Although famous for his purported last words—“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my countryâ€â€”few people know the real Nathan Hale.M. William Phelps brings into focus the life of this famed patriot and first spy of the American Revolution; charting Hale’s rural childhood; his education at Yale; and his work as a schoolteacher. Like many young Americans; he was soon drawn into the colonies’ war for independence and became a captain in Washington’s army. When the general was in need of a spy; Hale willingly rose to the challenge; gathering intelligence behind British lines on Long Island; and in the end bravely sacrificing his life for the sake of American liberty.Using Hale’s own journals and letters as well as testimonies from his friends and contemporaries; Phelps depicts the Revolution as it was seen from the ground. From the confrontation in Boston to the battle for New York City; readers experience what life was like for an ordinary soldier in the struggling Continental Army.In this impressive; well-researched biography; Phelps separates historical fact from long-standing myth to reveal the truth about Nathan Hale; a young man who deserves to be remembered as an original American patriot.
#664851 in Books 2012-06-13 2012-06-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.29 x 1.03 x 7.33l; 2.67 #File Name: 1611210860350 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Great way to learn about the ebb and flow of ...By Noseguard76Almost finished reading "The Maryland Campaign of September 1862 Vol. 1: South Mountain" by Carmen and Clemens in tandem with "The Maps of Antietam" by Bradley M. Gottfied. Great way to learn about the ebb and flow of events of the battle. While I've read many books about the Antietam campaign; the maps give a visualization of what Carmen relates which helps me understand movments down the company level as they unfold. Looking forward to Volume II. I have the First Edition; First printing of "The Maps of Antietam"; some of the critical reviews mention poor editing. Can't say that I've picked up on the problems cited. the book works well for me! I'm looking forward to picking up the other Maps of books by Gottfried.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Detail on a little covered aspect of the Battle of AntietamBy Steven PetersonI was not greatly acquainted with the final battle of the Antietam campaign--fought at Shepherdstown. Lee's forces had crossed the Potomac River; in their retreat from the bloody battle. This volume provides narrative and maps that illustrate the movements of the Union and Confederate military.One curious aspect of the battle is the person whom Lee named to command his forces: General William Pendleton. Pendleton was a none too distinguished field officer. His specialty was artillery; and he was more of a bureaucrat than a commanding officer. It is a mystery to many why he was selected to head a rear guard of artillery and some infantry. As it turns out; his performance was about what one would expect--indifferent at best.The Union forces; according to the text; were actually more vigorous than I had thought. Troops from Porter's V Corps crossed the river and began to drive Pendleton's scratch force. At one point; Pendleton left with part of his force; leaving another part to fend for itself. Porter's corps was the primary Union force engaged with Pendleton's troops.The disarray prompted Stonewall Jackson to head to the river to stabilize matters. After some conflict; Porter withdrew.This is a useful book for me; since I had read little about this part of the struggle at Antietam. The maps are useful; but in the Kindle version they were not always easy to read.Some nice features include the maps; the order of battle; an interview with the author; etc.A useful volume. . . .6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Another useful battle historyBy atrain48This rendition of South Mountain and Antietam battles satisfies those who may wonder just how a vastly superior Federal army did not crush the Army of Northern Virginia. In well-documented text and matching maps; the story shows the influence of miscalculation; terrain; chance; and extreme bravery in detail. The author pulls relevant and useful firsthand quotes to make the history credible.My only complaint is something I have noticed in other works in this series. There are places where the text refers to units somewhere off map. Despite this; the history is compelling and presents new insights on these battles.
