An Independence Patriot: General Hugh Mercer, 1726-1777

Posted on July 4, 2007 in Genealogy, Holidays by DM

General Hugh Mercer Happy Independence Day!

I considered writing a post full of celebratory sentiments, but decided to go another route instead. I mentioned previously that one of the many “distractions” in my genealogical journey has been the possibility that I may be a descendent of General Hugh Mercer, a Revolutionary War patriot. I thought it might be interesting to personalize this Independence Day by sharing a little of what I’ve learned about Mercer - quite possibly a long-ago grandfather.

Hugh Mercer was born in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1726, graduated as a doctor from the University of Aberdeen, and served as an army surgeon until the Battle of Culledon in 1746. With the fall of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army in that battle, survivors were considered traitors to the new monarch and Mercer became a fugitive in his own land. He eventually escaped and traveled to America where he served as a Pennsylvania doctor for eight years. He joined the military and was severely wounded in a raid on an Indian village in 1756, and traveled some 14 days to eventual safety despite his wounds and lack of supplies. Rising to the rank of colonel, he met and became close friends with another officer, Col. George Washington. He eventually moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia to once again establish his practice as a physician.

When rumblings began about a fight for American Independence, John Hancock appointed Mercer Brigadier General in the Armies of the United Colonies, and he soon left Virginia to report for duty in the Continental Army. Following the Second Battle of Trenton of January 2, 1777, Mercer’s brigade on January 3 encountered several British units. Outnumbered and thrown from his horse, Mercer attempted to fight one-on-one but was eventually mortally wounded and left to die. Washington’s men carried him to a field hospital where he died nine days later.

Though Mercer gave his life, this battle enabled Washington to proceed into Princeton and defeat British troops there. Thus spurred by victory, his troops re-enlisted and the French agreed to assist in the fight against the British. Cornwallis retreated, America regained the motivation and the means to fight, and British public support for the war waned - all leading to American victory and independence.

July 4 has traditionally been the day we set aside to recognize that human lives were given - often brutally - to establish our right to exist as an independent nation. This Independence Day, do not let politicians, pundits or those with an agenda dictate your enjoyment of the day. Simply remember, be proud, and be thankful that brave people gave their lives so that we could, quite literally, be free.

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