by Catherine McKinley
As the US approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, assorted commemorative events have already started. North Carolina kicked off our “America250” observances in Halifax, NC this past April.
History, as we all know, can be complex. Scotland’s contribution to the American Revolution was multifaceted, with Scots fighting on both sides of the conflict. As part of Great Britain, Scottish soldiers served in the British army in the American theater, while many Scottish colonists, including some founding fathers, supported the Revolution. Three Scots, Colonel Thomas McKean (left), Rev. John Witherspoon (center), and Judge James Wilson (right), were signers of the Declaration of Independence. These three are all prominently portrayed in the classic movie called “1776,” although only Colonel McKean has a strong Scottish brogue.
Several notable Scots played important roles on the patriot side during the ensuing American Revolutionary War. These included John Paul Jones, a Scottish-born naval officer who served as a captain in the Continental Navy and generals like Hugh Mercer, Arthur St. Clair, William Alexander (Lord Stirling), and Alexander MacDougall. Many other Scots, including those of Ulster-Scots (Scotch-Irish) descent, also contributed significantly to the patriot cause.
Commodore John Paul Jones, born in Kirkbean, Scotland, is the one who uttered the famous line “I have not yet begun to fight!” when it was suggested that, after his ship sustained a few hits, that he surrender during a battle with a British frigate.
Brigadier General Hugh Mercer was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He was a physician who received his medical degree from the University of Aberdeen. He studied medicine at the Marischal College within the university, graduating in 1744. General Mercer was a very close confidante of General George Washington, the two having bonded while serving together in the French & Indian War. He was a key ally to George Washington in the famous Christmas 1776 “Crossing of the Delaware” and the subsequent Battle of Trenton. He is prominently portrayed by Roger Rees in the movie “The Crossing”, starring Jeff Daniels as General Washington.
Both movies, “1776” and “The Crossing” are available on the Internet.
