Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1846-08-28
From The Knickerb0cker.
NATHAN HALE.

There IS a mOurniul pleasure in turning aside
from the active duties of life-in forgetting its
busy hum and bustle-to contemplate the lives of
those who, having acted the parts assigned them
usefully and honorably to themselves and their
native land, have passed to the undiscovered
country" In examples worthy ever to be imita-
ted and extollcd, no land surpasses that of our
birth. Without seeking, then, in foreign climes,
or reviewing foreign history, for fit subjects of
oulogy, we need only revert TO a period distin-
guished in our own, to find some of the noblest
monuments of bravery, heroism, and virtue
The pages of Grccian or Roman history furnish
us with no brighter examples of pure and eleya-
ted patriotism, of disinterested ambition, of de-
voted attachment to country and her best inter-
ests, than is to be found in that hour which 'tri-
cd mems souls'-the revolution of 1776.
Upward of fifty years have now elapsed, since
the American army, in the person of Nathan Hale,
lost one of its fairest flowers. For more than
half a century, he has lain in his cold grave, neg
lected and forgotten; and while the names of ma
ny who have only Serred their country, have been
trumpeted by the breath of Fame throughout the
world, the name of him who died in its defence,
has been suffered to fade away from the memo
ries of his countrymen.
Born on the eve of that awful tempest which
shook the old world to its very centre, he arrived
at manhood just as its gathering clouds began TO
concentrate in their wrath. 1t was at this period
in our country's history, that he closed his aca-
demic career; and, having graduated at a sister
institution, it is from this hour we may date both
his public and military career.
Endowed with mind of no common mould,
he had gathered from the paths of science her
richest and sweetest flowers. Possessed of geni-
us rarely bestowed, and rightly guided and direc-
ted by unusual taste and ardor in scientific attain
ment, he became distinguished as a scholar. Be-
loved by all who knew him, for those traits which
never fail to excite esteem and affection, he was
equally distinguished for the correctness of his
morals, the innocence of his habits, and the pu-
rity of his principles.
In his manners, pleasing; in his disposition,
mild and ingenious; in his understanding, vigor-
Gus and powerful, he bade fair to arrive at an en-
inence which few of similar age could hope to
attain. Thus favored of heaven in the morning
of life, no one ever commenced to tread its check
cred path with brighter prospects. Assisted and
encouraged in his career by the best wishes and
heartfelt tprayers of his associates and friends, he
went forth to the ful6lment of his high destiny.
Alas! how little did he imagine that ''Disappoint-
ment had marked him for her own!'
The period had now arrived, when the secret
fires; long struggling in the breasts of our fathers
burst from their confinement. The friends of
liberty had begun to rally in her defence, and the
slumbering spirits Of her sons were aroused:
"Then said the mother to her son,
And pointed to his shield,
Come aDith it. when the battles done,
Or on it, from the field!"
The daring spirits of the land had assembled,
and their cry was heard rising high above the
cannon's roar: sour country frst-ow country
laSt-om country alsOdysp The voice of Ma
than Hale was heard in that cry. He had seen
his country's danger, and he was among the first
to enlist in her defence. The fowery paths Of
science, Intellectual honor, and advancement
selfinterest, present happiness, and the endear-
ments Of home-were all forgotten, and merged
in one feeling-love Of country.
Having obtained commission in the army, he
commenced the active duties Of soldier, with
the same vigor and activity which marked his
character when engaged in the fields of litera-
ure. Prompt in every duty, his influence here
was extensive as it had been in private life.
Passing over intervening events, we now arrive
at one of the most critical epochs into which the
American army had ever fallen; and it was du,
ring this period, that the fate of Hale was sealed
The battle of Long Island had been fought; and
for a little time the guardian spirit of freedom
seemed to have Withdrawn its protecting hand.-
But it was only momentary. Under the guidance
of the "Father of his Country" the army was
led to place of safety. To the prudence oi
Washington, under God are the people of Amer
lea indebted for the rescue of their army at this
hour of its peril. Havingretreated New York
il hecame matler of moment 10 the command.