Behind the Name

  • The Hercules Mulligan Chapter of the DAR honors the legacy of this remarkable individual, celebrating his contributions to the cause of freedom and his connection to Ireland. Our chapter aims to embody the values of courage, dedication, and patriotism that Hercules Mulligan exemplified.

  • Cato Howe was an enslaved African American who played a crucial role as a spy and courier during the American Revolutionary War. He was owned by Hercules Mulligan, who utilized Cato's unique position to gather and relay intelligence to the Continental Army.

  • Cato Howe's early life details are sparse, but his contributions during the American Revolution are significant. Operating out of British-occupied New York City, Cato's position as an enslaved person allowed him to move relatively freely and gather critical information from British officers who frequented Mulligan's tailor shop

  • Cato Howe's espionage activities were instrumental in the success of the American Revolution. He often carried intelligence gathered by Mulligan to Continental Army officers, including Alexander Hamilton and General George Washington. His ability to cross British-held territory without suspicion made him an invaluable asset.

    One of Cato Howe's most notable contributions was his involvement in thwarting a British plan to capture Washington. In 1779, Cato learned of the British plot from a British officer who visited Mulligan's shop. He immediately passed this information to Washington, who was able to evade capture thanks to Cato's timely warning

  • Cato Howe's personal life was marked by the hardships and dangers of his role as a spy. He was once captured and beaten on a return trip to New York after passing intelligence to Washington's headquarters. Despite these challenges, Cato remained dedicated to the cause of American independence.

    After the war, Cato Howe was discharged and manumitted around 1783. He became a founding member of the Parting Ways community in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where he briefly received a pension for his service.

    Howe became a farmer and was married to Althea until her death, and then married Lucy Prettison in 1821. He died three years later in 1824 and is buried in a tiny cemetery in the town

  • Cato Howe's contributions to the American Revolution were largely unrecognized during his lifetime, but his legacy has since been acknowledged for its significance. His bravery and dedication to the cause of freedom exemplify the spirit of patriotism and resilience. Cato's story, like Mulligan's, was brought to broader public attention through the musical "Hamilton," where his character is portrayed as a close ally of Hercules Mulligan.

  • The Hercules Mulligan Chapter of the DAR honors the legacy of Cato Howe, celebrating his contributions to the cause of freedom and his role in the American Revolution. Our chapter aims to embody the values of courage, dedication, and patriotism that Cato Howe exemplified.

  • Hercules Mulligan was a distinguished figure in American history, known for his pivotal role as a spy during the American Revolutionary War. Born on September 25, 1740, in Coleraine, County Londonderry, Ireland, Mulligan immigrated to America with his family when he was about six years old. Settling in New York City, he eventually became a successful tailor and a fervent supporter of the American cause.

  • Hercules Mulligan's early life in Ireland was marked by the political and social upheaval of the time. His family sought a better life in the American colonies, where Mulligan would grow up to become a prominent figure in New York City's social and political circles. He attended King's College (now Columbia University), where he developed strong connections with influential figures, including Alexander Hamilton.

    After graduating, Mulligan worked as a clerk for his father's accounting business before opening his own tailoring and haberdashery shop in 1774. His shop catered to wealthy officers of the British Crown forces, providing him with a unique opportunity to gather intelligence.

  • Mulligan's tailor shop in New York City became a hub for gathering intelligence. His clientele included British officers, which provided him with a unique opportunity to overhear and gather critical information. Mulligan's role as a spy was instrumental in relaying this intelligence to the Continental Army, particularly to General George Washington .

    One of Mulligan's most notable contributions was his involvement in thwarting a British plan to capture Washington. In 1779, Mulligan learned of the British plot from a British officer who came to his shop for tailoring services. He immediately passed this information to Washington, who was able to evade capture thanks to Mulligan's timely warning.

    Mulligan was also a member of the Sons of Liberty, a secret society formed to protect the rights of the colonists and oppose British policies.

    He participated in various acts of resistance, including the Battle of Golden Hill in 1770 and the capture of British cannons in 1775. Mulligan's efforts were crucial in the success of the American Revolution.

  • Hercules Mulligan married Elizabeth Sanders on October 27, 1773, at Trinity Church. Elizabeth was the niece of Admiral Charles Sanders of the British Royal Navy.

    Despite his connections to British aristocracy, Mulligan remained steadfast in his support for American independence. The couple had eight children: five daughters and three sons.

    Mulligan's relationship with Alexander Hamilton was particularly influential. Hamilton boarded with Mulligan while attending King's College, and Mulligan played a significant role in shaping Hamilton's revolutionary views. Mulligan's influence helped convert Hamilton from a Tory to a Patriot

  • After the American Revolutionary War, Hercules Mulligan continued his work as a tailor in New York City. His business thrived, and he maintained his connections with influential figures, including Alexander Hamilton

    Mulligan's reputation as a patriot and a key figure in the revolution grew over time.

    Despite his significant contributions during the war, Mulligan lived a relatively quiet life after the conflict. He remained active in his community and continued to support the values of the American Revolution.

    Mulligan's legacy was largely unrecognized during his lifetime, but his story gained broader public attention through the musical "Hamilton," where his character is portrayed as a close friend and ally of Alexander Hamilton.

  • In addition to his contributions during the war, Hercules Mulligan was also an advocate for the abolition of slavery. His experiences during the war, particularly his close relationship with his enslaved assistant Cato, influenced his views on slavery. Mulligan became increasingly vocal about the injustices of slavery and supported efforts to end the practice

    Mulligan's abolitionist activities included:

    • Advocacy: Mulligan used his influence and connections to advocate for the abolition of slavery. He spoke out against the practice and supported legislative efforts to end it.

    • Support for Freed Slaves: Mulligan provided support for freed slaves, helping them to find employment and integrate into society. His tailor shop became a place where freed slaves could find work and receive assistance.

    • Collaboration with Abolitionist Groups: Mulligan collaborated with various abolitionist groups and individuals, including Alexander Hamilton, who shared his views on the need to end slavery.

  • Hercules Mulligan's contributions to the American Revolution were not widely known during his lifetime, but his legacy has since been recognized for its significance. His bravery and dedication to the cause of freedom exemplify the spirit of patriotism and resilience. Mulligan's story was brought to broader public attention through the musical "Hamilton," where his character is portrayed as a close friend and ally of Alexander Hamilton.