There was a possibility that Nathan was first identified by his Tory cousin, Samuel Hale. Ultimately, however, it was Rogers who would catch America’s first spy. Rogers gained Hale’s trust with a simple lie, stating to be “upon the business of spying out of the inclination of the people and motion of the British troops.” Afterwards, he invited Hale for dinner in his own quarters. They would talk as friends until redcoats had the house surrounded and arrest the spy. But when finally brought to General Howe in the British camps, Hale “at once declared his name, his rank in the American army, and his object in coming within the British line,” Hull reported. “[He] frankly acknowledged his rank and his purpose as a spy.” Hale accepted that he was going to be hanged the next morning at 11:00 AM, September 22,
There was a possibility that Nathan was first identified by his Tory cousin, Samuel Hale. Ultimately, however, it was Rogers who would catch America’s first spy. Rogers gained Hale’s trust with a simple lie, stating to be “upon the business of spying out of the inclination of the people and motion of the British troops.” Afterwards, he invited Hale for dinner in his own quarters. They would talk as friends until redcoats had the house surrounded and arrest the spy. But when finally brought to General Howe in the British camps, Hale “at once declared his name, his rank in the American army, and his object in coming within the British line,” Hull reported. “[He] frankly acknowledged his rank and his purpose as a spy.” Hale accepted that he was going to be hanged the next morning at 11:00 AM, September 22,