Nathan Hale Revolutionary War Facts. As a soldier for the continental army, hale was captured during an intelligence operation in new york city. The american hero nathan hale will be known to many because of his courageous demeanor during the american revolutionary war, where he fought and also acted as a spy for the continental army.

Hale, a former teacher, was captain of the continental army’s 19th regiment, though he’d yet to experience battle. In 1776, he was sent to new york on a covert mission. Hale was from a new england family that dated back to the founding of the massachusetts bay colony.