James Mercer

James Mercer (baptised 1734 – 1804) was a Scottish soldier and poet. He is now best known as the friend of the abolitionist poet James Beattie. Early life He was the eldest son of Thomas Mercer, of a cadet line of the Mercer family of Aldie, Perthshire, and was born in Aberdeen on 27 February 1734; Hugh Mercer and Captain William Mercer of the Bengal Army were cousins. He was educated at Aberdeen High School, and then at Marischal College, where he graduated M.A. in 1754. Soldier Mercer went to Paris, where his Jacobite father was then living. After his father's death in 1756, He joined a British regiment, and served in the Seven Years' War. He was under Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick through its early campaigns, and in 1759 fought at the battle of Minden. He was in 1761 presented by General David Graeme with a company in the newly raised 105th Foot, but the corps was reduced on the peace and Treaty of Paris of 1763. Shortly afterwards Mercer purchased a company in the 49th Foot, and served for several years in Ireland. He was on good terms with Michael Cox, archbishop of Cashel; but he declined Cox's invitation to take holy orders and accept a living in his gift. In 1770 he purchased a majority in his regiment.