Princeton Haunts Keep the Fables Alive

Matthew Hersh

As Halloween approaches and the leaves begin to change into their amber and ruddy autumn hues, we can surely begin to think about the age-old October inquiry: what am I going to be for Halloween? For many, this can be a daunting task requiring several weeks of thought and consideration. However, for residents of the Princeton area, there are plenty of fabled tales of ghosts and hauntings to give inspiration to even the most severe case of "Halloween Block."

For the next three issues up until Halloween, we will explore three of Princeton's most notable haunts. While some may not necessarily be "haunted " by paranormal beings, the history alone can offer enough of a treat to even the most sinister tricksters, and offer some valuable insight into Princeton's rich and historical past.

We start with the famed Thomas Clarke House at the Princeton Battlefield. Two men, William and Thomas Clarke, built the house around 1770 in the heart of the surrounding fields and orchards. Unfortunately for the Clarkes, the house and property were soon consumed with the conflict between American an d British forces that would later be known as the Battle of Princeton. The battle was a gory one, which resulted in 14 American deaths and over 100 British casualties. The site serves as a burial ground for these departed soldiers. There are n o monuments that designate their graves.

The most historically notable of these casualties was General Hugh Mercer. In the January 3, 1777 battle, it is recorded that General Mercer's horse was wounded by enemy fire leaving him dismounted and alone in the field. The animal soon succumbed to British combat and perished. Colonel Hazlet, another figure of the revolution, died in the battle as well.

However, it was Mercer who survived long enough to be found by Major Armstrong, the General's aide. He was then brought to Thomas Clarke's house where he was housed for several days. General Mercer died in the house on January 12 in the arms of Major George Lewis, a nephew of General Washington.

In addition to surviving nine days after he fell to British bayonets, a testament to General Mercer's stamina was his ability to help in his own surgical process. He was trained to the point of army surgeon while in Europe, and assessed the severity and possible damages of his wounds to the two surgeons who were dispatched to assist him.

General Mercer was ultimately buried at Laurel Hill in Virginia. In nearby Fredericksburg, Congress had a monument erected in his honor with an inscription saying that General Mercer had died "bravely defending the liberties of America."

However, it is the Thomas Clarke House where General Mercer passed. The house, which now serves as a museum, is frequented by visitors who are still welcome to see the blood stains on the floor that serve as reminders of one of the fiercest battles of the American Revolution.