I only regret that i have but one life to lose for my country. the account of the quote originated with british captain john montresor, who was present at the hanging The next day, he spoke with american captain william hull under a flag of truce. He probably never said, i only regret that i have but one life to lose for my country, which is a paraphrase of a line from joseph addison's play, cato According to the diary of captain frederick macenzie, a british officer who witnessed the execution, hale's last words were, it is the duty of every good officer to obey any orders given him. Is nathan hale’s legendary line “i only regret that i have but one life to lose for my country” a true quote, a misquote or pure fiction? The famous words, i only regret that i have but one life to give for my country, were just the start of hale’s bravery
Captain montresor, an english officer, testified that after reading letters nathan had written to his mother and an american officer, the british refused to send them. Nathan hale i only regret that i have but one life to lose for my country Though his last words may have been longer than those remembered, one line in particular stood out “i only regret, that i have but one life to lose for my country.” over the years, many have doubted the famous line However, regardless of how those view it, the words have become synonymous with nathan hale. The quote by nathan hale, i only regret that i have but one life to lose for my country, carries a profound meaning that encapsulates the sacrifice and unwavering devotion one can have towards their nation
