Hugh Mercer, born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1720, entered the army
of Prince Charles Edward as assistant-surgeon, in 1745. The battle
of Culloden, April 16, 1746, resulted in the total defeat of that
unfortunate prince, sending him into exile, a proscribed wanderer,
and scattering or exterminating his devoted followers. Emigrating to
this country the following year, Mercer settled in Franklin County,
Pennsylvania, and in 1755 fought his first battle in America under
the leadership of John Armstrong and with the rank of captain. At
the battle of Kittanning in 1756, he was severely wounded; in 1758,
as lieutenant-colonel he took part in the capture of Fort Duquesne,
and was left in command of that important post. It was during this
expedition that he became acquainted with Washington; and in 1775, a
few days after the battle of Lexington, Mercer was among the first
to appeal to his former comrade-in-arms for instructions as to the
disposition of the Virginia troops, then arming in the cause of
liberty. June 5, 1776, Congress appointed him a brigadier-general;
and a few days later he joined the army at New York and entered
the Continental service, under the immediate orders of the
commander-in-chief. Gloomy forebodings filled the mind of even the
stanchest patriots, as defeat followed defeat, and Washington with his
brave band retreated through the Jerseys.
In December, at a council of war, a change of policy was agreed
upon, and the unexpected and successful attack upon Trenton was the
result, Mercer rendering most efficient service. The British, however,
gathering their forces, made ready to retaliate; and the cause of
liberty seemed lost, when Mercer boldly suggested by a night march
to surprise them in their stronghold at Princeton. His advice was
acted upon; but in that memorable battle--a battle that did more to
secure us our independence than any other during the war--the brave
General Mercer lost his life. Dismounted by the death of his horse,
and separated from his command, disdaining to surrender, he met
single-handed a detachment of the enemy, and was beaten to the earth by
the butts of their muskets and stabbed by their bayonets. Carried by
his aid from the battle-field to a neighboring house, he lingered for
nine days in great agony, expiring on the 12th of January, 1777. His
remains were taken to Philadelphia, where his funeral was attended by
thirty thousand people. St. Andrew’s Society of that city have erected
a monument to his memory at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Mercer County,
Kentucky, was named in his honor.