Abstract: A hydraulic lifting apparatus and a method is described that raises and lowers caps, such as night caps, lift caps, and other similar items, about a cap sub engaged to a wellhead. The apparatus includes a cap sub, vertical support member, a horizontal support member, a base member, and a hydraulic cylinder. The lifting device is attached to a wellhead assembly through a cap sub. The base member is attached to the cap sub through an enlarged ring. The base member also includes an elongated projected portion. The vertical support member is rotatably retained within a bore in the elongated projected portion. The proximal end of horizontal support member is connected to the upper end of the vertical support member. The hydraulic cylinder, which includes a hydraulic head and a hydraulic piston, is connected to the distal end of the horizontal support member. The vertical support member is capable of being rotated about the base member.