74. WADE HAMPTON Scarce fine content war date A.L.S. "Yr. brother", 3pp. 8vo., Martinsburg, Oct. 5, 1862. In part: "...Death has often been very near to us. But god has been merciful enough still to keep all my dear ones safe & well. I have very much to show my gratitude. I can scarcely realize that all of us who came into this war fifteen months ago are still safe & well. When I look back over the battlefields of that long time & remember the thousands who lie there now, my heart is deeply thankful for that mercy which has spared me & mine. I pray we may still be spared, but if this is not to be. I pray that I may be able to discharge my duty faithfully so as to merit the 'well-done' not only from my country, but from my God. My heart has grown sick of the war & I long for peace. If it does not come this winter, there is no saying when we may look for it. As long as the madness of the Yankees continues, so long will this fearful war. We are all quite along the lines & no news is afloat The Yankees will not attack us here & I suppose we shall have to move off before very long..." Bottom portion of third page removed, usual folds, light soiling, otherwise very good. $1,000-1,500