Nathan Hale was born in 1755. He died in 1776. He was an American Patriot during the Revolutionary War. He was an American spy, who was caught and hung by the British at the age of 21. He was one of the most rumbaed American heroes.

He was one of 12 children. He was born in Coventry, Connecticut on June 6, 1775. He had a strong, athletic body and a good temper. He also liked to play sports. A friend claimed it was amazing how high he could kick a ball and how much he enjoyed sports competition.

Although he was good at sports, he took advantage of any opportunity for education. He prepared for college and learned the classics under the tutorship of Reverend Joseph Huntington. In 1769, he joined Yale College and earned the title of diligent student. He later graduated in1773 and then taught school for a year at East Hadean, Connecticut. After teaching, he moved to New London, Connecticut.

Although he was highly successful in teaching, he was also deeply concerned about American rights. In July 1775, Hale received a Lieutenants Commission from the Connecticut Assembly to help in a siege of Boston. When the British forces evacuated Boston and entered the New York area, Hale, with other Patriot soldiers went to meet a new threat. By this time he had become a captain in the Continental Army. His resourceful leadership, especially in capturing a supply-loaded vessel from under the guns of a British warship, won him a place in a select fighting group called the Rangers. The Rangers were known for their daring leadership and fighting qualities in dangerous missions.

The fateful mission, which was unknown to Hale or anyone else, was a time which had came for a dramatic moment of The Revolutionary War. General George Washington as the Ranger commander to select a man to pass through the British Lines to get information on the British position. The commander called for a volunteer. Hale agreed to be the man to do this.

He had disguised himself in civilian clothes as a Dutch schoolmaster. He succeeded in crossing the British lines. He got the information Washington requested. But on his return to American lines on Sept. 21, 1776, the British captured him.

Some people said his cousin betrayed him. He was taken to General William Howe, the British commander. Howe said Hale was out of his uniform and condemned him to be hung the next day as a spy. With calmness of mind and spirit, he prepared for the execution. Before hanging he made a speech that historians aren't sure what Hale really said. According to tradition, he ended the speech with inspiring words, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

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