliatory approach during his tenure in office.

Wade Hampton’s military career during the Civil War was marked by strategic insight, effective use of cavalry, and significant engagements that underscored his leadership abilities. From the First Battle of Manassas to the Overland Campaign, Hampton’s contributions were vital to the Confederate war effort. However, his post-war political actions and their implications for civil rights have led to a more nuanced and critical assessment of his legacy. His opposition to Reconstruction and his involvement in the suppression of African American rights has cast a shadow over his legacy. Modern historians tend to take a more critical view of his actions during this period, recognizing the negative impact of his policies on the progress of civil rights in the South.