Posted on 12/10/2019 9:56:04 AM PST by Perseverando
"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country" were the last words of 21-year-old American patriot Nathan Hale, who was hanged by the British without a trial on SEPTEMBER 22, 1776.
A Yale graduate, 1773, Nathan Hale almost became a Christian minister, as his brother Enoch did, but instead became a teacher at Union Grammar School.
When the Revolutionary War began in 1775, Nathan Hale joined a Connecticut militia and served in the siege of Boston.
On July 4, 1775, Hale received a letter from his Yale classmate, Benjamin Tallmadge, who became General Washington's chief intelligence officer:
"Was I in your condition ... I think the more extensive service would be my choice. Our holy Religion, the honour of our God, a glorious country, & a happy constitution is what we have to defend."
Nathan Hale accepted a commission as first lieutenant in the 7th Connecticut Regiment under Colonel Charles Webb of Stamford.
Nathan Hale was a pious as he was courageous.
American Heritage Magazine's article, "The Last Days and Valiant Death of Nathan Hale" (April 1964), gave fellow soldier Lieutenant Elisha Bostwick's description of Nathan Hale:
"He was undoubtedly pious; for it was remark'd that when any of the soldiers of his company were sick he always visited them & usually prayed for & with them in their sickness."
Tradition has it that Nathan Hale was part of daring band of patriots who captured an English sloop filled with provisions from right under the guns of British man-of-war.
Following the Battle of Brooklyn Heights, August 27, 1776, the British went from Staten Island across Long Island and were intent on capturing New York City.
Nathan Hale - Ray High School in Moodus. Go Noises... (Yes, the village of Moodus is Native American for Place of bad noises. So the high school teams are called The Noises...). East Haddam, where Moodus is located, was where Nathan Hale taught.
Yes. My Family goes back to the 1700’s there - but alas - most are gone.
Yes. My Family goes back to the 1700’s there - but alas - most are gone.
I first heard it in 1975.
Somehow I never ran across it until maybe 12 or 15 years back. Too bad, because I like old dumb jokes. Better late than never, I suppose.
Maybe Nathan Hale was a friend of your ancestors...
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