Entry 4: September 22nd, 1776

Dear Diary,

I feel myself unable to speak, let alone write. My hand is shaky, ink blots dying entire pages of this diary. I feel alone and angry, desperate. 

The British made their move August 22nd of this year, a month ago, and went into the southeast shore of Long Island. Washington made a fatal mistake with positioning the troops and half the troops were not able to help during the raging battle. There were so many fatal casualties that George Washington tried to save the rest of the force. If they hadn't gone when they did the war could have been lost so early. They've lost the island, but saved the troops.

On the 15th of September, Washington left New York. I have not heard from my husband and do not know what has become of him. It is possible he is dead, or that he was saved and is now moving onward. This is not what enrages me, however. Two days ago, the city of New York was set ablaze, a great fire scattering through it. What's more, there has been a hanging in the city.

Even worse is the horror that occurred today, not far from the time I write this, there was a hanging.  Nathan Hale, a patriot spy and former schoolteacher, was caught and not even given a fair trial. William Howe demanded that he be executed, so his orders were carried out. I was not around when he died, but I hear the echoing whisper of his last words: "I only regret that I have one life to give for my country."

For once, I feel afraid. What will become of me? How will I manage?

Sources:

Kirk D. Werner. "The American Revolution." Greenhaven Press, 2000.

The Execution of Nathan Hale, 1776," EyeWitness to History, www.eyewitnesstohistory.com (2000)

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nathan_hale.gif