ON THE ARRIVAL OF A FLAG OF TRUCE.
Any person coming from the enemy with a Flag of Truce, must never be
allowed to advance further than the chain of Videttes. When a Vidette
makes the signal, the Officer of the Picquet meets the Flag of Truce
with four men, and desires the bearer of it to halt, if possible in
a bottom, or makes him face towards the side he came from, as it may
be only the intention of the enemy to make observations respecting
our position, or to see how the Picquet is placed, in order to
surprise it in the night. Does the bearer of the Flag of Truce only
bring letters, they are to be taken from him, and a receipt given for
them; if he insists upon being allowed to proceed, permission must be
asked, which being obtained, the person proceeding is blindfolded;
a Non-commissioned Officer leads his horse, and brings him to the
General's quarter. Should there be more persons than one, the
remainder must stay where they are, until the other returns. A Flag of
Truce ought to be treated with the utmost politeness; if refreshments
can be given, it is desirable to do so; but no conversation relative
to our position and to the army is to be permitted.
After a Flag of Truce has left the Videttes, the Picquet must be very
attentive.