Hurcules Mulligan

Born: September 25, 1740 Died: March 4, 1825

Hercules Mulligan was born in Ireland in 1740. He and his family immigrated to New York when he was only about six years old. He had one older brother named Hugh. His parents’ names were Hugh and Sarah Mulligan. He had a good education and graduated from King’s College.

After college Hercules married Elizabeth Sanders. He was a committed patriot and his wife's British background did not change this. Hercules Mulligan became a tailor and opened a clothing emporium in 1774 in New York. The store thrived and was often visited by upper echelons of society. Even some high-ranking British officers would regularly stop by. 

Mulligan met Alexander Hamilton in 1773. They became close friends and lived together for part of the 1770s. Hercules was even able to help convert Hamilton from a Tory to a patriot. 

After the war started in 1775 Hercules Mulligan joined a volunteer militia that helped to steal British cannons and tear down a statue of King George III. He became one of the first colonists to join the Sons of Liberty, a secret society that was created to undermine British rule in the colonies and protect the rights of colonists. 

Mulligan risked his life not once, but twice in order to save George Washington. After Washington retreated to New York Hercules went back to being a tailor. However, this did not last too long. Alexander Hamilton suggested Mulligan become a spy and he happily accepted the offer. He had a solid reputation with both upper-class gentlemen and British officers which made him perfect for the job. 

Hercules Mulligan died at age 85 in 1825, just five years after he retired. He was buried next to Alexander Hamilton in Trinity Church.