AMERICAN CAPTAIN HANGED BY THE BRITISH AS A SPY
New York City (JFK+50) Senator John F. Kennedy wrote "Profiles In Courage" which chronicles selected United States senators who demonstrated political courage. If JFK had written a book telling of the courage of Americans who sacrificed their own lives for their country, Nathan Hale* would have no doubt been included.
On September 22, 1776, the 21 year old Hale was hanged by the British as a spy for General George Washington on Long Island, New York. Before the execution was carried out, Nathan Hale was asked if he had any final words. Nathan Hale said...
"I only regret I have but one life to lose for my country."
The British military leaders on Long Island had been alerted to Mr. Hale's true identity and took him into custody at Flushing Bay in Queens, New York.
After sketches of British fortifications on Long Island were found in Hale's possession, he was taken before British General William Howe who ordered the execution.
Eyewitness to History gives the account of Captain William Hull who talked with a British officer who witnessed the execution. The officer told Hull that..."Captain Hale...was calm, and bore himself with gentle dignity..."
*Nathan Hale (1755-1776) was born in Coventry, Connecticut. He graduated from Yale College in 1773 & became a teacher. In 1755, he joined the Connecticut Militia & soon was commissioned 1st Lieutenant in the 7th Connecticut Regiment.
SOURCE
"The Execution of Nathan Hale, 1776," www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/
New York City (JFK+50) Senator John F. Kennedy wrote "Profiles In Courage" which chronicles selected United States senators who demonstrated political courage. If JFK had written a book telling of the courage of Americans who sacrificed their own lives for their country, Nathan Hale* would have no doubt been included.
On September 22, 1776, the 21 year old Hale was hanged by the British as a spy for General George Washington on Long Island, New York. Before the execution was carried out, Nathan Hale was asked if he had any final words. Nathan Hale said...
"I only regret I have but one life to lose for my country."
The British military leaders on Long Island had been alerted to Mr. Hale's true identity and took him into custody at Flushing Bay in Queens, New York.
After sketches of British fortifications on Long Island were found in Hale's possession, he was taken before British General William Howe who ordered the execution.
Eyewitness to History gives the account of Captain William Hull who talked with a British officer who witnessed the execution. The officer told Hull that..."Captain Hale...was calm, and bore himself with gentle dignity..."
*Nathan Hale (1755-1776) was born in Coventry, Connecticut. He graduated from Yale College in 1773 & became a teacher. In 1755, he joined the Connecticut Militia & soon was commissioned 1st Lieutenant in the 7th Connecticut Regiment.
SOURCE
"The Execution of Nathan Hale, 1776," www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/
Nathan Hale Statue
Fort Nathan Hale
New Haven, Connecticut
Photo by 2112guy (2007)
