Hercules Mulligan
The known for performing in the Broadway show Hamilton.
other
September 25, 1740
Libra
March 4, 1825
84
Ireland
Hercules Mulligan was an American tailor and spy during the American Revolution. He is best known for providing intelligence to George Washington which helped turn the tide of the war in favor of the Patriots. Other notable works include serving as a member of the Sons of Liberty, providing clothes and supplies to the Continental Army, and helping to draft New York’s first state constitution.
Hercules Mulligan’s name is believed to have been inspired by his father’s former master, a wealthy Irish merchant named Hugh Mulligan. When Hercules was born, his father gave him the same first name as his former master as a sign of respect and gratitude for purchasing his freedom.
One lesser-known fact about Hercules Mulligan is that he was a close friend of Alexander Hamilton and his family. In fact, Mulligan served as a witness to Hamilton’s wedding to his wife Eliza and the Hamiltons named their third child after him. Mulligan also intervened on Hamilton’s behalf when a scandal threatened to ruin his career, using his connections to discredit Hamilton’s accusers.
