Context
"I have never met with a man, either in England or America, who hath not confessed his opinion, that a separation between the countries would take place one time or other: And there is no instance in which we have shown less judgment, than in endeavoring to describe, what we call, the ripeness or fitness of the continent for independence." -Common Sense, Thomas Paine, 1776
The American Colonies were fighting very hard in order to gain their independence and were becoming desperate in order to have the war come to an end. Great Britain was relentless and was putting up a very difficult fight for the colonists. Progress of independence was being made but at a very slow pace. George Washington, commander of the Continental Army, was getting worried and wanted insider information from the enemies side.
Declaration of Independence Timeline
The Declaration of Independence did not assure the colonists their independence. Instead, it stated certain ideas and laws that colonists thought were important for people to have. The Declaration of Independence allowed the colonists to go to war against Great Britain which eventually lead to the American Colonies gaining independence.
Source: Library of Congress
Battle of Long Island
George Washington predicted the British would attack Long Island so he and his troops waited there until the enemy came. Knowing that he would soon be surrounded, Washington ordered his men to leave Long Island and asked for a spy to go behind enemy lines to retrieve more information and plans before the next battle. Nathan Hale volunteered with the intention to return with knowledge regarding future British movements.
Map showing the attack plan of George Washington forces on Long Island
Source:Library of Congress
Source:Library of Congress