Published on 2 July 2023 at 15:23

For my first weekly spread in July, I chose to focus on the Liberty Kids Episode on Nathan Hale. He was born on Friday, June 6, 1755.

He was a Patriot, Soldier and a Captain in the continental army. 

Mr. Hale also joined the Knowlton Rangers. The Rangers were the United States first intelligence service organization.

When President Washinton called for a spy to go behind enemy lines for an intelligence gathering mission, Nathan Hale was the only volunteer….

Despite the fact that the punishment for spying was death, Mr. Hale volunteered on September 8, 1776, to go behind enemy lines to report on British troop movements. 

He was ferried to Huntington New York, arriving on the 12th of September disguised as a Dutch schoolteacher looking for work. While undercover The South of New York fell to the British and Washington was forced to retreat…

On the 21st of September 1776 Nathan Hale was captured by British soldiers. There are two accounts of his capture. 

The first was of a Connecticut shop owner. He stated that while in a tavern Captain Hale was recognized by Major Robert Rogers of the Queens Rangers, who then lured him into betraying his allegiance by pretending to be a Patriot himself.

The second account was that his cousin Samuel Hale, who was a loyalist betrayed him…

After his betrayal Nathan Hale was brought before British General William Howe at his headquarters in Beekman House. There he was questioned by Howe and physical evidence was found on his person. Nathan Hale was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death… 

Some accounts say he spent the night in the Beekman greenhouse, others say he spent it in a bedroom there.

He requested a Bible and later a clergyman, both requests were denied.

However General Howe did permit him to write two letters, one to his brother Enoch, and other to his commanding officer.

The next day the provost marshal, Captain Cunningham in a childishly cruel act tore the letters up in front of him.

On the Morning of September 22nd, 1776, Captain Nathan Hale was marched to Dove Tavern where he was Hanged.

His final speech was remembered by many including British Captain John Montrest…

“if I had ten thousand lives, I would lay them all down, if called to it, in defense of my injured, bleeding Country. I am so satisfied with the cause in which I have engaged, that my only regret is, I have not more lives than one to offer in its service.”

Although his body was never located, his family had a monument placed in the Nathan Hale Cemetery in South Coventry Historic District, Connecticut…

In 1995 the state of Connecticut designated him their state Hero! Many Statues and markers have been built in his honor…

If you have any questions about Nathan hale or any questions about my Setup leave me a comment below!!