The sun was just beginning to peak from behind the hills of New York as a few men secured a hangman’s noose to a sturdy tree. As the morning crept on, men gathered to witness the death of a traitor — a spy. They pulled him from a greenhouse that he had slept in the night before. He was refused a Bible; he was refused a clergyman; yet somehow, he seemed at peace. He walked to the tree, and began to speak.
Nathan Hale was a 21-year-old patriot of the war in 1776. Known for his absolutely fiery and dedicated heart, Hale chose to dive into the action of espionage — a crime punishable by death. He was ferried over behind enemy lines, and was told to report the movement of British troops. He wore a disguise and did his best to blend in.
Several accounts tell different stories of his discovery by the British. One tale says that Major Robert Rogers saw the disguised young man in a tavern, and recognized him. Another perspective says that his loyalist cousin turned him in. Regardless, the young Hale was taken into captivity and a few days later, was hanged.
I couldn’t imagine having such pride for a cause; to be willing to risk my life for an idea that was just beginning to blossom, only to have my efforts be in vain. Hale was imprisoned, abandoned and ignored, but still took his last breath at peace with himself and his circumstances.
I’ve heard it said by those who are terminally ill that when there is no hope left a peace befalls upon you; and this peace is complete. As Hale walked into his own funeral, he was said to have been resolute and to have kept his composure. A British officer named John Montresor wrote in his journal about the morning.
“He behaved with great composure and resolution, saying he thought it the duty of every good officer, to obey any orders given him by his Commander-in-Chief; and desired the spectators to be at all times prepared to meet death in whatever shape it might appear,” Montresor wrote.
Hale asked for writing materials, which he received, and wrote two letters: one to his mother and one to his brother officer. Hale was famously heard to say, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” He was hanged not long after. Hale is considered one of the nations greatest heroes of the American Revolution, even though the mission he was asked to attempt wasn’t necessarily a victory.
A friend of Hale’s, Lieutenant Elisha Bostwick wrote that Hale, in a sense, was a beacon of hope for those soldiers who were sick or hurt.
“—his mind of sedate and sober cast, he was undoubtedly Pious; for it was remark’d that when any of the soldiers of his company were sick he always visited them and usually Prayed for and with them in their sickness,” Bostwick wrote.
I’ve spent several weeks talking about war heroes who have done amazing things and accomplished great feats. However, I believe there is something to be said for a man or woman who is hopeless for more time on Earth to stand amid executioners with peace and humility, asking them to do the same that he did: have courage. In the midst of one of the most bitter rivalries in history, impartial wisdom came out of a young man. Don’t ever think that victory defines the character of an individual. Character is defined by how one reacts in the midst of great distress. I aim to have the courage to live with the humility and graciousness that Nathan Hale did.
