Daniel Hitchcock (February 15, 1739 – January 13, 1777) was born in Massachusetts and graduated from Yale University.

He moved to Providence, Rhode Island, where he became an attorney and was suspected by the authorities of involvement in the Gaspee Affair.

At the start of the American Revolutionary War he formed Hitchcock's Regiment of infantry in the Rhode Island Army of Observation.

He was first appointed lieutenant colonel in command of the regiment when it marched to serve in the Siege of Boston in 1775.

That year, he led his troops at Long Island, Harlem Heights, and White Plains.

He led a small brigade of Rhode Island troops at Assunpink Creek and Princeton.

[3] Hitchcock was thought by authorities to be affiliated with the Gaspée Affair, a sinking of a British ship and a lead up to the American Revolutionary War.

Washington then crossed the Delaware and surprised a brigade of Hessian troops in the December 26 Battle of Trenton.

[14] The American troops were expecting a counter-attack from the British, so the Army established a defensive position south of the Assunpink Creek.

On December 31, Washington learned that an army of 8,000 men under the command of General Charles Cornwallis was moving to attack him at Trenton.

[18] Mercer and his troops were overrun and Washington sent some militia under Brigadier General John Cadwalader to help him.

[23] Washington personally thanked Hitchcock for his efforts during the War in front of the entire Continental Army.