1750-1780

British officer Captain John Andre was hanged as a spy by the American Revolutionary Forces. He was sent by his commanding officer to meet with Benedict Arnold to arrange the details of handing over the American fort at West Point, New York. When Andre's ship was forced to retreat because of American fire, he was caught inside American territory. He put on civilian clothes to avoid capture, but was searched by American militia who discovered the papers Arnold had given him. According to the rules of war at that time, although he was a British officer, by not dressing in uniform, he was considered a spy rather than an officer and punishment for treason was death by hanging.