The father was quite as patriotic as the son. He
immediately assented to his son's desires. In those
days, however, correspondence could not be conducted
so swiftly as at present, and some time
must have elapsed before this matter was positively
settled between the two. As the war went on,
and doubtless none the less whole-heartedly after
the news of Nathan's death had been received, Mr.
Hale did all he could for the comfort of passing
soldiers. It is said of him that many a time he
sat at the door of his hospitable home and watched
for passing soldiers that he might take them in
and feed them; and, if necessary, lodge and clothe
them. He often forbade his household "to use
the wool raised upon his farm for home purposes,
that it might be woven into blankets for the
army."

Anxious as had been young Hale to join the army,
he appears to have deferred making any decided
plans until he had received the necessary permission
from his father. Having received it, he at once
took steps for securing his dismissal from his school
and his admission into the army. During the
weeks of waiting it had become known that he was
anxious to enlist, and a military appointment was
waiting his acceptance. To secure his dismissal,
on July 7 he addressed the following letter to the

[[42]]

p041 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p042w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p043

v?