Hugh Mercer

Hugh Mercer (circa 1720-January 12, 1777) was a general officer in the Continental Army. He died resulting from wounds after the Battle of Princeton.

Related Topics:
1720 - January 12 - 1777 - Continental Army - Battle of Princeton

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Born in Rosehearty, Scotland he attended the University of Aberdeen, studying medicine. He was assistant surgeon in the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. In 1747 Mercer moved to America, settling near what is now Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. He was wounded in General Edward Braddock's army in 1755. He accompanied Lieutenant Colonel John Armstrong's expedition on the raid of the Indian village of Kittanning in September 1756.

Related Topics:
Rosehearty - Scotland - University of Aberdeen - Surgeon - Bonnie Prince Charlie - 1745 - 1747 - Mercersburg, Pennsylvania - Edward Braddock - 1755 - Kittanning - 1756

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In late 1760 Mercer moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he opened an apothecary and practiced as a physician. He was to remain in Fredericksburg for fifteen years, leaving in 1776 to join the Continental Army. Mercer was initially commissioned a captain and chosen to command the Independant Company of the Town of Fredericksburg in 1775. He was later promoted to lieutenant colonel and placed in command of a militia battalion. In December 1775 he was promoted to colonel and served as the first commander of the 3d Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line. The future president James Monroe and the future chief justice of the supreme court John Marshall served as officers under Mercer's command. At the request of General George Washington, he was commissioned a brigadier general in June 1776.

Related Topics:
1760 - Fredericksburg, Virginia - Apothecary - Physician - 1776 - Continental Army - George Washington - Brigadier general

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Mercer commanded a brigade during the Battle of Princeton (January 3, 1777) and received seven bayonet wounds. He was brought to the field hospital in the Thomas Clarke House (now a museum) at the eastern end of the battle field. In spite of medical efforts by Benjamin Rush Mercer died nine days later.

Related Topics:
Battle of Princeton - Bayonet - Benjamin Rush

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The city of Fredericksburg continues to maintain a renovated version of Mercer's apothecary shop to this day.

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Mercer County, New Jersey, Mercer County, Ohio, Mercer County, Pennsylvania, Mercer County, Kentucky, and Mercer County, Illinois are named for him.

Related Topics:
Mercer County, New Jersey - Mercer County, Ohio - Mercer County, Pennsylvania - Mercer County, Kentucky - Mercer County, Illinois

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