Posted on Sep 10, 2019
Nathan Hale volunteers to spy behind British lines
1.44K
53
15
18
18
0
On September 10, 1776, George Washington asked for a spy volunteer; Nathan Hale volunteered. From the article:
"Nathan Hale volunteers to spy behind British lines
General George Washington asks for a volunteer for an extremely dangerous mission: to gather intelligence behind enemy lines before the coming Battle of Harlem Heights. Captain Nathan Hale of the 19th Regiment of the Continental Army stepped forward and subsequently become one of the first known American spies of the Revolutionary War.
Disguised as a Dutch schoolmaster, the Yale University-educated Hale slipped behind British lines on Long Island and then successfully gathered information about British troop movements for the next several weeks. While Hale was behind enemy lines, the British invaded the island of Manhattan; they took control of the city on September 15, 1776. When the city was set on fire on September 20, 1776, British soldiers were put on high alert for sympathizers to the Patriot cause. The following evening, on September 21, 1776, Hale was captured while sailing Long Island Sound, trying to cross back into American-controlled territory.
Hale was interrogated by British General William Howe and, when it was discovered that he was carrying incriminating documents, General Howe ordered his execution for spying, which was set for the following morning. After being led to the gallows, legend holds that Hale was asked if he had any last words and that he replied with these now-famous words, “I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country.” There is no historical record to prove that Hale actually made this statement, but, if he did, he may have been inspired by these lines in English author Joseph Addison’s 1713 play Cato: “What a pity it is/That we can die but once to serve our country.”
Patriot spy Nathan Hale was hanged by the British on the morning of September 22, 1776. He was just 21 years old. Although rumors later surfaced that Hale’s capture was the result of a betrayal by his first cousin and British Loyalist Samuel Hale, the exact circumstances leading to Hale’s arrest have never been discovered."
"Nathan Hale volunteers to spy behind British lines
General George Washington asks for a volunteer for an extremely dangerous mission: to gather intelligence behind enemy lines before the coming Battle of Harlem Heights. Captain Nathan Hale of the 19th Regiment of the Continental Army stepped forward and subsequently become one of the first known American spies of the Revolutionary War.
Disguised as a Dutch schoolmaster, the Yale University-educated Hale slipped behind British lines on Long Island and then successfully gathered information about British troop movements for the next several weeks. While Hale was behind enemy lines, the British invaded the island of Manhattan; they took control of the city on September 15, 1776. When the city was set on fire on September 20, 1776, British soldiers were put on high alert for sympathizers to the Patriot cause. The following evening, on September 21, 1776, Hale was captured while sailing Long Island Sound, trying to cross back into American-controlled territory.
Hale was interrogated by British General William Howe and, when it was discovered that he was carrying incriminating documents, General Howe ordered his execution for spying, which was set for the following morning. After being led to the gallows, legend holds that Hale was asked if he had any last words and that he replied with these now-famous words, “I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country.” There is no historical record to prove that Hale actually made this statement, but, if he did, he may have been inspired by these lines in English author Joseph Addison’s 1713 play Cato: “What a pity it is/That we can die but once to serve our country.”
Patriot spy Nathan Hale was hanged by the British on the morning of September 22, 1776. He was just 21 years old. Although rumors later surfaced that Hale’s capture was the result of a betrayal by his first cousin and British Loyalist Samuel Hale, the exact circumstances leading to Hale’s arrest have never been discovered."
Nathan Hale volunteers to spy behind British lines
Posted from history.com
War of Independence
World History
American History
Military History
Spying
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 12
12
12
0
Nathan Hale: A Connecticut Hero
Southern Connecticut State University Senior Project on the life of Nathan Hale
Thank you, my friend SGT (Join to see) for reminding us that on September 10, 1776, George Washington "asked for a volunteer for an extremely dangerous mission: to gather intelligence behind enemy lines before the coming Battle of Harlem Heights. Captain Nathan Hale of the 19th Regiment of the Continental Army stepped forward."
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.
Nathan Hale: A Connecticut Hero
Southern Connecticut State University Senior Project on the life of Nathan Hale
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zknqMI3uhcQ
Background from: Nathan Hale Biography - Military Leader, Spy (1755–1776) 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. "
FYI Sgt (Join to see)SFC (Join to see)cmsgt-rickey-denicke
CWO3 Dave AlcantaraCW3 Matt HutchasonLTC (Join to see)
Sgt John H.PVT Mark ZehnerSGT Robert R.CPT Tommy CurtisSGT (Join to see) SGT Steve McFarland Alan K. Maj Kim Patterson Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. SPC Woody Bullard SMSgt Lawrence McCarter Col Carl WhickerSGT Mark Anderson
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.
Nathan Hale: A Connecticut Hero
Southern Connecticut State University Senior Project on the life of Nathan Hale
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zknqMI3uhcQ
Background from: Nathan Hale Biography - Military Leader, Spy (1755–1776) 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. "
FYI Sgt (Join to see)SFC (Join to see)cmsgt-rickey-denicke
CWO3 Dave AlcantaraCW3 Matt HutchasonLTC (Join to see)
Sgt John H.PVT Mark ZehnerSGT Robert R.CPT Tommy CurtisSGT (Join to see) SGT Steve McFarland Alan K. Maj Kim Patterson Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. SPC Woody Bullard SMSgt Lawrence McCarter Col Carl WhickerSGT Mark Anderson
(12)
(0)
(1)
(0)
LTC Stephen F.
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Greg Henning MSgt Robert C Aldi CMSgt (Join to see) SGT (Join to see) PO1 H Gene Lawrence PO2 Kevin Parker PO3 Bob McCord LTC Jeff Shearer SGT Philip Roncari PO3 Phyllis Maynard CWO3 Dennis M.TSgt Joe C. SGT (Join to see) LTC Wayne Brandon LTC (Join to see) Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj Robert Thornton CPT Scott Sharon
(2)
(0)
(2)
(0)
6
6
0
SGT (Join to see) excellent read and share of Nathan Hale American Revolutionary Wars first true spy!
(6)
(0)
4
4
0
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google