R4202

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Nathan Hale

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Nathan Hale Cachet

Nathan Hale served as an officer in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. During the Battle of Long Island in September of 1776, he volunteered to go behind enemy lines to report on British troop deployment and movements. On September 21 Hale was captured and taken to General William Howe's headquarters where the British officer personally questioned him. It was then that physical evidence consisting of maps was found on him. He spent the night under guard in a greenhouse on the headquarters grounds.

The next morning, Nathan was marched along Post Road to Artillery Park and then to Dove Tavern where he was executed by hanging. By all accounts he was composed and brave as he awaited his fate. It was reported in the "Essex Journal" newspaper as follows. "At the gallows he made a sensible and spirited speech; among other things, told them they were shedding the blood of the innocent, and that if he had ten thousand lives, he would lay them all down, if called to it, in defense of his injured, bleeding country. " According to British Captain William Hull who was present, Hale's dying words were remembered as, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." He died on September 22, 1776 and became a hero to his countrymen. It is interesting to note that twenty-seven years later when Captains Lewis and Clark began their famous journey westward, one of their sergeants was Nathan Hale Pryor. He had obviously been named for the brave patriot.

My hand painted cachet shows the twenty-one year old officer as he reflects on the cause. Also shown is a map of the British positions overlaid by the famous phrase last spoken by the Continental captain. The watercolors make this a truly fine First Day Cover in honor of America's first spy — Nathan Hale. Collins #R4202 —$13.25.