Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1849-10-12
TggGsrgJg1Mp.
BATTLE OF PRIN CETON.
Death of General .N6rcer.

The historical records of the War of the
American Revolution are all in error as re-
spects the death of General Mercer, who fell
at the battle of Princeton, January 3, MI
| We offer the homage of our yeneration for
this martyrs memory, by giving to his adopt
ed country, and the world, AUTHENTIC particu-
lars of the heroism and devotion thai attend
eG his fall.
1t was Immediately after the sharp conflict
at the fence, between the advanced guard of
the American army, led by General Mercer.
and the British 9TH regiment, and the retreat
of the Americans through the orchard near TO
Clark's house and barn, that General Mercer.
while exerting himself to rally his broken
troops, was brought 10 the ground by blow
from the but of a musket. He was on foot at
this time--the grey horse he rode at the be-
ginning of the action having bees disabled by
ball in the fore leg.-The British soldiers
were not at first aware of thu Generals rank,
tor the morning being cold, he wore a surtout
over his uniform. So soon rs they discover
ed that he was General officer, they shouted
that they had got the rebel General, and cried,
Call for quarters, you id rebel ~ Mer-
Ger to the most undaunted courage united
quick and ardent temperaIlent; he replied
with indignation to his enemies, while their
bayonets were at his bosom, that he deserved
not the name of rebel; and, determined to die
as lac had lived, true and honored soldier of
liberty, lounged with his sword at the nearest
man. They then bayoneted him, and left him
for dead.
Upon the retreat Of the enemy, the woun-
ded General was conveyed to Clark's house,
immediately adjoining the field of battle
The information that the Commander-in-Ch Chief
first received of the fall of his old companion
n q 10 of nd hal Cd eff
Ger, was that he expired under his numerous
wounds; and II was not until the American
army was in full march for Morristown that
the Chief was undecelved, aud learned, to his
great qualification, that Mercer, though fear
fully wounded, was yet alive. Upon the
first halt at Somerset Courthouse, Washing
ton dispatched the late Major George Lewis,
his nephew, and Captain of the Horse Guard,
with flag and letter to Lord CORVALLIS,
requesting that every attention might be paid
to the wounded General, and permission that
young Lewis should remain with him to adj
mlnter to his wants. To both requests his
Lordship yielded a willing assent. and order
ed his statt-surgeOn to attend upon General
Mercer. Upon an examination ofthe wounds,
The British surgeon remarked that, although
they were many and severe, he was disposed
TO believe thas they would not prove danger
Gus. Mercer, bred to the profession of an
army surgeon IN Europe, said to young Lew
Is, 'Ral>e my right arm, George, and this
gentleman viii there discover the smallest of
my wounds, but which will prove the most
fatal. Yes, sir, this is a fellow that will soon
do my business" He languished till the 9th,
and expired in the arms of Lewis, admired
and lamented by the whole army. During
the period that he Ianguished on the couch of
suffering, ne eXonerated his enemies from the
tout accusation which they bore, not only
IN III, but Tor half a century since. viz: of
their having bayonetted a General officer after
he had surrendered his sword, and became a
prisoner OF war-declaring that he only re-
his sword when his arm became
Poweress to WELD. He paid the homage of
his whole heart to the person and character
OF the Commander-in-Chief reioiced with
true soidierly pride in the tfiumphs Of Tren-
ton and Princeton, in both Of which he had
borne conspicuous part, and offered up his
tervent prayers for the final success of the
cause OF American Independence.
Thus lived and died Hugh Mercer, name
that VIII forever be associated with moment
Gus events IN the history 0! the War of the
Revolution. When grateful posterity shall
pa the tTophied memorial rise 10 the martyrs
who sealed with their blood the charter Of an
empires Liberties, there will not be wanting a
monument to him whom Washington mourn
ed as the worthy and brave General Mercer.
we snail give single anecdote of the sub
Ject OF the foregoing memoir, to show the pure
and high minded principles that actuated the
patriots and soldiers OF the days Of our coun-
try's first trial
Virginia at first organized two regiments
Tor the common cause. When it was deter
mined to raise third, there were numerous
Applications for commissions; and these be-
ing mostly from men of fortune and family
interest, there was scarcely an application for
rank less than field officer. During the
sitting OF the House Of Burgesses upon the
important motion, plain but soldierly-look-
ing lHalv7dual handed up to the Speakers
CHAIR scrap Of paper, on which was written
Hugh Mercer will serve his adopted coun-
try and the cause of liberty in any rank or
sfaiion 10 winch he may be appointed This,
from veteran soldier, bred in European
camps, the associate Of Washington in the
war OF 1853, and known to stand high in his
confidence and esteem, was all-sufTicient for
6ody OF patriots and statesmen such as COM
posed the Virginia House of EurgeSses in the
days OF the Revolution. The appointment Of
Mercer to the command of the third Virginia
regiment was carried instanra7.
1t was while the Commander-ip-Chiefr rein
ed up his horse, upon approaching the spot
IN a ploughed field where lay the gallant Col.
4'l't al NOuilUGu btidl ilc ptIGtlN
some British soldiers supporting an officer,
and upon inquiring his name and rank, was
answered, Captain Leslie. Doctor Benjamin
Rush, who formed part Of the Generals
suite, earnestly asked, "A son Of the Earl Of
Leven /" 10 which the soldiers replied in the
affirmative. The Doctor then addressed the
GeneTal-in-C Chief; d" 1 beg your ENcellency
to permit this wounded officer 10 be placed
under my care, that may return, in however
small degree, part Of the obligations owe
TO his worthy father for the many kindnesses
received at his hands while ! was a student
in Edinburgh" The request was immedi-
a,ely granted; but, alas +! poor Leslie was
soon ''past all surgery" He died the same
evening, after receiving every possible kind
ness and attention, and was buried the next
day at Pluckamin, with the honors of war;
his soldiers, as they lowered his remains to
the soldiers last rest, shedding tears over the