Nathan Hale: 'America's First Spy'

Words: 1029
Pages: 5
Open Document
The fabric of the American identity is woven from the threads of history. From the time we are young, we are regaled with stories of the birth of our Nation- our Founding Fathers are revered, our Patriots idolized. But the fight for our independence could not have been won without the bravery of those who operated in shadows. Nathan Hale is celebrated as one such hero. Although his mission ultimately ended in failure, his sacrifice for the good of our nation has earned him the name, “America’s First Spy.”
Nathan Hale was born 6 June 1755, the sixth of twelve children in a devout Puritan family on a farmstead in South Coventry, Connecticut. Both his parents were descended from a line of settlers dating back to just after the landing of the …show more content…
His mother, Elizabeth, was descended from the prominent Strong family. Both the Hales and the Strongs sailed from Kent, England and landed in Boston, Massachusetts in the early 1600s. The Hale family spread north throughout New England and into Connecticut while the Strongs settled Massachusetts and Connecticut, helping to establish the towns of Dorchester and Northampton.
Richard and Elizabeth married and settled in South Coventry and set about raising a family. Elizabeth was a woman of beauty, strong moral character, and devout Puritan faith. Richard was an intelligent man of devoted to God. Richard and Elizabeth raised their children to be educated and with a strong devotion to God and …show more content…
Yale was established in 1701 in New Haven, Ct., approximately fifty years before the birth of Nathan. Among the board of trustees were two Harvard educated brothers and members of the extended Hale family, the Reverend James Noyes and Moses Noyes. Several members of the Strong family were Yale graduates, as well, so it seemed a matter of course that Nathan and siblings would attend Yale. The Hale and Strong families also shared a deep sense of loyalty to the colonies and disdained English rule. Reverend Strong railed against British taxation and often preached to his congregation that speaking out for one’s beliefs was to act in accordance with the will of God. Richard Hale grew flax to produce uniforms for the colonial militia- in direct defiance of England, who demanded the colonies buy English. Nathan was raised in patriotism and believed it was God’s will that all loyal Americans fight English oppression. To Nathan, serving his country was not only his moral duty, it was his destiny.
Nathan left home to attend Yale at the age of 14. He studied Greek, Latin, Hebrew, theology, and other subjects common to young scholars of that era. Nathan was outgoing and charismatic, friendly and humble. He was often said to possess a magnetic personality that naturally drew others. Nathan was quick to make friends in college and many, such as Benjamin Tallmadge, would go on to make a name for themselves during the Revolutionary
Show More

Related Documents: Nathan Hale: 'America's First Spy'

Revolutionary War Spies Analysis

Spies are not all polished and suave like those seen on television. Most of the time these men and women blend in with society and they often do not get a chance to finish their missions. Modern spies gained popularity during the Revolutionary War. Some of the more well know spies were Nathan Hale, Hercules Mulligan, Catto-- Mulligan’s slave, Benjamin Tallmadge, Anna Strong, and James Armistead Lafayette from the patriot’s side; popular British spies included Benedict Arnold, John Andre, and Ann…

Words 872 - Pages 4

George Washington's Espionage During The American Revolution

Patriots a chance to strategically outflank the overpowering British armed force. The development of American spy rings became Washington’s primary method for gaining the useful, private information of his enemies. Washington was not only known for his superior tactical prowess, he was also considered to be a superior “Spymaster” as well, and developed one of the nation’s most powerful spy rings known as the The Culper Ring. This intelligence agency was tasked with the challenge of obtaining the…

Words 1069 - Pages 5

How Is George Washington Related To The Revolutionary War

Washington was the commander of America’s army. He was selected as commander during the Second Continental Congress. After the Americans won in the war, Washington was elected president of the United States. He served for 2 terms before absolutely refusing to serve a 3rd term. Washington’s 2-term limit was the unwritten rule for all presidents until 1940. eXecution In the Revolutionary War, caught spies and other enemies were executed. For example, Nathan Hale was a spy for the Patriots, the British…

Words 442 - Pages 2

Significant Events In Sophia's War

Many important life-changing events happened to Sophia during the course of the three years that are described in the story. Starting with the horrifying death of Nathan Hale, a patriot soldier, to lifting her hand when John Andre passed by. Sophia was only a mere twelve years old when she experienced a hanging for the first time. She was walking back to her home, alongside her mother, when a few English soldiers knocked out the ladder from underneath Mr. Hale’s feet. It is stated in the book, Sophia’s…

Words 558 - Pages 3