After Hale's services were ended, one brief
record remained of "moneys due to the Company
of Rangers commanded late by Captain Hale."
After the ist of September, about which time this
company of Rangers was organized, it was constantly
on duty wherever its services were required,
and one can easily imagine Nathan Hale's enthusiasm
in his enlarged duties.

Knowlton spoke to some of his officers of the
wishes of the commanding general for some one to
enter upon this special secret service,--wishes that
so appealed to Hale that he at once seriously considered
offering himself for the hazardous undertaking.

Captain Hull, two years his senior in age, and one
year in advance of him in Yale, a close friend while
in college and during their subsequent days, shall
describe the personal interview between himself and
Captain Hale in regard to this matter. It is said
that many remonstrated with Hale at his decision,
but Hull's statement shows the arguments of a
practical man against which Hale had to contend.

In his memoirs Captain Hull writes thus of his
last interview with Captain Hale:

"After his interview with Col. Knowlton, he
repaired to my quarters and informed me of what
had passed. He remarked 'I think I owe to my

[[74]]

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v?