country the accomplishment of an object so important,
and so much desired by the commander of
her armies--and I know of no other mode of
obtaining the information than by assuming a
disguise and passing into the enemy's camp.'

"He asked my candid opinion. I replied that
it was an act which involved serious consequences,
and the propriety of it was doubtful; and though
he viewed the business of a spy as a duty, yet he
could not officially be required to perform it; that
such a service was not claimed of the meanest
soldier, though many might be willing, for a pecuniary
compensation, to engage in it; and as for himself,
the employment was not in keeping with his
character. His nature was too frank and open
for deceit and disguise, and he was incapable of
acting a part equally foreign to his feelings and
habits. Admitting that he was successful, who
would wish success at such a price? Did his
country demand the moral degradation of her
sons, to advance her interests?

"Stratagems are resorted to in war; they are
feints and evasions, performed under no disguise;
are familiar to commanders; form a part of their
plans, and, considered in a military view, lawful
and advantageous. The tact with which they are
executed exacts admiration from the enemy. But

[[75]]

p074 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p075w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p076

v?