"He spoke with warmth and decision. I replied,
'That such are your wishes cannot be doubted.
But is this the most effectual mode of carrying
them into execution? In the progress of the war
there will be ample opportunity to give your
talents and your life, should it be so ordered, to the
sacred cause to which we are pledged. You can
bestow upon your country the richest benefits,
and win for yourself the highest honours. Your
exertions for her interests will be daily felt, while,
by one fatal act, you crush forever the power and
opportunity Heaven offers for her glory and your
happiness.'

"I urged him for the love of country, for the
love of kindred, to abandon an enterprise which
would only end in the sacrifice of the dearest
interests of both. He paused--then affectionately
taking my hand, he said, 'I will reflect, and
do nothing but what duty demands.' He was
absent from the army, and I feared he had gone to
the British lines to execute his fatal purpose."

Just how soon after this conversation Captain
Hale left camp on his perilous mission, cannot
now be determined. We only know that it must
have been early in September, during the first
week or ten days. He proceeded with Sergeant
Hempstead by the safest route, and reached Nor-

[[77]]

p076 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p077w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p078

v?