American Revolution museum gets Washington friend's sword

PHILADELPHIA -- A sword belonging to a close friend of George Washington who was a battlefield hero has been given to Philadelphia’s new Museum of the American Revolution.

The St. Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia presented Gen. Hugh Mercer’s sword on Thursday to the museum, which opens April 19 - the anniversary of the war’s opening battles in 1775. The society, named in honor of Scotland’s patron saint, was founded in 1747. Mercer was a member. 

Mercer was mortally wounded at the Battle of Princeton on Jan. 4, 1777. He died in the Thomas Clarke House at Princeton, New Jersey, nine days after the battle ended in victory for the Continental Army. His body was laid out at Philadelphia’s City Tavern the day before his internment so mourners could pay their final respects. 

The website of the new Museum of the American Revolution says the museum “will explore the dynamic story of the American Revolution using its distinguished collection of objects, artifacts, artwork, and manuscripts.” 

“Permanent and special exhibition galleries, theaters, and large-scale tableaux will bring to life the original ‘greatest generation,’ and engage people in the history and continuing relevance of the American Revolution,” the website says.