Hugh Mercer Day!

Hugh Mercer served as an assistant surgeon in the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie in “The 45”. He fled for his life at the defeat of the Jacobites on Culloden Moor and was a hunted man by the British. He made his way to the American colonies and settled in Pennsylvania establishing a medical practice in the frontier.

Several years later in caring for British soldiers of General Edward Braddock wounded in defeat in battle by the French and Indians in the Seven Years War, he joined the British as a soldier. Becoming a Captain in a Pennsylvania regiment and quickly becoming in a Colonel. He became friends with another Colonel, George Washington. At the end of the French and Indian War, Washington convinced Mercer to move to Virginia. Mercer opened his medical practice in Fredericksburg, Virginia. His Apothecary Shop where he practiced medicine remains there, today as a museum. Washington would also sell him his boyhood home, Ferry Farm across the Rappahannock River from the city of Fredericksburg.

Mercer’s plan to establish a town in Ferry Farm was never realized due to the outbreak of the American War of Independence. General Washington convinced Mercer to join him in the American Continental Army and commissioned him a Brigadier General. Although not documented it is believed by some historians, it was Mercer who conceived of Washington’s night crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Eve to surprise the Hessians defeating them in the Battle of Trenton in December 26, 1776.

Mercer would die of wounds in the Battle of Princeton. His brigade outnumbered by two British regiments and cavalry thought he was General Washington. Demanding his surrender Mercer responded in attacking the British. Overwhelmed by the British, Mercer received seven bayonet wounds and beatings to the head. Washington learning of the route of his friend rode to his rescue only to find him dying on the battlefield. Mercer would succumb to his wounds nine days later.

Washington’s victories in Trenton and Princeton would revitalize his army and received world acclaim. Mercer is recognized for his significant contribution in these victories.

There will be a celebration of Hugh Mercer's birthday this Sunday, the 15th at the Apothecary Shop on Caroline Street from noon to 4 PM.

Burns Supper January 28th

The Scottish Society of Fredericksburg is once again holding its annual Burns Supper on January 28, 2012 at the Fredericksburg Country Club to which you are cordially invited!

The 211th observance and celebration of the life of Robert Burns begins at 6 o'clock pm with a social hour and festivities starting at 7 o'clock pm.

The rousing Mary Washington University Eagle Pipe Band and Deborah Wenrich and Mary Triola of Moch Pryderi will take us on a trip to the hills and glens of Scotland with their evocative Celtic music.

The price per person is:

$30 for members of the Society who have renewed their dues for 2012 by January 15;

$35 for non-members who pay for their tickets by January 15;

$40 for non-members who pay for their tickets after January 15.

Final reservations by January 24, please.

Payment is non-refundable with no postponement due to inclement weather.

Please send your payment to Burns Supper, 5 Hardwick St., Fredericksburg, VA 22405-2850.

Make checks payable to the Scottish Society of Fredericksburg, and include the names of all those attending.

We look forward to seeing you!

St. Andrews Day Celebration

We will celebrate St. Andrews Day, Wednesday, 11/30 at 7 PM at Park Lane Tavern. The Celtic band, AON will be there to entertain us. Be there!

Meadow Highland Games

Join us at The Meadow Highland Games and Celtic Festival on Saturday, 10/29 and Sunday, 10/30. Look for the Fredericksburg Scottish Society Tent in the Clan Tent area. It's going to be a good time!

William Wallace Day Celebration Report

We were joined by members of a community to learn more about William Wallace and to listen to Celitc music. Jeannette MacDonald Episcopo gave a wonderful reading of the 15th century poem by Blind Harry's 'The Wallace.' Ern Malcolm spoke on William Wallace and the movie Braveheart. Avril Bishop set up the room for us.

AON Band provided the entertainment with their wonderful Celtic music. Complimentary haggis on Oatcakes were ejoyed by many. Park Lane Tavern was the perfect host. A good time was had by all!

William Wallace Day Celebration

We will celebrate William Wallace Day on Saturday, August 20 at Park Lane Tavern at 2:00 PM. There will be a Tribute to William Wallace, Scotlland's greatest patriot with readings from the 15th century poem The Wallace by Bind Harry and a short talk on the Real William Wallace. We will be entertained by the Celtic band, AON. The public is invited to join us.

Bannockburn Celebrations

We will be celebrating Scotland’s greatest victory, Robert Bruce’s defeat of Edward II at Bannockburn in 1314. Our program for our monthly meeting on Wednesday, 6/22 will be viewing the documentary film, The Battle of Bannockburn 1314 - The Lion Rampant.

The film, the Battle of Bannockburn 1314 - The Lion Rampant. discusses the historical events leading up to the battle as well as tactics and weaponry of the armies. The film is 55 minutes in length. We meet at 7 PM in the Central Rappahannock Library on Caroline Street.
On Friday 6/24, the 697th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, we will have a Kilt Night at the Fredericksburg British Pub (behind the mall) at or about 7 PM.