Labors of Hercules Mulligan Trivia Quiz

Answer: Ireland

Hercules Mulligan (1740-1825) was only six years old when his parents, Hugh and Sarah Mulligan, and the rest of his family immigrated to America and settled in New York. At the time, Irish Roman Catholic citizens were subject to the severe restrictions of Penal Laws.

While Hercules was undoubtedly too young to understand at the time, it likely his anti-British views were influenced by his family.

Answer: No taxation without representation

The group was founded in Boston, and was likely named after a debate in Parliament in 1765 about the Stamp Act. Isaac Barré defended the colonists against disparaging remarks by Charles Townshend, calling them "these Sons of Liberty."

The Sons of Liberty soon joined more formal groups called "Committees of Safety", which acted as shadow governments in the rebellious colonies. Mulligan was a member of the New York Committee of Correspondence.

Answer: British

Hercules and Elizabeth would go on to have three sons and five daughters.

In the original Broadway production of "Hamilton" (2015), Okieriete Onaodowan played the roles of both Hercules Mulligan and James Madison.

Answer: Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton lived with Hercules Mulligan while attending King's College (now Columbia Unversity) in 1773-74. Their discussions about politics fueled Hamilton's desire for revolution.

In 1784, King's College became Columbia College, and then Colomumbia University in 1896, when the school moved to a new location.

Answer: Tinker

In 1775, Mulligan fought alongside Hamilton in a New York militia called the Corsicans, to steal British cannons. They were under attack from the HMS Asia.

Due to his family connections, Hercules Mulligan's tailor's shop was seen as an asset when the British occupied New York, and he was smart enough to keep his ears open and his mouth shut, especially when it came to his revolutionary views. When Washington expressed the need for better intelligence, Hamilton suggested his friend.

When his customers could not help themselves and talked about why they needed a rush job, the tailor found out about troop movements and plans. His brother, Hugh Mulligan, owned an import-export firm, and incoming shipments provided additional information. Mulligan also worked with Haym Solomon, who spoke German and was used as a translator for the Hessian soldiers.

Answer: his slave

Mulligan's African American slave Cato was captured in 1778, and was interrogated under orders of William Cunningham, the British Provost Marshal of New York City, who was suspicious of Cato's trips out of the city. Cato did not reveal anything.

While not part of the Culper Ring of spies, Mulligan sometimes worked with them. Once, Mulligan passed information to the Culper Ring and then reconsidered and sent Cato as well, who was able to deliver the message several days before the Culper Ring could.

Answer: Benedict Arnold

Mulligan was arrested twice: in 1776 and in 1780, but both times he was eventually released due to lack of evidence.

While this is a testimony to Mulligan's capabilities as a spy, it has also made it hard for historians to determine his exact role in history. What is known is that he helped Washington avoid General's Howe's plan to ambush the Continental Army in 1777, a plan to capture Washington, and a plan to assassinate Washington.

Answer: George Washington

On November 26, 1783, George Washington triumphantly returned to New York after the British had officially left, and stopped the first "Evacuation Day Parade" at Mulligan's shop and had breakfast with him. He also ordered a full set of clothes. Afterwards, Mulligan displayed a sign declaring his establishment "Clothier to Genl. Washington".

Answer: abolition of slavery

Manumission is the term for a slave owner releasing their slaves.

Founded by John Jay, the full name was "New-York Society for Promoting the Manumission of Slaves, and Protecting Such of Them as Have Been, or May be Liberated", and it existed from 1785-1849.

Some of the members, including John Jay, owned slaves.

Answer: Trinity Church

Trinity Church was also where Mulligan got married.

Hercules Mulligan was buried in the Sanders family tomb behind the church. During later renovations that tomb was covered. Today, there is a grave marker with his name in the southwest of the churchyard.