“There is no historical record to prove that Hale actually made this statement, but, if he did, ...”
Just couldn’t let it stand alone, could ya? Had to toss the little subtle dig. In the absence of any proof he did not say those words, legend should have sway. He obviously said something for there to BE a legend.
Be happy with that.
I have read that Nathan Hale was immediately recognizable to all and universally regarded as the most handsome man in all the colonies.
He was like a rock star and known on sight by many people he had never met. When being taken into custody someone in the crowd yelled his name and waved. He couldn’t deny that.
A worse choice for covert activities couldn’t have been made.