Philip Schuyler was calm when, on the following day, he faced his accusers. He did not attempt to deny his identity, or make excuse for a single act. He did not flinch when he was sentenced to be hanged twenty-four hours later as a spy. When asked if he had anything to say why sentence should not be pronounced upon him, he replied:
“I knew I ran a great risk when I consented to do the work I have done. I am glad I was permitted to do so much. I only regret I could not longer have escaped detection in order to accomplish more. I shall die happy because I have surrendered my life for a Cause which I know, and which every one of you gentlemen knows, to be holy.”
To his surprise he had a visitor during the afternoon. It was old David Daggett. After assisting Captain Brant to carry Hiram Le Geyt back to his home, the old man had again turned his face toward the Hudson to learn something of his grandson Ira.
Arriving in the camp shortly before noon, he had found the lad, and heard the story of his imprisonment, of the false Ira, and of the latter’s sentence. He rubbed his hands in glee.
“I want to see him!” he cried. “I want to tell the young devil just what I think of him. I’ll stay until to-morrow to see him die.”
To humor him, General Burgoyne gave orders that the old man be allowed to visit the condemned lad.
There were other prisoners in the guard-house, and after his sentence the young scout had been carried to a two-story house used as the barracks for a company of soldiers. In one of the upper rooms of this he had been placed in solitary confinement. There was a guard outside the door, a company of soldiers below, and sentinels around the building. Every avenue of escape was supposed to be closed, and the young lieutenant awaited the hour of his death.
Here David Daggett came. When allowed to enter the room, he stood for a time gazing at the prisoner, who arose to meet him, while a smile played on his lips. Without being invited, he sat in the one chair the chamber contained, and still stared at the lad. Then he laughed long and loudly.
“It just tickles me to see you,” he at length said.
“What is there about me that pleases you?” Philip asked.