Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1901-01-29
NATHAN HALE,

1t is considered dishonorable thing
to act the part of spy. And such was
Nathan Hale. The motive should be
considered when discussing the act.
Hale himself put the truth in nutshell
when he said: Livery kind OF service
necessary for the public good becomes
honorable by being necessary"
The avowed object Of Andres enter
prise was military glory, the spplause
of his king and country, and, perhaps, a
brigadiership." His last words were
81 request you, gentlemen, that you will
bear me witness to the world that l die
like a brave man." Hsle's last words
were: ~ only regret that l have but
one life to lose for my country"
A decided contrast in the two motives
and the two men. And yet Andre Is
remembered while Hale Is almost forgot
ten by the country for which he died.
Nathan Hale was born In Zolland
County, Conn.,, twenty miles eastward
of Hartford. He was one Of twelve
children, whose fathers Richard Hale,
had emigrated from Newberry, Mass,
to Coventry, and there married Eliza.
beth Strong. He was descendant OF
Robert Hale, who settled in Charles
town in 1882.
Young Hale was conspicuous among
his companions for remarkable athletic
ism. Having thirst for knowledge he
was very studiOus. He entered Yale
College when In his sixteenth year. His
brother Euoch, the grandfather OF Rev.
Edward Everett Hale, and two years
older than Nathan, entered Yale at the
same time. He was graduated with the
highest honors in September, 1873. The
following is pen picture OF him by DR.
Munson: 81 was greatly impressed with
Hsle's scientific knowledge. l am sure
he was the equal Of Andre In solid &C
ouirements, and his taste for art anC
talents as an artist were quite remark
able. His personal appearance was a
notable. He was almost six feet II
height, perfectly proportional, and II
figure and department he was the mos
manly man | have ever met. His ches
was broad; his muscles were firm; hi
face wore most benign expression; hi
countenance was roseate; his eyes wer'
light blue and beamed with intelligence
his hair was soft and light brown II
color, and his speech was rather low
sweet and musical. His personal beaut.
and grace of manner was most charming
why, all the girls In New Haven fell II
love with him and wept tears of rea
sorrow when they heard Of his sad fate
In dress he WAS always neat; he wa
quick to lend a helping hand to bein
: 10 distress, brute or human, was over
flowing with good humor, and was tn
idol of all his acquaintances."
On leaving college Hale engaged !
school teaching nearly two years. q
first taught select school at East Had
| dam on the Connecticut River. In IN
he was called to the position Of precepto
In the Union Grammar School at Ne,
. London, an institution Of high grade.
r was a high compliment to his ability
3 Everybody became warmly attached
t him. He cultivated science and letter
{ and moved In the most refined societ!
Then came war which dispelled Hale
r dream of happiness. The blood shed I
J. Lexington and Concord fired the cont
: pent and the heart Of Nathan Hale. Wit
: impassioned language and intense ca
z nestness he exhorted the people to tai
U patriotic action at once. "Let rs marc
5 Immediately and never lay down OF
i arms until we have obtained our Ind
pendence." It is said to be the dr