This Day in History: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country” | Tara Ross

On this day in 1776, an American Patriot is executed by the British. Nathan Hale’s reported final words were brave and memorable. Maybe you’ve heard them? Hale declared: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Awesome! Brave. Hale was attempting to help George Washington’s army, then fighting a series of battles in and around New York. Perhaps you remember the sequence of events from prior posts? Washington’s army lost the Battle of Long Island at the end of August, shortly before making a miraculous escape across the East River. A few weeks later, they were driven from New York. Fortunately, they won a much-needed victory at Harlem Heights not too long after that. Washington was desperate for information about the British. He asked Lt. Colonel Thomas Knowlton to help him recruit volunteers. He needed spies! Knowlton turned to his Rangers for help. Only one person stepped forward: a young Captain under Knowlton’s command, […]

Source: This Day in History: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country” | Tara Ross