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Document 10 - Nathan Hale's Speech (1776)
During the Revolutionary War, American patriot Nathan Hale was a captain in a
company called the Rangers. The Rangers were known for their fighting abilities and
daring leadership in dangerous missions. Hale was also a poet and an accomplished
football player. In September 1776, at General George Washington’s request, Nathan
Hale was selected to pass through British lines, disguised as a schoolmaster to obtain
information on the British position. He succeeded in his mission. However, as Hale
attempted to return to American lines, he was betrayed by a relative and captured by
the British. He was taken before the British commander, who condemned him to hang
the next day as a spy. Hale prepared for his execution with remarkable calm. Before
the hanging, he delivered the following inspired speech. Nathan Hale was only 21
years old when he lost his life for his country.
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The cause for which I am dying I did not
take up in an idle moment. I was born in it, as
are all my countrymen. If the belief in man’s
right to freedom is held in any other place on
earth, I have not heard of it. I am proud to have
lived in the country where freedom is a reality.
Living, it has been my
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privilege to fight for it. In
death I shall hold it forever. If I were to be born
a thousand times, I would choose no other life
but service to American freedom. I have only
one sorrow. I only regret that I have but one life
to lose for my country.
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Questions for
Discussion
- What is the “cause” that concerns Nathan Hale in this speech?
- How much was Nathan Hale personally willing to risk for the sake of
his convictions?
- Why does Hale believe that freedom is so precious?
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