Patriot Nathan HALE was an American soldier and spy during the Revolutionary War. He is best known for his famous last words, 'I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country.' HALE was a captain in the Continental Army and volunteered to go behind enemy lines to gather intelligence. He was captured by the British and hanged without trial on September 22, 1776. His last name, HALE, is a four-letter word meaning 'healthy and strong.'