Montécuculli wisely observes that “prisoners should be interrogated
separately, in order to ascertain, by the agreement in their answers,
how far they may be endeavoring to mislead you.” Generally speaking,
the information required from officers who are prisoners, should have
reference to the strength and resources of the enemy, and sometimes to
his localities and position. Frederick recommends that prisoners should
be menaced with instant death if they are found attempting to deceive
by false reports.