Spy and Patriot

sure would get excited at boxing, horseback races, and swimming. You should have seen his agility when we played baseball.

Nathan and I went to Yale College together.  He was thirteen and graduated with honors four years later.    He became a successful teacher.

Soon, his life changed as the American Revolution began.  He believed that Americans had just cause to fight for freedom from Britain.  A buddy, Benjamin Tallmadge, wrote to him that the most important action he could take would be to join the military service, and defend “the honor of our God” and our “glorious country.”  So in 1775 Nathan joined the American Continental Army.

The following year the British took New York City.  General Washington urgently needed information about British troop movements.  A spy was needed to slip behind enemy lines into the city.  If caught, the punishment would be death.  The ideal choice would be a Ranger, as Rangers were leaders in difficult and daring missions.

When the Ranger commander asked for a volunteer, no one responded.  At the second call Nathan volunteered. Disguised as a Dutch school teacher, he got through British lines.  He obtained drawings and recorded information about the British defenses.  These secret papers were found on him, when he was captured.

I do not know how my brother was taken.  I’ve been told that our cousin Samuel, who sided with the British, recognized Nathan and tipped off the British.  How rotten to betray a member of your own family!  I also heard that a British Ranger tricked Nathan, when he was at a tavern.  The Ranger pretended to be a Patriot and Nathan revealed that he was a Patriot.  British Rangers followed him and arrested him.

After Nathan’s hanging a British officer went to General Washington’s headquarters with a truce flag.  He reported to a captain that Nathan had been executed that morning.  He seemed touched by Nathan’s death and said that when preparations were being made that he had asked the prisoner sit beside him in an open tent.  Nathan showed no fear, just peace and assurance that what he had done was right.  He asked, “May I have writing materials?”

The British officer supplied them and Nathan wrote a letter to his mother and one to a fellow officer.”

As Nathan’s brother I wish there had been an official recorder of his last words.  To the few people, who were standing by the gallows, Nathan gave this basic message: “I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country.”  As Nathan’s brother and an American, I hope his message and what he died for will not be forgotten.

This is Barbara Steiner with the story of Nathan Hale. I remember hearing of his heroism when I was in elementary school.  I found it unforgettable.

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Good story! Very good! Nathan's bravery shows that he is not afraid to die for his country. It shows that if he had another life, he would do the same thing he had done. I admire his brother's curiousity about how Nathan died.  from Caleb

Dear Caleb,

Thank you very much for your insightful response! Nathan's dedication has inspired many people to ask, "What does love for a country mean?"    Leah

This was a really awesome story.  Thanks again.  from Sarah

Dear Sarah,

I love this story because Nathan was a hero who died fighting for our freedom.   Leah

I think Nathan was deceived when he was in a tavern by a British Ranger.  Also I thought it was neat that his brother got second opinions.    from Mason

Dear Mason,

Enoch did not want his brother to be forgotten.  A fine tribute to a great young man.    Leah

When reading about Nathan Hale, I found it so interesting that God blessed him with such a great mind so that at only thirteen, he went to college and graduated as a teacher.   from Josiah

Dear Josiah,

His dedication to knowledge and country is an inspiration!    Leah

He felt honored that he had served our country.    from Fatima

Dear Fatima,

Nathan died defending the freedom we have to this day.   Leah

I will try to write using my English. I think this story is interesting, because Nathan was young and gave his life for his country.  I do not think many people in this time would give their lives for their country.   from Francesca

Dear Francesca,

Many men and women have died fighting for their country.  Sadly, many people take freedom for granted.  Leah

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