Spy

in time of warfare, a secret messenger sent within the enemy's lines to gather information. A scout goes in his own uniform and, if taken, must be treated as a prisoner of war. The spy travels in disguise, trying to appear what he is not. Sometimes he borrows the uniform of the enemy and passes himself off under false pretenses. According to the laws of warfare the spy may be shot. Major Andre, it may be remembered, was taken within the American lines at Tarrytown, not wearing his own uniform and bearing dispatches from General Arnold to the British commander. Although claiming protection as a prisoner of war, he was shot by order of the military council and with the approval of General Washington. An officer may send out anyone under his command to scout, but may not require a subordinate to act as a spy. Nathan Hale, an American soldier, suffered a similar fate. See Andre; Hale