Spy
a secret emissary sent into the enemy's camp or territory to inspect their works, ascertain their strength and their intentions, to watch their movements, and report thereon to the proper officer. By the the laws of war among all civilized nations a spy is subjected to capital punishment. To be treated as a spy one must first be caught in the enemy's territory, and in dress other than the adopted military uniform of his country. It must also be clearly shown that the object of the accused person is to gain information for the enemy which it would be to their advantage to know.
If, when captured, the prisoner can show that his errand in getting through was of a personal nature, or that he was trading with the enemy, he can only be held as a prisoner of war. In trying a spy his military rank counts for much.
An officer of high rank receives a more thorough trial than a private, though both are tried by court-martial. In the United States the verdict is sent to the President or the Secretary of War or Navy, for approval before execution.
When a spy is ca caught in the act all these formalities are omitted. He is tried by a drum-head court-martial; allowed to make an explanation and a verdict is rendered without much deliberation. If he is found guilty the verdict is sent to the highest commanding officer in camp, and on his approval is carried out, after which a full report is made to the President. The two most famous spies in American history are Nathan Hale and Maj. John Andre.