Head Quarters, Newburgh, January 3, 1783.

    Sir: As I have thought proper to direct that in future and until further Orders Flags of Truce properly authenticated and conducted agreeably to the Rules of War may be received at the New Bridge on the Croton: and that Flags may also be sent from thence unto the British Lines under certain limitations; you will be pleased to observe the following Regulations in conducting this business (viz)

    All Flags from the Enemy are to be stopped at the Bridge, the Letters and Papers received, and the bearer or bearers discharged and sent back as soon as conveniently may be; while the person or persons who came with the Flag remain there, he or they are to be constantly in the charge of a Commissad or Non Commissioned Officer; and whenever it may be thought necessary a guard will also be ordered to prevent a removal from the quarters assigned, or any kind of improper or illicit intercourse with the Inhabitants of the Country.

    It need not be suggested that all Persons coming under the sanction of a Flag and demeaning themselves properly, ought to be treated with civility; But no Military characters are on any pretext to be suffered to come any farther within our out Posts than is necessary for their accommodation; Nor are any Citizens or persons of any description whatsoever (except Prisoners of War exchanged or on parole) coming in this manner from the British Lines to be admitted into any of the United States, without the special Permission of Congress, or the Supreme Executive of the State into which they wish to go. All others are to be remanded to the Enemy's Lines.

    Flags are to be granted by you only in consequence of Orders from Congress, the Secry at War, Executive of either of the States or myself. All Letters and Papers that arc to be sent in by Flag, must be previously examined at Head Quarters, except such as may be forwarded by some of the authorities before mentioned, or written by persons who have Passports from them, on the business relative to which permission for Flags was granted to them. You will suffer no Article of goods or Merchandize, to come out by Flag; and all Letters Dispatches &c brought by such conveyance are to be forwarded to Head Quarters for inspection; except such as are addressed to Congress, the Secy at War, or Chief Magistrate of some of the United States.

    P. S. This Order to be delivered over to the relieving Officer from time to time. ¹⁷

[Note:The draft is in the writing of David Humphreys. ]