Hale, Nathan, 1755–76, American soldier, hero of the American Revolution, b. Coventry, Conn. A young schoolteacher when the Revolution broke out, he was commissioned an officer in the Connecticut militia, served in the siege of Boston, then went to take part in operations in New York. He volunteered for the dangerous mission of getting information about the British forces on Long Island, where he went in the natural disguise of a schoolmaster. Inexperienced, he revealed his mission to a former British officer, was captured, and was hanged without trial. He is remembered especially for the statement he is said to have uttered on the gallows, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

Bibliography

See biography by H. P. Johnston (1914); M. Pennypacker, General Washington's Spies on Long Island and in New York (1939).

Hale, Nathan

(born June 6, 1755, Coventry, Conn.—died Sept. 22, 1776, Manhattan Island, N.Y., U.S.) American Revolutionary officer. After graduating from Yale University (1773), he became a schoolteacher. In 1775 he joined a Connecticut regiment and took part in the siege of Boston. Made a captain in 1776, he helped capture a British provision sloop on Long Island. Volunteering for spy duty, he penetrated British lines but was captured while returning and hanged without trial the next day at the age of 21. His last words reportedly were, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,” a remark similar to one made in Joseph Addison's play Cato.

Hale, Nathan (1755–76) soldier, martyr; born in Coventry, Conn. He graduated from Yale (1773) and became a Continental Army captain in 1776. He was captured by British soldiers while disguised as a schoolmaster and hanged. His famous declaration "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country" became a symbol of the Revolutionary spirit.

Hale, Nathan

(1755–1776) Revolutionary war hero, calmly accepted fate. [Am. Hist.: Jameson, 215]

See : Bravery

Hale, Nathan (1755–1776)

hero of American revolution; famous for “I regret I have but one life to give for my country.” [Am. Hist.: Hart, 341]

See : Patriotism

Hale, Nathan

(1755–1776) American Revolutionary spy, hanged by British; regretted only having one life to give for country. [Am. Hist.: NCE, 1176]

See : Regret