I was doing research on Nathan Hale and found this headline on a page I found on the internet. This ridiculous statement was made without any documentation or source. The fact is the term Banana Republic was not created until O. Henry used it in one of stories and books in 1901. In my research I have found that sources such as Wikipedia are only opinions submitted by individuals and can be changed by any contributor at any time. This is how fake news can be created simply yet have no basis in fact. Our young people are being subjected to garbage like this from our media and universities without being challenged.
To set the record straight, Nathan Hale was an American patriot, soldier and spy for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. He volunteered for a secret spy mission during the war and was captured by the British. Nathan Hale was hanged and left hanging for several days. He was later buried in an unknown location and unmarked grave.
The May 17, 1781, issue of the Independent Chronicle and the Universal Advertiser gave the following version: “I am so satisfied with the cause in which I have engaged, that my only regret is, that I have not more lives than one to offer in its service.”
“The February 13, 1777, issue of the Essex Journal stated, “However, 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.”
A witness at the hanging was quoted as saying Nathan Hale’s last words were: “ I regret that I have but one life to give for my country.” This was reported and quoted in newspaper articles published at that time. There is no record in history that reputes what Nathan Hale said and meant.
Noel Ison
