Hercules Mulligan was an Irish-American tailor and spy who played a pivotal role during the American Revolutionary War. Born on September 25th, 1740 in Ireland, he moved to New York with his parents in 1746. Mulligan attended King's College, which later became Columbia University, where he graduated and started working for his father's accounting business. It was here that he formed a close friendship with Alexander Hamilton, whom he helped enroll in King's College. The two even lived together for a time.
In 1765, Mulligan became one of the first colonists to join the Sons of Liberty secret society. This group was dedicated to protecting the rights of the colonists and played a crucial role in the eventual fight for independence from British rule. Mulligan's involvement in this movement would later lead him to his role as a spy.
Throughout the Revolutionary War, Mulligan used his position as a tailor to gather information from British soldiers and officers. His work as a spy helped provide key intelligence to the American forces and played a significant role in turning the tide of the war in favor of the patriots. Mulligan was credited with saving President George Washington's life twice through his espionage efforts for the Sons of Liberty.
One of Mulligan's most enduring legacies was his involvement in the founding of the New York Manumission Society. Alongside Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, Mulligan was one of the 19 founders of this organization, which was dedicated to the abolition of slavery in America. Mulligan's commitment to equality and justice extended beyond the battlefield and into the fight for civil rights.
After the war, Mulligan returned to his work as a tailor and continued to be involved in political and social causes. He married Elizabeth Sanders Mulligan, with whom he had three sons and five daughters. Mulligan's legacy as a patriot, spy, and advocate for freedom and equality lives on in the history books and in popular culture.
Mulligan's story continues to be told and celebrated, with actor Okieriete Onaodowan portraying him in the Broadway production of Hamilton. His contributions to the fight for independence and the abolition of slavery have left a lasting impact on American history.