The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1895-10-05
A REVOLUTIONARY MARTYR.
Written for the Democratic Advocate
BY CHARLES l.. SHIPLEN.

We have often heard the expression re
peated that Republics are ungrateful -
that in many instances the most distin-
guished sons OF such countries. whether
they gave their services and many times
their lives on the battlefield or whether
their wisdom in the council chamber shaped
the course of the Ship Of State, all are
forgotten by the government they 50 faith
fully served and were it not for the pen
Of the historian or the traditions Of their
admiring countrymen, even their memory
would pass into oblivion as complete as if
they had never existed In this respect
America cannot plead exemption. Many
Of her bravest and most distinguished men
now sleep in graves that are almost forgot
ten. and their names have nearly ceased to
be mentioned
IN extenuation for this seeming neglect.
however we take great pleasure in the
fact that the past few years have witnessed
Il revival of interest in the history attached
to the lives and services of many Of our
brave patriots. who in the LONG ago figured
prominently in the stirring scenes OF our
nation history; and Americans through
out the length and breadth of our land
are now endeavoring to pay the proper
homage that is due to such men by the
rearing of monuments the dedication of
tablets and the marking of tombs, which
it is hoped will have the desired effect of
awaking general interest in the history
of our Republic and the lives and services
of the men who have helped to frame the
course Of the grandest commonwealth Of
the universe.
Only about two Years ago was there un-
veiled Il statue in New York City to the
memory of CapE, Nathan Hale, the mar
tyr spy Of the revolution, who suffered
death in the service of his country. OF
the many sad and pathetic incidents that
occurred during our struggle for independ-
ence none were more sad than the tragic
fate Of Young Hale. After the disastrous
defeat Of the American forces on Long
Island, August 9th, 1776, it became
necessary that General Washington should
know something definite about the move
ments of the British forces. \ council of
officers decided that Il spy should be sent
into the English lines to gain this infnr-
nation. and it was evident that the per
son sent must not only be brave but Il man
of military talent and keen Judgment The
choice for this perilous work fell upon Capt
Nathan Hale, of Coventry, Connecticut
young man, then only about twenty-five
years Of age, graduate Of Harvard and
an officer in the gallant Connecticut regi-
ment known as Congress Own With
out hesitation young Hale placed his life
at the disposal Of his country, and went to
the house Of Robert Murray, on Murray
Hill, New York, (where Washington had
his headquarters on September II, 1776. J
to receive his orders
He reached the British camp in safety
and in the disguise of school teacher he
soon gained the desired information On
his way back, however, he was recognized |
by tory relative, a cousin OF his. who !
was indebted to him for many an act Of
kindness. On reaching Huntington. Long
Island, he was arrested by the order Of his
cousin and brought before General Howe,
at the Beekman House, September p,
1916.
The British General did not stoop to
the form of court martial, but promptly |
his prisoner that he would be
hanged the next day, and only accorded
him the privilege of writing to his mother
and sisters that he was TO meet spy's
death Capt Cunningham, the brutal
English provost marshal, refused to grant
him the services of clergyman, denied
him the use of Bible, and destroyed be-
fore his eyes the letters he had written to
his dear old mother and sisters. Then at
The p lace of execution they sought with
.he roll Of drums to cruelty, but in vain.
lrOwn the last words of the hero-martyr
4 onl ly regret that | have but one life to
give to my country.
History does not agree as to the place
If Capt Hale execution. One account
ays that he was hanged on an apple tree
n Rutger orchard. near the present in
ersection Of East Broadway aud Market
treets, while other authorities used to
designate an aged hutternut tree standing
,efore the Beekman House and marking
he fifth mile from Whitehall as the correct
pot ;
The mhumanity exhibited by the British
flcers to Captain Hale stands out in strik-
ne contrast with the forbearance and gen
rosity shown by the Americans in the case l
f Major John Andre. 1t was not until
en- days after his capture that the British !