Connection: I feel both a connection and a disconnection between myself and Nathan Hale.

I like learning and want to become an astronomer so I connect with Nathan on his love of learning. But I want to find adventure and perhaps help my country by doing things that would not put my life at risk The story is about an American patriot named Nathan Hale. It take place in the Northeastern United States before and during the Revolutionary War. The story starts by describing Nathans young life as the special lad of a Deacon and farmer. Nathan graduated from Yale collage at the age of 18, and became a schoolmaster in East Haddam, a small town in Connecticut. In 1774 Hale left East Haddam for a teaching position at Union Grammar School in New London, Connecticut. In New London Hale became involved in patriot activities and served on a council that helped enforce the boycott of British tea. As the disagreement between Britain and the colonies grew, Hale planned to quit teaching and volunteer as a soldier if was broke out. First, Hale joined the New London militia, and then in July 1775 Hale joined the Connecticut army as a lieutenant. Because of his discipline and dedication as a soldier he was soon promoted to captain. In 1776 Hale and his company of soldiers daringly stole a British supply ship that held a lot of food, clothing, and other supplies that the patriot army really needed. Colonel Thomas Knowlton invited Hale to join his Rangers, because of his skills as a leader and his boldness in stealing the British supply ship. After the British captured New York City, General George Washington was desperate to know what the British plans and weaknesses were, so that he could surround and defeat them and take New York City back. General Washington let his wish for a spy be known to Colonel Knowlton, who in turn asked his rangers for a volunteer. Spying was not only dangerous, because spies if caught might be hanged, but was also considered disgraceful by most soldiers of that time. Hale volunteered to spy for Washington when no other qualified soldier wanted to. After several weeks of spying behind enemy lines, Hale was ready to return and bring his information back to the Continental Army. On his way back to patriot territory he stopped at a tavern for breakfast and was recognized by a Loyalist who happened to be his cousin, Samuel Hale. His cousin informed the British Army who then arrested Hale. The British found the secret documents that recorded his spying observations hidden in the soles of his shoes. Eventually, Hale was taken to the British General Howe who offered Hale a full pardon if he would join the British Army. Hale refused and was sentenced to be hanged for spying. On September 22, 1776 Hale was led to a tree where he was to be hanged. Beside the tree there was a coffin and a grave that had already been dug for him. When Hale was asked if he had any final words, he replied, I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country. I would recommend this book. It has details and information about the characters and events of Americas Revolutionary War. For example, the book explains some details about the codes and invisible writing that Revolutionary War spies used to hide the secrets they found. It also tells the story of a brave and daring American patriot.