Nathan Hale |
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Education and Experience in the Continental ArmyNathan Hale was born in Coventry, Connecticut, on June 6, 1755. At age 14, he enrolled at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. While at Yale, he became close friends with Benjamin Tallmadge, a fellow Yale student who would later become George Washington’s head of intelligence during the Revolutionary War. Hale graduated from Yale with honors and became a schoolteacher in nearby East Haddam and later in New London. When the war began, he joined the Connecticut militia and became a first sergeant. In 1776, he was promoted to captain in the Continental Army’s 7th Connecticut Regiment. Executed as an American SpyIn August and September of 1776, during the Battle of Brooklyn Heights, Hale volunteered to spy on British troop movements. Disguised as a schoolteacher, he was captured by British forces near present-day Queens following the torching of New York City. British officials, suspicious of Hale’s schoolteacher facade, pretended to be Patriots and succeeded in convincing him to reveal his espionage (spy) activities. He was then questioned by British General William Howe. After interrogating Hale, Howe felt he had uncovered enough evidence and Hale was hanged the following day. According to eyewitness accounts, Hale's composure in the moments before his execution was astounding. His final words, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country," have been immortalized forever. Today, statues of Nathan Hale can be seen at the Nathan Hale Homestead, Yale University, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and Andover Academy in Massachusetts.
Nathan Hale was born on June 6, 1755, in Coventry, Connecticut. At 14, he went to Yale University, where he became close friends with Benjamin Tallmadge, who later led George Washington’s spy network. After graduating with honors, Hale worked as a schoolteacher in East Haddam and New London. When the Revolutionary War began, he joined the Connecticut militia and was later promoted to captain in the Continental Army. Captured and Executed as a SpyIn 1776, during the Battle of Brooklyn Heights, Hale volunteered to spy on British troops. Disguised as a schoolteacher, he was caught by the British near present-day Queens. British officers tricked him into revealing his mission by pretending to be Patriots. After questioning by British General William Howe, Hale was sentenced to death and hanged the next day. Witnesses said he stayed calm until the end. His famous last words were, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Nathan Hale’s LegacyToday, Nathan Hale is remembered as a hero and a symbol of courage. Statues honoring him stand at Yale University, the CIA headquarters, the Nathan Hale Homestead, and Andover Academy in Massachusetts. |
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