The following chivalric poem was written by Nathan Hale--perhaps in camp. It expresses his mental as well as emotional appreciation of Alice Adams. It is here given exactly as it appears in the original manuscript, with almost no punctuation marks. It is probable that this is a first rough draft, intended to be improved at some future time. There are marks on the margin of the paper which show that the writer had possible alterations in mind. TO ALICIA Alicia, born with every striking charm The eye to ravish or the heart to warm Fair in thy form, still fairer in thy mind With beauty wisdom sense with sweetness join'd Great without pride, & lovely without Art Your looks good nature words good sense impart Thus formed to charm Oh deign to hear my song Whose best whose sweetest strains to you belong. Let others toil amidst the lofty air By fancy led through every cloud above Let empty Follies build her castles there My thoughts are settled on the friend I love. Oh friend sincere of soul divinely great Shedest thou for me a wretch the sorrowed tear What thanks can I in this unhappy state Return to you but Gratitude sincere T'is friendship pure that now demand my lays A theme sincere that Aid my feeble song Raised by that theme I do not fear to praise Since your the subject where due praise belong Ah dearest girl in whom the gods have join'd The real blessings, which themselves approve Can mortals frown at such an heavenly mind When Gods propitious shine on you they love Far from the seat of pleasure now I roam The pleasing landscape now no more I see Yet absence ne'er shall take my thoughts from home Nor time efface my due regards for thee. (3) _Benjamin Tallmadge_ Benjamin Tallmadge, one year older than Nathan Hale, was Hale's classmate and one of his correspondents. Like Hale he became a teacher for a time, and then, entering the army, served with distinction throughout the war. He was intrusted by Washington with important services. In October, 1780, he was stationed with Col. Jameson at North Castle. He had been out on active service against the enemy and returned on the evening of the day when Major André had been brought there and had been started back to Arnold for explanations. This was four years after the death of Hale. Listening to the account of the capture, and the pass from Arnold, Tallmadge at once surmised the importance of retaining André and insisted upon his being brought back.