250 and Counting

Category: Hugh Mercer

  • In And Around New York–October 15, 1776

    Cover art for October 15, 1776: Map of New York I[sland], with the adjacent Rocks and other remarkable Parts of Hell-Gate, map by Thomas Kitchin, Sr, Hydrographer to King Charles III, April 1778. via New York Public Library.

    By the time Charles Lee returned to duty, the Continental Army in New York was in a sad state of affairs. Many men had been injured or deserted. Supplies were low. Ammunition was low. Morale was low. And the British were up in the Bronx, gearing up for…something, who knows what.

    Lee had, of course, missed all the action in Brooklyn and Manhattan, so he brought a new perspective to the table. And it was fortunate that Lee felt free to say what he thought of the situation, namely that it was untenable.

    Fortunately, Washington was of a similar mind and apparently Lee’s comments were what he needed to take appropriate action. He immediately summoned a council of war.

    Down in Staten Island, Nathanael Greene and Hugh Mercer were in Staten Island, encountering far less resistance than they expected. They got word of the war council and Greene departed while Mercer continued on…at least until he learned the status of his intended target.

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  • 250 and Counting: February 3, 1775

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    Cover art for February 3, 1775: "The Death of General Mercer at the Battle of Princeton, January 3,1777" by John Trumbull

    Hugh Mercer is one of those people who was terribly important to the cause of Liberty during the American Revolution, yet his story goes untold largely because he died early in the effort.

    But if Mercer hadn’t come to America because he was on the losing side of a battle in Scotland, he wouldn’t have become a doctor in Pennsylvania.

    And he wouldn’t have joined up in the French and Indian War.

    And if he hadn’t been wounded, then he wouldn’t have been rescued, transferred and promoted to Major.

    And if he hadn’t been transferred, he wouldn’t have met George Washington.

    And Washington wouldn’t have gotten the idea to invade Trenton, New Jersey at Christmastime 1776.

    And Mercer wouldn’t have been killed the following month. Which is bad, but…

    If Mercer hasn’t sacrificed himself so publicly, Washington’s troops wouldn’t have been inspired to re-enlist and continue the fight.

    Also, the county surrounding Trenton, New Jersey would have a name other than “Mercer County,” so there’s that.