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Story
January 31, 1777
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Extract of a letter describing the honorable burial in Philadelphia of General Mercer, killed barbarously by British troops after surrendering during battle; a Captain suffered similar fate.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Extract of a letter from Philadelphia, Jan. 17.
This day the body of the worthy and brave General MERCER was brought to this city, and interred with the military honours due to his rank and merit. In the death, or rather murder of this Gentleman, our country has lost a gallant officer and a virtuous citizen. His body, covered with wounds and mangled by our savage enemies, was exposed to public view. After he had surrendered himself, and had been carried into a house, he acquainted the enemy that he was a General in the service of the United States; deaf to the voice of humanity and the law of nations, they stabbed him with the bayonet, and with the butt end of a musket battered and disfigured his face. A Captain having received a bullet in each thigh, became a prisoner, but on being informed that he was an officer, he was shot in the breast, languished five days and then died, having testified on oath to this unmanly and barbarous conduct.
This day the body of the worthy and brave General MERCER was brought to this city, and interred with the military honours due to his rank and merit. In the death, or rather murder of this Gentleman, our country has lost a gallant officer and a virtuous citizen. His body, covered with wounds and mangled by our savage enemies, was exposed to public view. After he had surrendered himself, and had been carried into a house, he acquainted the enemy that he was a General in the service of the United States; deaf to the voice of humanity and the law of nations, they stabbed him with the bayonet, and with the butt end of a musket battered and disfigured his face. A Captain having received a bullet in each thigh, became a prisoner, but on being informed that he was an officer, he was shot in the breast, languished five days and then died, having testified on oath to this unmanly and barbarous conduct.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Military Action
Tragedy
What themes does it cover?
Misfortune
Bravery Heroism
Tragedy
What keywords are associated?
General Mercer
British Atrocities
Battle Of Princeton
Officer Murder
Military Burial
What entities or persons were involved?
General Mercer
Captain
Where did it happen?
Philadelphia
Story Details
Key Persons
General Mercer
Captain
Location
Philadelphia
Event Date
Jan. 17
Story Details
General Mercer was brought to Philadelphia for burial with military honors after being murdered by British forces post-surrender; he was stabbed and battered despite declaring his rank. A captured Captain was also shot and died after five days.