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Nathan Hale (June 6, 1755 – September 22, 1776) was an American soldier and spy for the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He volunteered for an intelligence-gathering mission in New York City but was captured by the British and executed. Hale has long been considered an American hero and, in 1985, he was officially designated the state hero of Connecticut.[1]
Nathan Hale - Wikipedia
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Birthday
American History
War of Independence
Heroes
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Nathan Hale, American Spy... What His Sacrifice Means on Our Independence Day
CIA Director Brennan remembers Nathan Hale and the sacrifices he made in service to freedom and independence. His statue stands vigilant guard over the Agenc...
Thank you, my friend Maj Marty Hogan for making us aware that June 6 is the anniversary of the birth of Military Leader and Spy Captain Nathan Hale of the 19th Regiment of the Continental Army
Rest in peace Nathan Hale
Images:
1. 1856 Illustration of Nathan Hale approaching the British in 1776 from Life of Captain Nathan Hale, the Martyr Spy of the American Revolution by Isaac William Stuart, 1856
2. 1776-09-22 Last Words of Captain Nathan Hale, the Hero-Martyr of the American Revolution - New York as he was hung as a spy on September 22, 1776
3. 1922-25 U.S. #551 Series of 1922-25 one half ¢ Nathan Hale.
Background from biography.com/people/nathan-hale-9325477
Nathan Hale graduated from Yale University in 1773, joined the American Revolution and was hanged by the British for espionage in 1776.
Synopsis
Nathan Hale was born in Coventry, Connecticut, on June 6, 1755. After graduating from Yale University, he became a schoolteacher. When war began in the American colonies, he joined a Connecticut regiment and was made a captain in 1776. On a secret mission ordered by General George Washington, Hale went behind enemy lines to gather information on the British army’s location. He was captured by the British in New York City and hanged for espionage on September 22, 1776.
Early Life
Nathan Hale was born on June 6, 1755, in Coventry, Connecticut, the second son of Richard and Elizabeth Hale. A prominent family, the Hales were devout Puritans and instilled in their children the importance of hard work, religious virtue and education. At 14, Nathan was sent off to Yale College with his older brother, Enoch, where he excelled in literature and debate. He graduated with honors, at age 18, and became a school teacher in East Haddam and later New London, Connecticut.
Volunteers in Service of his Country
In July, 1775, Nathan Hale joined the Connecticut militia and was elected First Lieutenant. Some accounts say he saw battle during the Siege of Boston, while others point out he was still under his teaching obligation. Records do show he was commissioned a captain in General George Washington’s army in January, 1776.
After the British captured Boston, General Washington moved his army to New York, where he expected the next British attack. The Continental Army’s defeat at Brooklyn Heights in August, 1776, pushed Washington’s army into Manhattan and gave the British control of most of Long Island. Washington desperately needed reliable information on the British’s next move and began asking for volunteers to cross enemy lines.
Secret Spy Mission
Though spying was not considered honorable for a gentleman, Nathan Hale volunteered, perhaps out of a sense of duty, or because he hadn’t seen military action up to then. In any case, he was fully aware of the danger: spies were considered illegal combatants and quickly executed.
Nathan Hale left the American lines at Harlem Heights on September 12, 1776, posing as an itinerant teacher. He traveled to Norwalk, Connecticut, where he took passage across Long Island Sound and landed in Huntington, Long Island. He most likely spent a few days in Huntington, impersonating as a teacher looking for work. Meanwhile, on September 16, the British Army engaged General Washington’s troops at Harlem Heights. It’s believed Hale heard of the British attack and realizing his current mission was superfluous and made his way to New York City, presumably to gather what information he could about the British Army’s next move.
Capture and Execution
Here is where details of Hale’s spying mission slip in and out of legend. Some accounts state he was recognized by his cousin, Samuel Hale, a Loyalist working for the British, who turned him over to authorities. Another version reports British Major Robert Rogers recognized Hale, despite his disguise, in a New York City tavern. Not divulging his revelation, Rogers struck up a conversation with Hale and gained his trust, telling him he was a patriot sympathizer. According to this account, Hale told Rogers he was gathering information on the British Army’s positions. Rogers invited Hale to dinner at this quarters with several “friends.” As he dined, Hale was taken into custody.
Nathan Hale was sent to British headquarters for questioning by British General William Howe. Maps and drawings of fortifications were found on Hale, further implicating him as a spy. He provided his name, rank, and the reason he was behind British lines. In quick succession, execution orders were issued by Howe and Hale was hung the morning of September 22, 1776. By all accounts, Hale met his fate with composure and resolve. As he was the hangman’s noose was placed around his neck, he made a “sensible and spirited speech” in defense of his actions and sense of duty. Legend states he declared, “I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country.” There are several accounts by made at the time that reveal he said something impressive, but no official record of this declaration exists. His body was left hanging for several days and was later buried in an unmarked grave.
Legacy
It is fair to say Nathan Hale was not a very good spy. It is also fair to note that by all contemporary accounts of his life and death, he was an intelligent and patriotic young man who displayed a strong love for country. After his death, his loyal friends and an anxious American public looking for heroes, transformed this young neophyte warrior into a symbol of self-sacrifice and martyrdom. Many statues and memorials were erected honoring his bravery and service to country in the years following his death. In 1985, Nathan Hale was officially designated Connecticut’s state hero. "
Nathan Hale, American Spy... What His Sacrifice Means on Our Independence Day
CIA Director Brennan remembers Nathan Hale and the sacrifices he made in service to freedom and independence. His statue stands vigilant guard over the Agency and is a continuing reminder to our employees of the duties and sacrifices of an intelligence officer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8DcM4VDSZU
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC (Join to see) Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. "Bill" Price Maj Marty Hogan SCPO Morris Ramsey SSG John Ross SGT Mark Halmrast Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. SGT Gregory Lawritson CPL Dave Hoover SPC Margaret Higgins SrA Christopher Wright Cpl Gabriel F.
Rest in peace Nathan Hale
Images:
1. 1856 Illustration of Nathan Hale approaching the British in 1776 from Life of Captain Nathan Hale, the Martyr Spy of the American Revolution by Isaac William Stuart, 1856
2. 1776-09-22 Last Words of Captain Nathan Hale, the Hero-Martyr of the American Revolution - New York as he was hung as a spy on September 22, 1776
3. 1922-25 U.S. #551 Series of 1922-25 one half ¢ Nathan Hale.
Background from biography.com/people/nathan-hale-9325477
Nathan Hale graduated from Yale University in 1773, joined the American Revolution and was hanged by the British for espionage in 1776.
Synopsis
Nathan Hale was born in Coventry, Connecticut, on June 6, 1755. After graduating from Yale University, he became a schoolteacher. When war began in the American colonies, he joined a Connecticut regiment and was made a captain in 1776. On a secret mission ordered by General George Washington, Hale went behind enemy lines to gather information on the British army’s location. He was captured by the British in New York City and hanged for espionage on September 22, 1776.
Early Life
Nathan Hale was born on June 6, 1755, in Coventry, Connecticut, the second son of Richard and Elizabeth Hale. A prominent family, the Hales were devout Puritans and instilled in their children the importance of hard work, religious virtue and education. At 14, Nathan was sent off to Yale College with his older brother, Enoch, where he excelled in literature and debate. He graduated with honors, at age 18, and became a school teacher in East Haddam and later New London, Connecticut.
Volunteers in Service of his Country
In July, 1775, Nathan Hale joined the Connecticut militia and was elected First Lieutenant. Some accounts say he saw battle during the Siege of Boston, while others point out he was still under his teaching obligation. Records do show he was commissioned a captain in General George Washington’s army in January, 1776.
After the British captured Boston, General Washington moved his army to New York, where he expected the next British attack. The Continental Army’s defeat at Brooklyn Heights in August, 1776, pushed Washington’s army into Manhattan and gave the British control of most of Long Island. Washington desperately needed reliable information on the British’s next move and began asking for volunteers to cross enemy lines.
Secret Spy Mission
Though spying was not considered honorable for a gentleman, Nathan Hale volunteered, perhaps out of a sense of duty, or because he hadn’t seen military action up to then. In any case, he was fully aware of the danger: spies were considered illegal combatants and quickly executed.
Nathan Hale left the American lines at Harlem Heights on September 12, 1776, posing as an itinerant teacher. He traveled to Norwalk, Connecticut, where he took passage across Long Island Sound and landed in Huntington, Long Island. He most likely spent a few days in Huntington, impersonating as a teacher looking for work. Meanwhile, on September 16, the British Army engaged General Washington’s troops at Harlem Heights. It’s believed Hale heard of the British attack and realizing his current mission was superfluous and made his way to New York City, presumably to gather what information he could about the British Army’s next move.
Capture and Execution
Here is where details of Hale’s spying mission slip in and out of legend. Some accounts state he was recognized by his cousin, Samuel Hale, a Loyalist working for the British, who turned him over to authorities. Another version reports British Major Robert Rogers recognized Hale, despite his disguise, in a New York City tavern. Not divulging his revelation, Rogers struck up a conversation with Hale and gained his trust, telling him he was a patriot sympathizer. According to this account, Hale told Rogers he was gathering information on the British Army’s positions. Rogers invited Hale to dinner at this quarters with several “friends.” As he dined, Hale was taken into custody.
Nathan Hale was sent to British headquarters for questioning by British General William Howe. Maps and drawings of fortifications were found on Hale, further implicating him as a spy. He provided his name, rank, and the reason he was behind British lines. In quick succession, execution orders were issued by Howe and Hale was hung the morning of September 22, 1776. By all accounts, Hale met his fate with composure and resolve. As he was the hangman’s noose was placed around his neck, he made a “sensible and spirited speech” in defense of his actions and sense of duty. Legend states he declared, “I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country.” There are several accounts by made at the time that reveal he said something impressive, but no official record of this declaration exists. His body was left hanging for several days and was later buried in an unmarked grave.
Legacy
It is fair to say Nathan Hale was not a very good spy. It is also fair to note that by all contemporary accounts of his life and death, he was an intelligent and patriotic young man who displayed a strong love for country. After his death, his loyal friends and an anxious American public looking for heroes, transformed this young neophyte warrior into a symbol of self-sacrifice and martyrdom. Many statues and memorials were erected honoring his bravery and service to country in the years following his death. In 1985, Nathan Hale was officially designated Connecticut’s state hero. "
Nathan Hale, American Spy... What His Sacrifice Means on Our Independence Day
CIA Director Brennan remembers Nathan Hale and the sacrifices he made in service to freedom and independence. His statue stands vigilant guard over the Agency and is a continuing reminder to our employees of the duties and sacrifices of an intelligence officer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8DcM4VDSZU
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC (Join to see) Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. "Bill" Price Maj Marty Hogan SCPO Morris Ramsey SSG John Ross SGT Mark Halmrast Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. SGT Gregory Lawritson CPL Dave Hoover SPC Margaret Higgins SrA Christopher Wright Cpl Gabriel F.
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Nathan Hale's school house in the great whaling city of New London. It's been moved a few time.
"Our state hero, Nathan Hale, taught here in 1774 and 1775, several years after graduating from Yale at the age of eighteen. Hale moved here to take over the Union Grammar School after complaining of the “remote life in the wilderness called Moodus” and leaving East Haddam.
In 1775, Hale enlisted to fight for our independence in the American Revolution, soon after being promoted to the rank of Captain. He was the only soldier to volunteer to spy on the British who had taken control of Long Island when George Washington needed valuable information.
“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Nathan Hale’s immortal last words on being hanged as a spy by the British in New York on September 22, 1776."
https://www.connecticutsar.org/historic-sites/nathan-hale-schoolhouse-new-london/
"Our state hero, Nathan Hale, taught here in 1774 and 1775, several years after graduating from Yale at the age of eighteen. Hale moved here to take over the Union Grammar School after complaining of the “remote life in the wilderness called Moodus” and leaving East Haddam.
In 1775, Hale enlisted to fight for our independence in the American Revolution, soon after being promoted to the rank of Captain. He was the only soldier to volunteer to spy on the British who had taken control of Long Island when George Washington needed valuable information.
“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Nathan Hale’s immortal last words on being hanged as a spy by the British in New York on September 22, 1776."
https://www.connecticutsar.org/historic-sites/nathan-hale-schoolhouse-new-london/
Nathan Hale Schoolhouse New London | Connecticut Sons of the American Revolution
Our state hero, Nathan Hale, taught here in 1774 and 1775, several years after graduating from Yale at the age of eighteen. Hale moved here to take over the Union Grammar School after complaining of the “remote life in the wilderness called Moodus” and leaving East Haddam.
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