The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

PART II.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 261
form yourselves of the practice of sending and receiving flags on the lines, and point out such alterations
and regulations as you shall deem proper to prevent the
evils, which have been complained of, as resulting from
too frequent an intercourse with the enemy.
I have been informed by the commissary of prisoners, that the enemy are preparing to send out a considerable quantity of goods, under the sanction of passports granted by me for bringing out clothing and
necessaries for the use of their prisoners. This is so
contrary to my intention, and may be productive of such
ill consequences, that I have sent Colonel Smith to
explain the matter to you, and to request that you will
examine the list, and signify what articles should be
considered as necessaries, and what quantity ought to
be permitted to be sent out. Mr. Skinner is directed
to give you the necessary information. He will also
explain to you the mode, which has prevailed, of making partial exchanges. This subject I need not recommend particularly, as it is comprehended within the limits of your commission. I have the honor to be, &c.*
TO COLONEL MATTHIAS OGDEN.
Instructions.
SIR,
The spirit of enterprise, so conspicuous in your plan
for surprising in their quarters and bringing off the
Prince William Henry and Admiral Digby, merits applause; and you have my authority to make the at* General Washington left Philadelphia on the 23d of March, having
been there four months; and, after. stopping a day or two at Morristown,
he proceeded to Newburg, where he arrived on the 1st of April, and
established his head-quarters at that place.