Military & Warriors · Renaissance & Early Modern
Nathan Hale’s Last Words
“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”— Nathan Hale, September 22, 1776
Who Was Nathan Hale?
Nathan Hale was an American spy captured by the British and executed during the Revolutionary War.
The Final Moments
Hale was hanged at what is now 66th Street and Third Avenue in Manhattan.
Are These Words Verified?
The famous quote was reported by British witnesses at the execution, though exact wording varies slightly in accounts. Generally considered reliable but not absolutely certain due to lack of verbatim contemporary transcription.
Sources
- firsthand Captain John Montresor account
- newspaper Independent Chronicle report (1776)
- firsthand British officer accounts
Legacy
Hale is Connecticut's state hero; his words have inspired Americans for nearly 250 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Nathan Hale’s last words?
“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
How did Nathan Hale die?
Nathan Hale died on September 22, 1776 at the age of 21. Cause of death: Hanging.
Were Nathan Hale’s last words documented?
The famous quote was reported by British witnesses at the execution, though exact wording varies slightly in accounts. Generally considered reliable but not absolutely certain due to lack of verbatim contemporary transcription.
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