stories Peale Painting Explained

By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

I have written about Hugh Mercer several time over the past years, however, there is one story that very few know. Mercer came to the American Colonies from Aberdeen Scotland as a Physician educated at Mariscal College. He settled close to what is Mercersburg Pennsylvania today. As a young officer in the Pennsylvania militia and Commandant of Fort Pitt he became close friends of George Washington which led to him moving his medical practice to Fredericksburg where he opened an Apothecary shop His wife

Isabella Gordon was the daughter of a prominent Fredericksburg family. Hugh Mercer was known as one of the largest land owners in Fredericksburg as he owned the Washington farm a six hundred tract that he purchased from the Washington family. He also had homes and land within the Town of Fredericksburg. His relatives included Confederate General Hugh Weedon Mercer and World War II General George Patton Hugh Mercer was appointed Brigadier General during the Revolution by General Washington. It was during a battle in Trenton when Mercer became surrounded by the Hessians and was bayonetted seven times, which he survived, however, he died nine days later. General Cornwallis permitted General Mercer to be given medical care upon the request of Washington. He was temporarily buried in Christ Churchyard in Philadelphia. It was not until 1840 that his remains were moved to Laurel Hill Cemetery.

In 1783 George Washington attended commencement exercises at New Jersey College (Princeton University). It was during this time that the College Board requested Washington to sit for a painting by Charles Wilson Peale Washington would stay in Philadelphia from December 8-13, 1783, before returning to Mount Vernon. Washington felt it was an honor to have a painting of his friend. The face of Hugh Mercer is posed by his son William, a friend of the artist Peale and he actually studied painting under him for three years and did work in Virginia. In the painting General Mercer is supporting himself on his left elbow and an officer gives him aid Behind his a standard bearer with flag and in the background is the Battle of Princeton and Nassau Hall in the background In the forefront General Washington stands with sword drawn protecting his fallen comrade and friend