Litchfield enquirer., 1835-02-19
Another extrnct from the Lite of Arnold bs Sparks
 EXECUTION OF CAPT. HALE.


 dre: This young officer was a graduate ot Yale College, and had but recently closed his academic course when the war of the revolution commenced. Possessing gem jus, taste, and ardor, he became distinguish ed as scholar and, endowed in an em- inent degree with those graces and gifts of nature which add a charm to youthful ex- cellence, he gained universal esteem and confidence. To high moral worth and ir- reproachable habits were joined gentleness of manners, an ingenious disposition, and vigor of understanding. No young man of his years put forth iairer promise of fu- ture usefulness and celebrity the fortunes of none were fostered more sincerely by 1 the generous good wishes of his associates, or the hopes and encouraging presages of his superiors.
 Being patriot upon principle, and an enthusiast in a cause, which appealed e. qnally to his sense of justice any love of liberty, he was among the first to take up arms in his country's defence. The news of the battle of Lexington reused his mar ] tial spirit, and called him immediately to the field. He obtained commission in the army, and marched with his company to Cambridge. His promptness, activity, and assiduous attention to discipline, were early observed. He prevailed upon his men to adopt a simple uniform. which im- proved their appearance, attracted notice, eHd procured applause. The example was followed by others, and its influence was beneficial. Nor were his hours wholly ab- sorbed by his military duties. A rigid e. economy of time enabled him to gratity his zeal for study and mental culture.
 At length the theatre of action was chan ged, and the army was removed 10 the southward. The battle of Long Island was fought, and the American forces were drawn together in the city of N. York.- At this moment it was extremely impor- 1 tant for Washington to know the situation ofthe British army on the heights of Brook lyn, its numbers, and the indications as to its future movements. Having confidence in the discretion and judgment of the gal- lant Colonel knowltoD, who commanded a Connecticut regiment of infantry, he ex- 1 pained his wishes to that officer, and re- quested him to ascertain if any suitable person could be found in his regiment, who would undertake so hazardous and respon- sible service. 1t was essential, that he shoud be man of capacity, address, and military knowledge.
 officers, stated to them the views and de- sires of the General, and left the subject to their reflections, without proposing the enterprise to any individual. The officers then separated. Capt. Hale considered deliberately what had been said, and finding himself by a sense of duty inclined to the undertaking, he called at the quarters of his intimate friend, Captain Hull, (alter- wards General Hull,) and asked his opin- ion. Hull endeavored to dissuade him from the service, as not befitling his rank in the army, and as being of kind for which his openness of character disquali- fled him; adding that no glory could accrue from success, and detection would inevi- tably be followed by an ignominious death
 Captain Hale replied that all these con- alterations had been duly weighed, tha, "cvery kind of service necessary to the public good was honorable by being neces- sary," that he did not accept commission for the sake of fame alone, or personal ad- vancement that he had been for some time in the army without being able to render any signal aid to the cause of his country, and that he felt impelled by high motives of duty not to shrink from the op- portunity now presented.
 The arguments of his friends were una- vailing, and Captain Hale passed over to Long Island in disguise. Ho had gained the desired information, and was just on the point of stepping into boat to return 10 the city of N. York. when he was arrested and taken before the British commander. Like Andre, he had assumed a character, which he could not sustain he was "too little accustomed to duplicity to succeed.' The proof against him was SO conclusive, that he made no effort at self-delence, but frankly confessed his object and, again like Andre, withou, further remarks, "lefl the facts to operate with his judges" He was sentenced to be executed as a spy, and was accordingly hanged rhe next morning.
 The sentence was cOnformable to the laws of war, and the prisoner was prepared to meet it with fortitude becoming his character. But the circumstances of his death aggravated his sufierings, and placed him in situation widely different from that of Andre. The facts were narrated to General Hull by an officer of the British commissary department. who was presen,