During his mission, however, Hale was lured into disclosing his true identity by British loyalists who pretended to be fellow revolutionary colonists. He was captured near Flushing Bay in Queens, New York, by British Rangers and sentenced to death. Before his hanging, Hale requested a Bible and a clergyman from his captures--both were denied. He is most famously known for his final remarks before being hanged:
I only regret that I have but one life to give to my country.
Continental Army soldier Nathan Hale was just 21-years-old when he volunteered his life for the dream of American independence 233 years ago today.