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Hugh Mercer Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Hugh Mercer: Revolutionary War General

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Hugh Mercer: Revolutionary War General Study Guide

Early Life and Pre-Revolutionary Service

Hugh Mercer, a key figure in the American Revolutionary War, was born in England.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hugh Mercer was born in Pitsligo, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, not England.

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Hugh Mercer received his medical training at the University of Edinburgh.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mercer received his medical education and graduated as a physician from the University of Aberdeen's Marischal College.

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Mercer fled Scotland after participating in the Battle of Culloden during the Jacobite rising of 1745.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following his involvement in the Jacobite rising and the Battle of Culloden, Mercer fled Scotland in 1747.

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After emigrating to North America, Hugh Mercer initially practiced medicine in Massachusetts.

Answer: False

Explanation: Upon emigrating to North America, Mercer settled in the Province of Pennsylvania, where he practiced medicine for eight years.

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Hugh Mercer joined the French and Indian War efforts in 1754 as a commissioned officer in the British Army.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mercer joined the Pennsylvania Provincial Forces in 1754 at the outset of the French and Indian War, not as a commissioned officer in the British Army.

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During General Edward Braddock's expedition, Hugh Mercer served as a captain and continued providing medical care despite being wounded.

Answer: True

Explanation: During Braddock's expedition in 1755, Mercer served as a captain and, despite sustaining a wound to the arm, continued to offer medical assistance to fellow soldiers.

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Hugh Mercer was found by Cherokee Indians after being wounded and separated from his unit during the Kittanning Expedition.

Answer: True

Explanation: After being severely wounded and separated during the Kittanning Expedition in 1756, Mercer was discovered and aided by a company of Cherokee Indians.

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George Washington and Hugh Mercer developed a rivalry during the French and Indian War.

Answer: False

Explanation: Far from developing a rivalry, George Washington and Hugh Mercer formed a close and enduring friendship during their service in the French and Indian War.

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Hugh Mercer oversaw the construction of Fort Pitt after its capture.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the construction of Fort Pitt following the Forbes Expedition, Mercer oversaw the building of a temporary fortification known as 'Mercer's Fort', not Fort Pitt itself.

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Where was Hugh Mercer born?

Answer: Pitsligo, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Explanation: Hugh Mercer was born on January 16, 1726, in Pitsligo, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

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What medical institution did Hugh Mercer attend to receive his degree?

Answer: University of Aberdeen's Marischal College

Explanation: Hugh Mercer pursued his medical studies at the University of Aberdeen's Marischal College, from which he graduated in 1744.

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What significant event in 1745 led Hugh Mercer to flee Scotland?

Answer: His involvement in the Jacobite rising and the subsequent failure of the uprising

Explanation: Mercer's participation in the Jacobite rising of 1745, culminating in the defeat at the Battle of Culloden, prompted him to flee Scotland in 1747 to avoid repercussions.

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For how many years did Hugh Mercer practice medicine in Pennsylvania after emigrating?

Answer: Eight years

Explanation: After settling in Pennsylvania, Hugh Mercer practiced medicine as a physician and apothecary for a period of eight years.

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With which military forces did Hugh Mercer serve when he joined the French and Indian War?

Answer: The Pennsylvania Provincial Forces

Explanation: Upon the outbreak of the French and Indian War in 1754, Hugh Mercer enlisted with the Pennsylvania Provincial Forces.

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What injury did Hugh Mercer sustain during General Edward Braddock's expedition?

Answer: A wound in the arm

Explanation: During General Braddock's expedition in 1755, Hugh Mercer sustained a wound to his arm near Fort Duquesne.

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Who discovered and helped Hugh Mercer after he was badly wounded during the Kittanning Expedition?

Answer: A company of Cherokee Indians

Explanation: After being wounded and separated during the Kittanning Expedition, Hugh Mercer was found and assisted by a company of Cherokee Indians.

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Which future U.S. President did Hugh Mercer develop a close friendship with during the French and Indian War?

Answer: George Washington

Explanation: During their shared service in the French and Indian War, Hugh Mercer and George Washington forged a close and lasting friendship.

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What temporary fortification did Mercer oversee the construction of during the building of Fort Pitt?

Answer: Mercer's Fort

Explanation: As part of the Forbes Expedition's efforts, Mercer supervised the construction of a temporary fortification designated as 'Mercer's Fort' during the establishment of Fort Pitt.

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Transition to Revolution and Early Command

Following the French and Indian War, Mercer moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia, based on a recommendation from Benjamin Franklin.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mercer relocated to Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1760 upon the recommendation of George Washington, not Benjamin Franklin.

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In Fredericksburg, Mercer befriended Benedict Arnold, another prominent military figure.

Answer: False

Explanation: While in Fredericksburg, Mercer befriended John Paul Jones, a notable Scottish expatriate and naval commander, not Benedict Arnold.

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George Washington sold Ferry Farm to Hugh Mercer in 1774.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1774, George Washington sold Ferry Farm, his childhood home, to Hugh Mercer, who intended to develop the property.

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Prior to his Continental Army appointment, Mercer was elected Colonel of the Minute Men for several Virginia counties.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1775, Mercer was elected Colonel of the Minute Men for several Virginia counties and also served on the Fredericksburg Committee of Safety.

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Hugh Mercer was initially excluded from leadership roles in Virginia regiments because he was considered a 'northern Briton'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Virginia Convention reportedly excluded Mercer from elected leadership positions in the new Virginia regiments, citing concerns related to his Scottish origin, referring to him as a 'northern Briton'.

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On whose recommendation did Hugh Mercer move to Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1760?

Answer: George Washington

Explanation: Hugh Mercer relocated to Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1760, following a recommendation provided by his friend George Washington.

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Who was a notable Scottish expatriate befriended by Mercer in Fredericksburg?

Answer: John Paul Jones

Explanation: In Fredericksburg, Virginia, Mercer formed a friendship with John Paul Jones, another prominent figure of Scottish origin.

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What property did George Washington sell to Hugh Mercer in 1774?

Answer: Ferry Farm

Explanation: In 1774, George Washington sold Ferry Farm, his childhood residence, to Hugh Mercer.

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In 1775, what military role did Mercer hold in Virginia's revolutionary activities before joining the Continental Army?

Answer: Colonel of the Minute Men for several counties

Explanation: Prior to his Continental Army appointment, Mercer served as Colonel of the Minute Men for several Virginia counties and was also a member of the Fredericksburg Committee of Safety.

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What function did the Committees of Correspondence serve in the lead-up to the American Revolution?

Answer: Facilitating communication and coordinating resistance among the colonies against British policies.

Explanation: The Committees of Correspondence functioned as vital communication networks, enabling the colonies to coordinate their resistance efforts and share information regarding British policies.

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Continental Army Leadership and Campaigns

Hugh Mercer was appointed a brigadier general in the Continental Army on June 5, 1776, by the Virginia Assembly.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hugh Mercer was appointed a brigadier general in the Armies of the United Colonies by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia on June 5, 1776.

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Mercer oversaw the construction of Fort Washington on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mercer oversaw the construction of Fort Lee, an earthen fortification situated on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River. Fort Washington was located on the New York side.

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Fort Washington and Fort Lee were constructed to defend against potential attacks by the Royal Navy on the Hudson River.

Answer: True

Explanation: The strategic purpose of constructing Fort Washington and Fort Lee was to defend against potential naval incursions by the Royal Navy along the Hudson River.

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The British captured Fort Washington on November 20, 1776, and Fort Lee four days later.

Answer: False

Explanation: The British captured Fort Washington on November 16, 1776. Subsequently, the Americans abandoned Fort Lee four days later, on November 20, 1776, to prevent its capture.

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The period known as 'the Crisis of the Revolution' occurred in the summer of 1777.

Answer: False

Explanation: The period referred to as 'the Crisis of the Revolution' occurred in late 1776, marked by the imminent expiration of most soldiers' enlistments.

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Hugh Mercer's raid on Richmondtown, Staten Island, resulted in the capture of numerous British prisoners.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mercer's raid on Richmondtown on October 15, 1776, successfully captured prisoners from a British makeshift hospital, although the raid itself was ultimately repelled.

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Historical accounts suggest that Mercer proposed the strategy for Washington's crossing of the Delaware River.

Answer: True

Explanation: Certain historical accounts attribute the strategic proposal for Washington's pivotal crossing of the Delaware River to General Hugh Mercer.

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The victories at Trenton and Princeton, in which Mercer played a role, significantly boosted soldier re-enlistments and encouraged French aid.

Answer: True

Explanation: The crucial victories at Trenton and Princeton, bolstered by Mercer's contributions, significantly improved morale, encouraged troop re-enlistments, and were instrumental in securing vital support from France.

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The principle of 'no taxation without representation' was a minor grievance during the American Revolution.

Answer: False

Explanation: The principle of 'no taxation without representation' was a fundamental and major grievance that fueled colonial resistance leading up to the American Revolution.

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The American victory at the Battle of Saratoga convinced Spain to ally with the United States.

Answer: False

Explanation: The decisive American victory at the Battle of Saratoga was instrumental in convincing France, not Spain, to formally ally with the United States.

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By whom and where was Hugh Mercer appointed a brigadier general in the Continental Army?

Answer: By the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia

Explanation: Hugh Mercer received his appointment as a brigadier general in the Continental Army from the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia on June 5, 1776.

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Which defensive fortification did Mercer oversee the construction of on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River?

Answer: Fort Lee

Explanation: Mercer was responsible for overseeing the construction of Fort Lee, an earthen fortification located on the New Jersey bank of the Hudson River.

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What was the primary purpose of Fort Washington and Fort Lee?

Answer: To defend against potential attacks by the Royal Navy on the Hudson River

Explanation: Fort Washington and Fort Lee were strategically positioned to defend against potential naval assaults by the Royal Navy along the vital Hudson River corridor.

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What happened to Fort Lee in November 1776?

Answer: It was abandoned by the Americans on November 20th.

Explanation: Following the British capture of Fort Washington on November 16, 1776, American forces made the strategic decision to abandon Fort Lee four days later, on November 20, 1776.

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What critical issue faced the Continental Army during 'the Crisis of the Revolution' in late 1776?

Answer: The expiration of most soldiers' enlistments

Explanation: The period known as 'the Crisis of the Revolution' was characterized by the imminent expiration of enlistments for the majority of the Continental Army's soldiers, posing a severe threat to its operational capacity.

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What was the immediate outcome of Hugh Mercer's raid on Richmondtown, Staten Island, on October 15, 1776?

Answer: Successful capture of the town and significant prisoners, though the raid was ultimately repelled

Explanation: Mercer's October 15, 1776, raid on Richmondtown resulted in the capture of prisoners and temporary control of the area, although the raid was ultimately repelled by British forces.

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What was a significant consequence of the victories at Trenton and Princeton for the Continental Army?

Answer: It significantly boosted soldier re-enlistments and secured French aid.

Explanation: The victories at Trenton and Princeton provided a critical boost to Continental Army morale, encouraging enlistments and facilitating the crucial alliance with France.

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What was the primary grievance expressed by the principle 'no taxation without representation'?

Answer: The colonists believed they should not be taxed by a Parliament where they had no elected representatives.

Explanation: The core grievance of 'no taxation without representation' articulated the colonists' belief that they should not be subjected to taxes imposed by the British Parliament, in which they lacked elected representation.

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The American victory at which battle was a critical turning point that convinced France to ally with the United States?

Answer: Battle of Saratoga

Explanation: The decisive American victory at the Battle of Saratoga proved to be a critical turning point, persuading France to enter into a formal alliance with the United States.

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The Battle of Princeton and Final Moments

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Posthumous Legacy and Recognition

Hugh Mercer was initially buried in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following his death, Hugh Mercer's remains were initially interred in Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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John Trumbull's painting "The Death of General Mercer at the Battle of Princeton" used Mercer's daughter as a model.

Answer: False

Explanation: In John Trumbull's painting depicting the death of General Mercer, it was Mercer's son who served as the model for the figure of the general.

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Hugh Mercer was portrayed by Roger Rees in the 2000 TV film "The Crossing."

Answer: True

Explanation: The historical figure of Hugh Mercer was portrayed by actor Roger Rees in the 2000 television film titled "The Crossing."

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A portrait of Hugh Mercer was sometimes misidentified as Peregrine Hopson, the Governor of Nova Scotia.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical records indicate that a portrait of Hugh Mercer was erroneously labeled as Peregrine Hopson, who served as the Governor of Nova Scotia.

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Mercer's heirs received a Kentucky land grant in 1780 for his service in the Revolutionary War, signed by Thomas Jefferson.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kentucky land grant issued to Mercer's heirs in 1780, signed by Governor Thomas Jefferson, was in recognition of his military service during the French and Indian War, not the Revolutionary War.

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The Hugh Mercer Apothecary in Fredericksburg, Virginia, is preserved as a museum.

Answer: True

Explanation: The historic Hugh Mercer Apothecary located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, has been preserved and currently operates as a museum.

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John Trumbull's painting "The Death of General Mercer at the Battle of Princeton" shows Mercer's son as the model for George Washington.

Answer: False

Explanation: While John Trumbull's painting "The Death of General Mercer at the Battle of Princeton" does feature Mercer's son as a model, he served as the model for General Mercer himself, not for George Washington.

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Hugh Mercer's remains were moved in 1840 to Laurel Hill Cemetery, funded by the Saint Andrew's Society.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1840, Hugh Mercer's remains were exhumed from Philadelphia and reinterred in Laurel Hill Cemetery, with the Saint Andrew's Society providing funding for the monument.

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Fort Mercer in New Jersey is named in honor of Hugh Mercer.

Answer: True

Explanation: Fort Mercer, a fortification constructed during the Revolutionary War, is indeed named in honor of Brigadier General Hugh Mercer.

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The Society of the Cincinnati was formed to commemorate the British victory at Yorktown.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Society of the Cincinnati was established by Continental Army officers after the war to preserve the ideals of the Revolution and foster camaraderie, not to commemorate a British victory.

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Where were Hugh Mercer's remains initially buried?

Answer: Christ Church Burial Ground, Philadelphia

Explanation: Initially, Hugh Mercer's remains were interred in Christ Church Burial Ground located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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In John Trumbull's painting "The Death of General Mercer at the Battle of Princeton," who served as a model for Mercer?

Answer: Mercer's son

Explanation: John Trumbull utilized Hugh Mercer's son as the model for the figure of General Mercer in his renowned painting, "The Death of General Mercer at the Battle of Princeton."

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What historical error is mentioned regarding a portrait of Hugh Mercer?

Answer: It was mistakenly labeled as Peregrine Hopson.

Explanation: A notable historical error mentioned is the mislabeling of a portrait of Hugh Mercer as Peregrine Hopson, who was the Governor of Nova Scotia.

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What does the Kentucky land grant issued to Mercer's heirs in 1780 signify?

Answer: Compensation for his military service during the French and Indian War

Explanation: The Kentucky land grant awarded in 1780 to Mercer's heirs served as compensation for his military service during the French and Indian War.

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What is the current status of the Hugh Mercer Apothecary in Fredericksburg, Virginia?

Answer: It is preserved as a museum.

Explanation: The historic Hugh Mercer Apothecary in Fredericksburg, Virginia, is maintained today as a museum, preserving its historical significance.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a place named in honor of Hugh Mercer?

Answer: Mercer Barracks, Fort Knox

Explanation: While Fort Mercer, Mercer County, and Mercer Street are named in honor of Hugh Mercer, Mercer Barracks at Fort Knox is not listed among the places commemorating him.

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What was the primary goal of the Society of the Cincinnati?

Answer: To preserve the ideals of the Revolution and foster camaraderie among former officers.

Explanation: The Society of the Cincinnati was founded by Continental Army officers with the principal aim of preserving the revolutionary ideals and maintaining camaraderie among its members.

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Personal Life and Business

Hugh Mercer and his wife Isabella Gordon had four children.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hugh Mercer and Isabella Gordon had five children.

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Hugh Mercer's business activities in Fredericksburg primarily involved land speculation.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Mercer purchased land for development, his primary business activities in Fredericksburg revolved around his established medical practice and apothecary.

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How many children did Hugh Mercer and his wife Isabella Gordon have?

Answer: Five

Explanation: Hugh Mercer and his wife, Isabella Gordon, were parents to five children.

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