Thumb Up Thumb Down Attach media envelope
  • in the autumn of 1776, a 21-year-old schoolteacher named nathan hale volunteered to be a spy to investigate british troop strength in new york city. hale was discovered by the british and taken prisoner. since he was not in uniform, he didn't need to be considered a prisoner of war-so he was hanged. hale's last words, recorded by a bystander, served as an inspiring motto for patriots:

    "i regret that i have but one life to give for my country."