I have received your Letter of the 18th by Mr Skinner, from whom I have also learnt that a flag which lately arrived with Prisoners from New York, has been detained in conformity to my Orders on that subject, until further directions should be received; in which you have acted very properly.

But you will on the receipt of this, suffer the flag to return, informing the Officer that no more flags are to be sent from or received at Elisabeth Town; and that any Persons coming from the Enemy to that place with a flag hereafter, will be considered & held as Prisoners. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt