CHAPTER V

NATHAN HALE 79

Nathan Hale's Fanaticism—Compared with André—Puritanism of Hale's Family and Education—At Yale University—His Splendid Appearance—A Schoolmaster—Battle of Lexington—Hale wins a Captaincy—The Military Situation—Hale volunteers as Spy on British—He justifies his Action—Enters British Lines in Disguise—Mission serves little Purpose—A Fatal Rencontre—Is captured by the British—Sentenced to Death by Howe—His Last Words