History

Nathan Hale

For Our Country

I later became a captain and came to New York City with my regiment on April 30, 1776. I was selected by Lt. Col. Thomas Knowlton to lead a company of the famous Knowlton Rangers. Later that summer General Washington asked Lt. Col. Knowlton for a volunteer from his rangers to spy on the British troops on Long Island. Many tried to talk me out of it, but I knew I had to do this for our cause, for our country. Sometimes you have to take a stand, even at personal risk, if you know the cause is just and true. American Independence was such a cause, and I couldn't turn my back on it.

A Sad Chapter in History

Armed with my Yale degree and under cover as a Dutch schoolmaster, I went behind British lines and proceeded to collect information. Other than my cover, I wasn't well trained in the art of spying. I was captured by the British and hanged on September 22, 1776. The British executioner asked if I had any final words, and I told him, "I only regret I have but one life to lose for my country." I was the first American captured and executed for spying. My story has served as an inspiration for other patriots who have entered the profession of intelligence gathering and as an example of the highest degree of commitment, honor, and the willingness to sacrifice for what you believe in.


Sources:

O'Toole, G.J.A. Encyclopedia of American Intelligence and Espionage. New York, Oxford: Facts on File, 1988.

Intelligence in the War of Independence. Central Intelligence Agency, 1997.

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