Instructions for the Commissary appointed to settle the Exchange of Prisoners at New York. —

1st. — You are to Hoist a White Flag at the Fore Mast Head of the and to continue it abroad Night and Day 'till you return again to this Port. —

2d — You are to be particularly Careful that no Cannon, Musket Pistol, or Fire Arm of any kind be received into the Vessel whilst she is considered as a Cartel a Violation of this Order may Possibly occasion the detention of the and furnish a pretence to do an Act of Violence under the Assertion that the Vessel is fitted for War —

3d — The Prisoners are to be Victualled at Two Thirds Allowance

4th — A Quiet peaceable demeanour towards the Prisoners is particularly recommendeq, and to avoid a[ll] dissentions on Board — You are enjoined not to make the present unhappy dispute the Subject of your Conversation with them. —

5th — It will be difficult on many Accounts to lay down the exac Mode you are to follow in the Exchange — That must be left to your own Judgment, — only this you will Observe, that the Prisoners are to be exchanged for a like number of Persons belogging to the New England States (giving preference however to this State) if to be had, if not, to any other of the American States, who are Prisioners under the direction of Lord Howe —

6th — You are to make all the Dispatch, that the Nature of the Service will permit, in returning to this Port with those Faithful Subjects of the States of America whom you may receive in Exchange, and have a Written Certificate from the Commissary or other Officer appointed to conduct the exchange of Prisoners that in Case there are not Sufficient faithful Subjects of the States of America at present Prisoners in New York, he will cause a Number equal to the Deficiency in Rank and Numbers to be Released in future, in case it shall Please the Ruler of all Human Events to permit so many more of the faithful! Subjects of the States of America, to be at the disposition of the Commander in Chief of the British Forces. —

7th — On your arrival at New York you are forthwith to apply to Lord Howe or some proper Officer and present the Letter herewith deliver'd you directed to him, and exhibit a Copy of the Instructions, and also a List of your Prisoners, to the End they may be exchanged as above —

[Endorsed] Instructions for the Commissary respecting the Exchange of Prisoners Decembr 24t 1776 —