Critical Opinion
"The British did not regard spying against them as honorable; but even British officers who observed the hanging were impressed by Hale's composure and deportment...To the British, he acted at the gallows in ways that reflected well on his character; to American patriots, 'manly' behavior in such circumstanced was honorable of a youthful officer reflected well on the justice and integrity of the Revolutionary Cause." -Email Interview, Christopher Clark, Professor and History Department Head of University of Connecticut, December 29, 2014
Nathan Hale was not a respected spy at this time, no spies were respected. In 1979 Nathan Hale was officially considered Connecticut's hero with major contributions to George W. Seamore who has helped preserve and tell the story of Nathan Hale. However, the people who knew Nathan Hale liked him and knew that he was a very prideful, devoted person (Live Interview, Beverly York, Site Administrator of Nathan Hale Homestead, December 14, 2014).
George Washington
George Washington was the man responsible for Nathan Hale's role as a spy in the Revolutionary War. Although the mission was not successful there is a lot to be said for a man, only twenty-one years old, who wanted to do something so brave for his country. Nathan Hale was the first spy from the American side of the Revolutionary War; he had nothing to go off of before crossing enemy lines.
"He was more unfortunate than Criminal." -George Washington
"An accomplished man and gallant officer." -George Washington
Nathan Hale receiving instructions from George Washington
Source: Commemorative of Nathan Hale, Society of Sons of Revolution, 1887
Source: Commemorative of Nathan Hale, Society of Sons of Revolution, 1887
The Community
Nathan Hale was well liked, he had many friends and got along with many. Although his actions were not immediately respected there was a sense of respect that lingered with Nathan Hale's death. He was very prideful and never took his responsibilities lightly (Live Interview, Beverly York, Site Administrator of Nathan Hale Homestead, December 14, 2014).
"Where sleeps the Americanism of Americans, that their hearts are not stirred to solemn rapture at thought of the sublime love of country which buoyed him [Hale] not alone above 'the fear of death,' but far beyond all thought of himself, of his fate, and his fame, or of anything less than his country, and which shaped his dying breath into the sacred sentence which trembled at the last upon his unquivering lip?" -Hon. Henry. J. Raymond
Poems in Rememberance
The first poem depicts how Nathan Hale wasn't given a trial and the British officials, although impressed by Nathan Hale, did not care of the sacrifices he had given for his country. The second poem demonstrates the loyalty and sorrow of Nathan Hale's death that many people, both then and today, respect and honor Nathan Hale for.
The breezes went steadily thro' the tall pines, Capture and Death of Nathan Hale
Source: Unknown Poet, 1776 |
And one there was—his name immortal now-- Hale's Fate and Fame
Source: Judge Francis Miles Finch |