Stories Surrounding the Declaration of Independence… the Treason of Thomas Hickey…

July 13, 2026 by  
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In light of the historic birthday for the American Declaration of Independence, I thought it might be nice to look at some of the surrounding stories that occurred which could have helped or hindered this momentous time in history. Perhaps one of the more intriguing stories is the treason of Thomas Hickey and those who were likely involved at some level.
In June 1776, as British forces threatened New York, General George Washington faced betrayal within his own ranks. Thomas Hickey, an Irish-born soldier and member of Washington’s elite Life Guard, became central to a Loyalist conspiracy reportedly backed by New York Governor William Tryon. The plot allegedly involved recruiting guardsmen, sabotaging supplies, and possibly assassinating Washington when British troops arrived.
Hickey’s downfall began when he was arrested for passing counterfeit money. While jailed, he bragged to fellow prisoner Isaac Ketcham about enlisting Life Guardsmen and receiving payments from Loyalists. Ketcham alerted authorities, exposing the scheme.
On June 26, Hickey faced a swift court-martial. Charged with mutiny, sedition, and corresponding with the enemy, he was convicted on witness testimony and sentenced to death by hanging. Washington approved the sentence the next day.
On June 28—the same day John Adams was presenting Thomas Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia—Hickey was hanged before an estimated 20,000 soldiers and civilians near Bowery Lane in Manhattan. Washington ordered the mass attendance to deter treason, making Hickey the first Continental soldier executed for such crimes. The event underscored the fragility of the Patriot cause and reinforced discipline on the eve of battle.
Coverage of this conspiracy can be found in THE LONDON CHRONICLE, August 8, 1776. Ironically, parts of this British plot can also be found in THE GENTLEMAN’S MAGAZINE, August 1776 … the same GENTLEMAN’S MAGAZINE containing the entire printing of the Declaration of Independence.

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