Blood, Beer, and Betrayal

Historical legend is an interesting thing.

I wrote a couple of weeks ago about how we don’t actually know a lot about Betsy Ross, but traditional American lore has it that she created the first U.S. Flag. Check out my post – Betsy Ross and the Three Moochers (Why the Flag Has 5-Pointed Stars). Now, here is another piece of legendary history that I stumbled across recently, and it completely blew my mind.

I’ve always been fascinated by Nathan Hale’s famous line: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” It’s an incredibly strong statement. It says so much about duty, honor, and sacrifice.

The Man On The Inside

Here is what we know for a fact. In September 1776, General George Washington desperately needed information on British troop movements in New York. Hale, a 21-year-old captain, volunteered for the gig. He disguised himself as a Dutch schoolteacher to slip deep into enemy territory.

He successfully gathered the intelligence but was captured by the British on September 21, 1776, while trying to cross back over to American lines. Because he was caught out of uniform with military sketches and notes hidden in his clothes, he was classified as a spy rather than a prisoner of war. British General William Howe ordered him to be hanged the very next morning, without a trial.

Kissing Cousins

But here is where the history gets tricky — and personal. Legend has it that Hale wasn’t just caught by a random British patrol. No, it wasn’t just any Tom, Dick, or Harry with an allegiance to King George III. He was actually spotted in a tavern by his own first cousin, Samuel Hale, a staunch British Loyalist. Samuel allegedly recognized him, knew exactly what Nathan was up to, and ratted him out to the Redcoats.

When I read that bit of information, it completely took me back. His own cousin. His own blood. His own tribe.

“Yo, cuz… can’t you give a guy a break?! What did I ever do to you?”

I’m holding out hope that this specific part of the tale is just that — legend instead of reality. Family is family, and cousins are supposed to hang out, not hang each other.

So, what do you think — is there a family member in your tree you wouldn’t trust in a 1776 tavern?