Espionage has been used in many wars throughout history. One of the most essential wars in America’s history was the American revolution. There were spies on both sides of the revolution and some that died for the cause. Nathan Hale, Benedict Arnold, and Patience Wright were important to the American Revolution because they fought as captains and generals, went undercover in enemy territory, and were willing to put their lives at risk for important information.
Nathan Hale is one of the most famous spies, and is known for his bravery and sacrifice. Born on June 6, 1755 and the sixth of twelve children, he grew up a “normal boy”. Hale went to Yale University at the age of fourteen and received a job as a school teacher about two years later. He taught at Union Grammar School in New London, Connecticut. He loved his job but also loved his country. He joined the Connecticut Militia and then the Connecticut Army in the early 1770s. After leading a successful attack on a British ship he became a captain under George Washington. Hale also became a member of the Knowlton Rangers, a group known for leadership and fighting qualities on dangerous missions. …show more content…
Hale volunteered and was allowed to go under the disguise of a Dutch schoolteacher. He gathered information about position, arms, regiments, provisions, horses, and transportation for a week before he was supposed to come back and report it to Washington. Supposedly he was told to signal the same boat that dropped him off a week before. There are a few theories of how he was caught but the two that are most likely are that someone he trusted told the British that he was there under enemy lines, and he signaled a British boat by mistake. He was caught, searched, and accused of spying. Nathan Hale was hung on September 22, 1776 with his last words being, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my