October 19, 2004
APOTHECARY SHOPPE
That which we now commonly call a “drug store” here in the United States has undergone some radical changes over the years since our Colonial Days as a portion of the British Empire.
You can see for yourself what a quaint atmosphere seems to have been typical of such establishments if you visit The Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, 1020 Caroline Street, in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia. It is considered to be a shrine honoring medicine, pharmacy and American patriotism all in one sturdy, historically authentic structure. In every way possible, it is just as it was when our nation was young.
Dr. Hugh Mercer was born in Scotland around 1725. He studied medicine and graduated in 1744 from Marischal College, University of Aberdeen. The following year he joined Charles Stuart's forces as assistant surgeon and served in the Battle of Colloden. Then, as a friend of the Pretender he was no longer welcome and came to America in 1746.Initally, he stayed in Philadelphia but soon moved his practice to the western frontier town which is today called Mercersburg. There he was among the first to enlist is the military service of his adopted country, He swerved as a Line officer and as surgeon through the French and Indian War. He was serving as a Captainwhen,during Braddock's defeat days, he met George Washington for the first time. That began a long, close friendship. During at war he was was wounded, captured by Indians , escaped, and wandered utterly lost for a month in the mountains. He was rescued, promoted to Colonel and made Commandant of Fort Pitt the army post which became present-day Pittsburg.
When the war came to an end, Mercer returned with Virginia troops and settled at Fredericksburg. He married Isabelle Gordon and set up the apothecary shop your can visit today. He was in partnership with a Dr. Ewen Clements and they took an advertisement in the “Virginia Gazette”in 1771 offering their services “...in Physick and Surgery... offering a large assortment of Drugs and Medicines just imported from London.” Dr. Clement left Fredericksburg in 1771 and Dr. John Julian became Mercer's partner in an association which lasted until 1776.
When the American Revolution started and Mercer, as a Colonel, and took command of the Third Va. Regiment, having been defeated by a close margin by Patrick Henry to become Commander-in-Chief of the Virginia forces. At Mercer's headquarters on January 2, 1777. George Washington and several other generals made plans to sneak around Cornwallis's army to appear at Princeton the following morning. On that day, Mercer was severely wounded when he refused to retreat before a British bayonet attack. Washington sent several physician to his side, but he died after several weeks.
The Apothecary Shop in Fredericksburg serves as a museum remembering the man Dr. Hugh Mercer as an adopted son who served his state and his nation well in their times of need He represents others who shared the same goal citizens all in this new nation.
A.L.M. October 19,2004 [c509wds]
