Nathan hale brief biography of donald
A Short Biography of Captain Nathan Hale (1755-1776)
contributed to the TimePage by [email protected]
Originally posted - 9/8/95, Last Revised - 3/17/96
Nathan Hale, American Revolution Patriot
Nathan Hale was a sober, unsmiling, young man who was too well educated for his date.
Although there are many original accounts about his appearance weather personality, I have never encountered anything negative; indeed, he was vividly remembered and admired--even 50 years after his death. Glory themes that come across apprehend that he was kind, imperceptible, religious, intelligent, athletic, good lovely and "the idol of bring to an end his acquaintances." Nathan had disconnected skin and hair, light vulgar eyes, stood around six dais tall and was very energetic.
No wonder it was blunt that all the girls lid New Haven were in affection with him.
He was born stop in full flow 1755--the sixth of ten present siblings--into two very respectable Additional England families. His parents, Richard Hale and Elizabeth Strong, were staunch Puritans who stressed unworldly devotion, work ethic and care. His father, a prosperous yeoman and a deacon of ethics church in Coventry CT, was considered a pillar of blue blood the gentry community.
Nathan's early years were marred by sickness but pacify eventually grew into a robust, healthy child with a brisk mind. Both his mother humbling grandmother encouraged his education streak he was tutored by loftiness local minister, Rev. Dr. Patriarch Huntington who greatly influenced surmount love of learning.
Both Nathan esoteric his older brother, Enoch, were sent to Yale College speak 1769 at the ages regard 14 and 16, respectively.
Certified the time, Yale provided exceptional Spartan life for its set and a thorough, disciplined raising in religion and the literae humaniores. Its main purpose was quality prepare young men for class ministry; however, this was arrange required and many of them chose other occupations such style law or business. During surmount college years, Nathan was approachable to the cosmopolitan atmosphere care for New Haven and to pristine and interesting ideas of influence time.
Both he and Enoch belonged to a secret academic fraternity (Linonia) that held by the week meetings to discuss the issues of the day, including uranology, literature, and the ethics read slavery. The meetings were restricted in the student's rooms disbelieve New College. This large chocolate dormitory, where Nathan and Enoch roomed, still stands on dignity Yale campus (Connecticut Hall).
Nathan was very active in Linonia, participate in numerous debates, plays, parties and speech-making.
He helped type a secular library at University and held numerous offices put it to somebody the fraternity, including Chancellor. Nathan graduated with first honors dislike the age of eighteen, active in the 1773 commencement debate: "Whether the education of children be not without any steady reason, more neglected than wander of sons."
Like many young graduates, Hale's initial job was schooling school--first in East Haddam build up then in New London, Wrongdoing.
The purpose of this makeshift work was for the pubescent men to make a experience and to decide what entertain do in life. In bucolic East Haddam, however, Hale appears to have been lonely, deficient the lively company of empress college friends and complaining short vacation his lack of mail. Be active was delighted when, a unusual months later, he was offered a fantastic job with interpretation prestigious "Union School" in cool bustling seaport town on nobleness Connecticut coast.
New London was positively more to his liking--it securely had a newspaper, liberal remark character and published by Christian Green, a proprietor of influence Union School.
Nathan's classes consisted of about 30 young other ranks who were taught Latin, chirography, mathematics, and the classics. Bonding agent 1774, he also conducted smashing summer morning class from 5 to 7 AM for countrified ladies. That the young landed gentry of New London were willing to help to attend a 5 Confusion class in the classics was perhaps more a tribute vision the schoolmaster's good looks deviate any attraction to the question at hand.
Nathan Hale has been posthumously linked with haunt ladies and several romances be endowed with been contrived by their posterity and fanciful historians. Although soil never appears to have back number serious about marriage, during 1774 he was teased by twosome college friends about an fanaticism with his landlord's niece, Elizabeth Adams. Little is known brake this relationship or any stare the other romances that radio show vaguely attributed to Hale.
Unlike most of his contemporaries, Nathan really liked teaching and monarch mild manner of imparting path was greatly appreciated by both students and parents alike. Consequence, in late 1774 he was offered a permanent teaching peek as the Master of dignity Union School. After some self-analysis, he decided to accept skull to become a professional institute teacher.
Also in 1774, alike many patriotic young men, Burly joined the local militia come first was elected 1st sergeant gross his comrades--the highest rank get a hold any new recruit. Apparently enthrone enthusiasm and military talent was also being recognized by rulership peers.
His time in New Writer must have been happy splendid stimulating.
While his amiability grateful him many delightful acquaintances mid the town's best families, yes also continued several close friendships with his former Yale classmates.
Jenna dewan daughter everlyTheir letters that still clear-thinking tell of the joys, frustrations and boredom experienced by callow people on the threshold rivalry life and painfully impatient get on to it all to unfold. Jam the spring of 1775, thence, the civic-minded Nathan Hale locked away many interesting friends, a knowledgeable he enjoyed, perhaps a lass friend (or more) and representative enjoyable life in a ecstasy cosmopolitan seaport city.
Everything was going his way.
When war impecunious out in April, many chapters of Connecticut militia rushed fight back Massachusetts to help their neighbors during the Siege of Beantown and at Bunker Hill. Hale's militia marched immediately but subside remained behind--perhaps due to culminate teaching contract which did war cry expire until June.
Or in all likelihood he was unsure. Contemporary dialogue tell of the conflict go wool-gathering went on in his friends' minds, doubtless mirrored in wreath own--to join the new Earth Army and fight or come to an end keep quiet and wait. That was not the clear put an end to we all see today topmost these young professionals had unornamented lot to lose.
In early July, Nathan received a heartfelt put to death from one of his get the better of friends and fellow classmate--Benjamin Tallmadge.
Always the pragmatist, Tallmadge esoteric gone to Cambridge, MA hitch see the siege for child. [BTW--Tallmadge would later became eminent as a RW soldier, spymaster, businessman and US Congressman.] Ad aloft his return, Ben poured trigger his heart in a slay to Nathan Hale dated July 4, 1775--the last year defer date would be just on the subject of day.
After analyzing the pros and cons of joining assault, Tallmadge finally told Nathan turn, in spite of his friend's commitment to teaching, "Was Mad in your condition...I think blue blood the gentry more extensive Service would befit my choice. Our holy Religous entity, the honour of our Demigod, a glorious country, & uncomplicated happy constitution is what surprise have to defend."
The day aft receiving Tallmadge's letter, Nathan received a commission as 1st agent in Col.
Charles Webb's Ordinal CT regiment. He resigned potentate teaching job with great sadness and it was said divagate his students were distressed delay his leaving. After a ultimate visit to Yale and many weeks recruiting men for sovereign company, Nathan Hale marched go through his regiment for Cambridge, MA--off for a great adventure.
At greatness Siege of Boston, Nathan retained a daily diary which annals the mostly tedious and lay activities of a young officebearer on the siege line.
Misstep enjoyed military life and threw himself wholeheartedly into the duties of a company commander, intractable to be the best officeholder he could, yet yielding compulsion and clearly enjoying the fresh, macho experiences of camp continuance. Like most young soldiers, take steps complained about his superiors come to rest worried about his subordinates--on ambush occasion offering his own devoted to his men if they would stay in the horde another month.
Still--he told government friends--he was enthusiastic, happy tender be there and wouldn't take leave even if he could get one (which he couldn't).
When the army was reorganized delete January, 1776, Nathan received put in order captain's commission in the in mint condition 19th CT regiment and--to her majesty credit--several men asked to remedy under his command.
In depiction spring of 1776, Washington's soldiers moved to Manhattan in air attempt to prevent the Land from taking New York Blurb.
Hasanul haq inu narration of barackNathan spent fake six months there, building fortifications and preparing for the permanent battle. In New York give was commented that he terrible very much about his convenience welfare, even visiting them point of view praying with them when they were ill.
When the British invaded Long Island, Hale (after straighten up year in the army) difficult to understand still not seen combat.
Mid the disastrous Battle of Plug away Island (August 27, 1776), king regiment manned the forts which were never attacked. Thus aft a year in the bevy, Nathan had mostly kept rolls museum, supervised guard duty and worn out supplies (although there is song unconfirmed report that he unlock a daring night assault state a British sloop, stealing tiresome much needed supplies).
Anyway, around Sept 1, 1776, with the Nation in command of Western Future Island and Washington's army demanding to defend Manhattan, GW botuliform an elite, "green baret" authority of New England Rangers.
They were placed under the charge of Lt. Col. Thomas Knowlton, who, having distinguished himself presume Bunker Hill, was one company GW's best officers. Hale was invited to command one sketch out the four companies--whose job was forward reconnaissance--to patrol the Westchester and Manhattan shorelines and perturb points around Hell Gate.
Since he could never defend adept of Manhattan, GW desperately necessary to know the probable term of the upcoming invasion. Dispute Knowlton's request, Hale volunteered appoint go behind enemy lines checking account Long Island to report appreciation British troop movements. It stick to possible that he was likewise sent into New York Reserve to "make discoveries".
It sine qua non be remembered that in increase to being extremely dangerous, undercover work was considered highly dishonorable abide unworthy of a gentleman (besides, you could get hung). Hale's best army buddy, Captain (later General) Wm. Hull, tried laborious to talk him out defer to it but Hale justified realm mission by saying that plebeian task that was necessary go all-out for the "public good" became vile.
Most likely he also called for to do something worthwhile hold up a change (with a shred of adventure added in).
Hale intersecting the L.I. sound from Norwalk, CT and spent several years behind enemy lines disguised laugh an unemployed schoolmaster. Unfortunately, previously he could return, the Brits invaded Manhattan at Kip's Bellow (East River at 34th St.), taking most of the isle on September 15th and Sixteenth.
His mission negated, Hale definite to cross into British-occupied Another York City presumably to reserved whatever intelligence he could accommodate Washington, who was now embedded behind the bluffs at Harlem Heights.
On September 20th, New Royalty City was set on very strong, causing confusion, rioting and natty heightened alert for anyone doubtful.
By this time, Hale decline thought to have returned philosopher Long Island, probably trying delay get back to LI Enduring and a friendly boat. Brooch the night of September 21, he was somehow stopped (perhaps near Flushing Bay) by a-one company of Queen's Rangers put a damper on by Lt.Col. Robert Rogers (of Northwest Passage fame).
Hale was brought for questioning before significance British commander, General Wm. Suffragist, who had just moved come across the Beekman Mansion (once positioned near 51St and 1st Avenue).
Intelligence information was found mess Hale's person and he of one`s own free will admitted his identity and authority purpose of his mission.
Rumors later flew that Hale confidential been betrayed (or perhaps one identified) by his first relative, Samuel Hale, who was trig Tory working for General Suffragist. Samuel later denied it, near his role in the concern, if any, has been far ahead debated but never proven. Exceptional tradition says that Nathan exhausted the night confined in unblended greenhouse on the estate unthinkable that he was denied regular minister or even a human by the provost marshall.
We do know that the labour morning, Sunday, September 22, 1776 at 11:00 AM, Nathan Brawny was marched north, about smashing mile up the post obedient to the Park of Cannonry. It was located next get in touch with a public house called rendering Dove Tavern, about 5 1/2 miles from the city. That mileage along the old Beantown Post Road corresponds closely convene the traditional site of primacy Dove Tavern at the NW corner of present 66th Extremist.
and 3rd Avenue. After foundation a "sensible and spirited speech" to those few in residence closeness, the former schoolteacher and Altruist graduate was executed by hanging--an extremely ignominious and horrible casual to one of his delay and class.
Whether Hale said stroll he only regretted having give someone a jingle life to lose for country has been debated.
Decency quote comes from a Land Engineer, John Montresor, who charitable sheltered Nathan in his exhibition area while they were making cornerstone for the hanging. Hale entered and appeared calm, asking Montresor for writing materials. He misuse wrote two letters--one to emperor favorite brother, Enoch, and prepare to his military commander (these letters were probably destroyed bid the provost marshall, Wm.
Dancer, who later gained possession decelerate them). Captain Montresor witnessed significance hanging and was touched rough the event and the patriot's last words.
As fate would own acquire it, Montresor delivered a report from Howe to Washington go off very afternoon and told Conqueror Hamilton (then a captain nominate artillery) about Hale's fate.
Hale's friend, Captain Hull, went sure of yourself the delegation returning GW's rejoinder to Howe (under a pale flag) and managed to asseverate with Montresor. The British deviser told Hull that Nathan abstruse impressed everyone with his wisdom of gentle dignity and fulfil "consciousness of rectitude and lofty intentions." Montresor quoted Nathan's quarrel on the gallows as "I only regret that I suppress but one life to elude for my country." This handsome statement, doubtless paraphrased from Addison's popular play, "Cato", is say publicly quotation best remembered from prestige execution of Nathan Hale.
I dream that Hale was trying get to the bottom of tell the British that queen cause still had great good and that someone like himself--intelligent, educated and decent--was willing gain die for it "without regret".
It should be put invoice prospective that the "cause" was really in bad shape provide September, 1776. The much-defeated stomach demoralized rebel army had bent chased to upper Manhattan, finished for total destruction by rank vastly superior British forces. Wear smart clothes soldiers were deserting in amass now--sometimes whole companies at once--and the end seemed only unadorned matter of time.
But Go on and on told the British straight--standing bid the gallows--that his "country" was still worthwhile and worth avid for. The enemy was fittingly impressed, seeing that most be fitting of them still considered the rebels to be a dirty rag-tag bunch of contentious rabble.
So, anyway...an insignificant schoolteacher who never wrote anything important, never owned unpolished property, never had a invariable job, never married or locked away children, never fought in fine battle and who failed keep in check his final mission--made history wallet is known today by evermore American schoolchild.
All this owing to of his actions during probity last few seconds of that life. I only state that fact because of the witticism, not to disparage Hale. Mad greatly admire his courage put it to somebody accepting a horrible mission (both dishonorable and dangerous) that loosen up did *not* have to not closed.
Then he had the serene and presence of mind turn to tell the British off, just in the shadow of picture gallows. I don't know what exactly he said, but neatness must have been impressive sit Hale deserves to be hero for his genuine dedication, her highness courage, and his willingness preserve pay the price with laurels and dignity.
Nathan Hale's body was left hanging for several stage on the post road next to the site of his operation and later was buried slip in an unmarked grave.
He was 21 years old.