This was a dangerous
undertaking, for capture meant certain death. But there was a young
officer who was anxious to undertake the mission, and the arrangements
were made. This was Nathan Hale. In disguise he made his way, learned
the number of the enemy, and learned, too, all about the plan of attack.
With this information he was hurrying back to General Washington, when
he was recognized as belonging to the American army, and was arrested.
In a few days, when he was tried, he freely admitted that he had acted
as Washington's spy. He died as he had lived--bravely. A moment before
he was hanged he was asked if he wished to say any word. "Yes," he
answered; and looking firmly into the faces of those who stood about
him, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,"
No wonder that the memory of the Martyr Spy has lived through the
passing years!
Sixteen days after Washington and his men retreated from Long Island,
the British sailed up the East River and anchored opposite a little
inlet called Kip's Bay (at the foot of what is now Thirty-sixth Street).
They fired upon those who defended the bay, and under cover of this fire
landed; and the American soldiers scurried away up the island toward the
north.
Pages:
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113