SPUYTEN DUYVIL CREEK, the channel throu2.11 which the Hudson river passes into the Harlem river, and thence into Long Island sound. Its s. margin is the n. shore of Manhattan island, and it is included within the limits of New York city. Being nar row and subject to sudden flaws of wind, in former times it was thought to be a severe trial of a sailing-master's skill to attempt to carry a vessel through. The 11:1 in e is said to be derived from an oath of an old Dutch ship-master that he would make the passage in spde of the devil.
SPY, in war, is a useful but not highly honored auxiliary, employed to ascertain the state of an enemy's affairs, and of his intended operations. Spies have been used in all wars from the time when Moses sent Joshua on such a purpose to the present time. Their employment is quite recognized by the law of nations as interpreted by Grotius, Vattel, and Martens; nor is it held to be any dishonor to a general to avail himself of their ser vices. On the other hand, the spy himself is looked upon as an outlaw, and one devoid of honor. If taken, by the enemy, he is put to death ignominiously and without mercy. As, however, the calling is so dangerous, and so little redounds to honor, it is never per missible for a general to compel by threats any person, whether of his own or the hostile party, to act as spy; but he is at liberty to accept all such services when proffered. A
spy is well paid, lest he betray his employer. In the British army spies are usually con trolled by quartermaster-general. Martial law, though distinct enough in -order ing the death of a spy, is not clear in defining what constitutes it spy. A man—not of the enemy—Within the enemy's lines, and in the enemy's uniform, would presumably be a spy. If in civil dress, and unable to give a good account of himself, his chance of hanging would be considerable; but if found in one camp iu the uniform of the Opposite side, he may not be treated than as a prisoner of war, or at least as a deserter from the enemy.
Both as regards honor and penalties, it would seem that spies ought in fairness to be divided into two classes—first, those who betray their own country to an enemy; sec ondly, those who, being enemies, contrive surreptitiously to obtain infoLmation by pene trating into the opposing army. The first class are traitors of a deep dye, fur whom no ignominious death is too bad; but the seond class are often brave men, \rho dare much in the service of their country. It is unfair to accord them the same treatment as the traitors.