"I learned the melancholy particulars from this
officer, who was present at Hale's execution and
seemed touched by the circumstances attending
it. He said that Captain Hale had passed through
their army, both of Long Island and [New] York
Island. That he had procured sketches of the
fortifications, and made memoranda of their number
and different positions. When apprehended,
he was taken before Sir William Howe, and these
papers, found concealed about his person, betrayed
his intentions. He at once declared his name, his
rank in the American army, and his object in
coming within the British lines.

"Sir William Howe, without the form of a trial,
gave orders for his execution the following morning.
He was placed in the custody of the provost
marshal. Captain Hale asked for a clergyman to
attend him. His request was refused. He then
asked for a Bible; that too was refused.

'On the morning of his execution,' continued
the officer,'my station was near the fatal spot, and
I requested the provost marshal to permit the
prisoner to sit in my marquee while he was making
the necessary preparations. Captain Hale entered;
he was calm, and bore himself with gentle dignity.
He asked for writing materials, which I furnished
him; he wrote two letters, one to his mother and

[[85]]

p084 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p085w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p086

v?