Without a Country

American Minute from William J. Federer

A Man Without A Country was a classic book written by Edward Everett Hale, born APRIL 3, 1822. It is partially based on the life of Aaron Burr, the 3rd Vice President, who killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel and was indicted for treason.

Edward Everett Hale was the son of the editor of the Boston Daily Advertiser and grandnephew of Revolutionary hero Nathan Hale. Edward Everett Hale entered Harvard at age 13 and later taught at the Boston Latin School. He published over 50 books, opposed slavery and pastored Boston's South Congregational Church for 45 years.

In 1903 he became Chaplain of the United States Senate. Edward Everett Hale wrote: "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I should do and, with the help of God, I will do."

Near the end of the book, A Man Without a Country, 1863, Hale wrote: "He could not stand it...he beckoned me down into our boat...'Youngster, let that show you what it is to be without a family, without a home, and without a country. And if you are ever tempted...to...put a bar between you and your family, your home, and your country, pray God in his mercy to take you that instant home to his own heaven.'"

William J. Federer is a nationally recognized author, speaker, and president of Amerisearch, Inc, which is dedicated to researching our American heritage. The American Minute radio feature looks back at events in American history on the dates they occurred, is broadcast daily across the country and read by thousand on the internet.