I was an officer of rank; the consequences might prove rather serious were I to be executed summarily, and without proper trial.
No matter how hot-headed Colonel Mortimer might be, on an occasion like this he would certainly require more convincing evidence than Grant's unsupported statement, before pronouncing such a sentence.

In truth Grant possessed no facts, merely suspicions.

He had reasons to believe me a spy, but there was not a paper on my body to confirm that suspicion, and my having been in apparent command of the minute men in their attack on Delavan's foragers was no license for hanging.

That was an incident of war, and might have occurred in the direct performance of a soldier's duty.

Altogether I was satisfied that Mortimer would merely hold me prisoner, reporting the affair to Clinton.
I had scarcely reasoned this out, however, when a corporal threw open the door, ordering my guard to conduct me into the Colonel's presence.