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Politics & World • Historical Figure

Hercules Mulligan

Hercules Mulligan was an Irish-born American tailor and Patriot spy during the American Revolutionary War.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hercules Mulligan was an Irish-born American tailor and Patriot spy during the American Revolutionary War. He gathered intelligence for the Patriot cause in British-occupied New York City, and was associated with the Sons of Liberty. After the war, he co-founded the New York Manumission Society.

Early life

Mulligan was born in Coleraine, Ireland, in 1740 and moved to New York with his family in 1746. He later attended King's College in New York, now Columbia University.

Revolutionary War activity

As a New York tailor and textile importer, Mulligan used his access to British officers—among his customers—to collect information for the Patriot side. He is widely described as a spy who supplied intelligence to George Washington.

Political and civic associations

Mulligan was a member of the Sons of Liberty and other revolutionary organizations. After the war, he helped found the New York Manumission Society, which promoted the abolition of slavery.

Later life and legacy

Mulligan remained in New York after the war. He served as a vestryman at Trinity Church from 1784 to 1786. He died in 1825 and is buried in Trinity Churchyard. He is remembered as an Irish-American contributor to the Patriot intelligence effort.

Key facts

  • Born in Ireland in 1740, immigrated to New York in 1746.
  • Worked as a tailor and textile importer, gathering intelligence from British officer customers.
  • Member of the Sons of Liberty and later co-founder of the New York Manumission Society.
  • Served as a vestryman at Trinity Church after the Revolutionary War.
  • Died in 1825 and is buried in Trinity Churchyard in New York City.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Hercules Mulligan?
He was an Irish-born American tailor and Patriot spy during the American Revolutionary War.
What was Hercules Mulligan known for?
He is best known for gathering intelligence for the Patriot cause in British-occupied New York City.
Was Hercules Mulligan part of the Sons of Liberty?
Yes. He was a member of the Sons of Liberty and other revolutionary civic groups.
Did Hercules Mulligan know Alexander Hamilton?
Yes. Sources describe him as a mentor and close associate of Alexander Hamilton.
What happened to Hercules Mulligan after the war?
He stayed in New York, helped found the New York Manumission Society, served at Trinity Church, and died in 1825.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hercules_Mulligan
    Supports: Birth and death dates, occupation, Revolutionary War role, and Sons of Liberty membership.
  2. American Battlefield Trust — https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/hercules-mulligan
    Supports: Tailor and Patriot spy identity, birth and death dates, and postwar civic activity.
  3. Trinity Church NYC — https://trinitychurchnyc.org/stories-news/hercules-mulligan-and-trinity
    Supports: Birthplace, immigration to New York, Trinity Church vestry service, and burial.
  4. Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History — https://hamilton.gilderlehrman.org/person/hercules-mulligan
    Supports: Immigrant background, business in New York, Patriot spying, and links to Washington and Hamilton.
  5. Central Intelligence Agency — https://www.cia.gov/stories/story/the-legend-of-hercules-mulligan/
    Supports: Spy activity during the Revolutionary War and role in aiding George Washington.