Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1835-02-21
EXECUTION OF CAPT. HALE.

The case of Capt. Nathan Hale has been re- |
garded as parallel 10 that OF MAJOR Anore.I
This young officer was graduate OF ale Col.
Iege. and had but recently closed his academic
course when the war Of the revolution common
ced. Possessing genius, taste, and ardor, ne De-
came distinguished as scholar; and, endow.
ed in an eminent degree with those graces and
Gifts of nature which add a charm to youthful
excellence, he gained universal esteem and con
fidence. To high moral worth and rreproach-
able habits were joined gentleness OF manners,
an ingenious disposition, and vigor OF under
standing. No Young man Of his years put forth
a farer promise Of future usefulness and celeb
rity: the fortunes of none were tostered more
sincerely by the generous good wishes OF his as
sociates, or the hopes and encouraging presages
of his superiOrs.
Being a patriot upon principle, and an enthu-
siast i'm cause which appealed equally 10 MS
sense of Justice and 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 martial spirit, and cal lied him imme-
diately to the field. He obtained a commission
in the army, and marched with his company 10
Cambridge His promptnesS activity and as
sidious attention to discipline early observed.
He prevailed upon his men to adopt simple
uniform, which improved their appearance, at
tracted notice, and procured applause. The ex-
ample was followed by Others and its influence
was beneficial Nor were his hours wholly alb
sorbed by his military duties. rigid economy
of time enabled him to crafty his zeal Tor study
and mental culture.
At length the theatre Of action changed and
the army was removed to the southwark. The
battle of Long Island was fought and the Amer
ican forces were drawn together in the city Of
New York. At this moment it it was extremely
important for Washington to know the situation
of the British army on the hcighths of Brooklyn,
its numbers, and the indications as to its future
movements Having confidence in the dlscre-
ton and Judgment ofthe gallant Colonel knowl.
ton. who commanded a Connecticut regiment OIL
infantry, he explained his wishes to that ohcer,
and requested him to ascertain ii any suitable
person could be found in his regiment; who
would undertake so hazardous and responsible
service 1t was essential, that he should be
man Of capacity, address, and military Know
ledge.
Col. Knowton assembled several of his Off
GERS stated to them the views and desires OF the
General and left the subject to their refecuons
without proposing the enterprise to any inclvl
dual. The officers then separated. Captain
Hale considered deliberately what had been
said, and finding himself by sense OF duty in
clined to the undertaking, he called at the quar-
tiers of his intimate friend, Captain Hull, CATER
wards General Hull,) and asked his opinion
Hull endeavored to dissuade him from the SER
vice. as not befiting his rank in the army, and
as beng of kind for which his openness OF
character disqualified him; adding that no gio-
nv could accrue from success, and detection
would inevitably be followed by an ignominious
death.
Captain Hale replied, that all these considera.
tons had been duly weighed, that every KIND
of service necessary to the public good was no.
norabe by being necessary" that he did moi &C
cept commission for the sake of fame alone, or
personal advancement; that he had been Tor
*, ;y,t boo With hpiDp
der any signal aid to the cause of his country,
and that he felt inpelled by high motives OF du-
ty not to shrink from the opportunity now pre-
sented.
The arguments Of his friend were unavailing,
and Captain Hale passed over TO Long Island IN
disguise. He had gained the desired informa-
ton, and was just on the point Of stepping into
boat TO return to the city ofNew York, when he
was arrested and taken before the British COM
mander. Like Andre, he had assumed cha
racter which he could not sustain; he was too
little accustomed to dupcty to succeed" The
proof against him was so conclusive. that he
made no effort at selfdefence, but frankly con-
fessed his object; and, again like Andre, without
further remarks ''eft the facts to operate with
his Judges" He was sentenced to be executed
as a spy, and was accordingly hanged the next
morning.
The sentence was conformable to the laws Of
war, and the prisoner was prepared to meet II
with a fortitude becoming his character. But
the circumstances Of his death aggravated his
sufferings. 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 pre-
sent at the execution, and deeply movedby the
conduct and fate ofthe unfortunate victim, and
the treatment he received. The provost-mar-
tial, to whose charge he was consigned, was
refugee, and behaved towards him in The most
unfeeling manner; refusing the attendance ola
clergyman and the use ofa bible, and destroying
the letters he had written to his mother and
friends.
In the midst of these barbarties, Hale was
calm, collected, firm; plying the malice that
could insult fallen foe and dying man, but dis
playing to the last his native elevation OF soul,
dignity of department. and an undaunted cour-
age Alone. unlrended, without consolation or
sympathy, he closed his mortal career with the
declaration, that he only lamented he had but
one life to lose for his country" When Andre
stood upon the scaffold, he called on all around
him to bear witness, that he died like brave
man. The dying words of Hale embodied
nobler and more sublime sentiment; breathing
spirit of satisfaction that although brought 10 an
untimely end, it was his lot to die martyr in
elo n