Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1846-08-28

lsh forces; their strength, and their future move
mcnts. II were needless 10 specify the plan
which was adopted 70 gain the information dcsi-
red. il is already familiar to the reader. The
desire Of Washington being stated TO his ASSEM-
bled officers, they retired TO their meditations.-
Who among them was willing 10 undertake ser
vice so iraugAt with dangerl
Among these officers, was Nathan Hale. AZ
ter mature deIibcraiion, impelled by a sense Of
duty, he resolved to underage the task. Though
urged by the pleadings Of a friend, not to under
take a service 50 hazardous, his mind still re-
mained fixed and steadiast; and no motive, now
ever powerful could induce him to neglect an
opportunity to be useful to his country. Being
told that bis success was extremely doubtful, and
his danger imminent, he replied, that 'conscious
of all this, as he was, he could not consent to
withhold his services" Accordingly, he passed
over to the enemy, and succeeded in Obtaining
the desired information.
What must have been his feelings, now that he
had performed his duty to his country! What
emotions must thavefillcdhisbosom at the thought
Of returning to his great commander, the immor-
tal Washington, laden with the fruits Of his da-
ring enterprise! Indeed noreward was expected,
none was offered, to him who should undertake
this task. No bribe Of promotion, no glorious
prize, was held out in case Of success; but all
that could be gained, at most, was the approving
smile of the Pater PatriG, and the thanks Of his
countrymen! Such noble disinterestedness, such
patriotic devotion, can only be found in the hearts
of those who, like him, could appreciate the
blessings of freedom.
But while such happy thoughts were passing
in his mind; while his heart beat high with the
expectation of speedy return to his fellow SOL
ders, and his friends; a sudden cloud dmmed
the bright vision. Arrested by the hand of the
enemy, he was already beyond the reach of mer-
cy. Hso object discovered, he frankly confessed il.
The die was cast. lie was tried and convicted;
and now he stands upon the scatfold. Let US
pause and for a moment contemplate the awful
scene which is so soon to close. Calm, collect
ed, firm-no serve fear of death is marked up.
on his brow. Conscious of no guilt, how digni.
fled his deporment!-how undaunted his cour-
agel As he looks around upon the assembled
multitude, who are gathered together to behold
his departure from the world, and sees before him
none but his enemies, he neither hesitates nor fall
ters, but with an undantcd look, resolved 10 die
for his country, he yields to the sacrifice.
As dying request, he asks that a Bible may
be furnished him. With fendish malice, this
last dying prayer isrefused; andhs letters, which
he desires may be conveyed to his mother and
his friends, are destroyed. His last sad farewell
they never will receiyel Still firm amid all this
cruelty, he utters no complaint; but as his eyes
are turned for the last time toward the home OF
his birth, while beam of patriotic fire kindles
up his countenance, he exclaims: 81 only lament
that l hare but one life to lose for my couatry''
and he dies, martyr in the cause of liberty.
Such was the fate of Hale. Though no mar
Bile column rears its head to tell that he died for
the republic, yet ON the hearts of his counrymen
his name is engraved, in living characters. Let
his memory be cherished. Let it be transmitted
to the latest posterity. And long after the Trailer
monuments of marble and brass shall have crum-
bled into dust, his story shall survive.