Hercules Mulligan facts for kids

Hercules Mulligan (born September 25, 1740 – died March 4, 1825) was an Irish-American tailor and a secret spy during the American Revolutionary War. He was also an important member of the Sons of Liberty, a group that fought for American freedom.

Early Life and Family

Hercules Mulligan was born in Coleraine, a town in the north of Ireland. His parents were Hugh and Sarah Mulligan. In 1746, when he was six years old, his family moved to North America. They settled in New York City, where Hercules grew up.

Mulligan went to King's College, which is now called Columbia University in New York City. After college, he first worked for his father's accounting business. Later, he started his own successful business as a tailor. He made clothes for many rich people, including officers from the British Crown forces.

On October 27, 1773, Mulligan married Elizabeth Sanders at Trinity Church. Elizabeth was the niece of a British naval officer, Admiral Charles Saunders. Hercules and Elizabeth had eight children together: five daughters and three sons.

Meeting Alexander Hamilton

Hercules Mulligan's brother, Hugh, introduced him to Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton had just arrived in New York. Mulligan even let Hamilton live in his home for a while. He helped Hamilton sell some cargo that was meant to pay for his education.

Mulligan also helped Hamilton get into a grammar school in New Jersey. This school prepared students for college. Hamilton eventually chose to attend King's College, just like Mulligan. Hercules Mulligan played a big part in Hamilton's decision to support the American Revolution.

A Spy for American Freedom

In 1765, Hercules Mulligan became one of the first people to join the Sons of Liberty. This was a secret group that worked to protect the rights of the colonists. They strongly opposed the British government's rules. In 1770, Mulligan even fought against British soldiers in the Battle of Golden Hill.

He was also part of the New York Committee of Correspondence. This group helped organize opposition to the British. They communicated with other colonies through letters. In 1775, Mulligan and a group of New York volunteers captured four British cannons. In 1776, Mulligan and the Sons of Liberty pulled down a statue of King George III. They melted the lead from the statue to make bullets for the American cause.

Working for George Washington

After the Continental Army left New York City in 1776, George Washington needed a spy. He needed someone who could get reliable information from inside the city. Alexander Hamilton, who was an officer on Washington's team, suggested Hercules Mulligan. Mulligan's tailoring business was perfect because he made clothes for British soldiers and officers. This allowed him to hear their plans.

Mulligan's spying was very successful. He even saved Washington's life two times! One time, a British officer told Mulligan about a plan to capture Washington. Mulligan quickly sent a message to Washington, who then changed his plans and avoided being caught.

Hercules Mulligan had a slave named Cato. Cato was also a Black Patriot and helped Mulligan as a spy. Cato often carried messages through British-held areas. Because he was a slave, he could often pass through without being stopped. This allowed him to deliver important information to the Continental Army. In 1778, Cato was given his freedom for his service during the war.

Life After the War

After the war ended, the British left New York City. General Washington entered the city, and the very next day, he had breakfast with Hercules Mulligan. This showed that Washington trusted Mulligan and knew he was not a British supporter.

On January 25, 1785, Mulligan, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay helped start the New York Manumission Society. This was an early American group that worked to end slavery.

After the American Revolution, Mulligan's tailoring business did very well. He retired in 1820 and passed away in 1825, at the age of 84. Hercules Mulligan was buried near Trinity Church. Today, a special stone in the churchyard marks his name.

See also

In Spanish: Hercules Mulligan para niños

• Intelligence in the American Revolutionary War
• Culper Ring