Hampton, Wade, c.1752–1835, American planter and soldier, b. Halifax co., Va. He served in the American Revolution and took part in South Carolina politics, opposing the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and serving as a U.S. Representative (1795–97, 1803–5). He developed large cotton plantations in South Carolina before 1800, held sugar plantations in Mississippi after 1811, and was reputed to be the wealthiest planter of his day in America. A major general in the War of 1812, Hampton commanded a force that was to march from N New York to the St. Lawrence River and then, after effecting a union with Gen. James Wilkinson's army, move against Montreal. He was defeated by a smaller British force in the battle of Chateaugay; and, blamed by Wilkinson for the failure of the campaign, he resigned his command. Wade Hampton (1818–1902) was his grandson.
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