HOW TO SEND LETTERS SOUTH

Newspaper conductors are frequently troubled with inquires as to how correspondence with States in rebellion can be conducted by flag of truce. For the information of all concerned we publish the following rules promulgated by Gen. Butler, expressing the hope that every one who is, or expects to be, interested in the matter, will preserve them for reference so as to relieve the newspapers from frequent inquiries upon this subject.

1st. No letter must exceed one page of a letter sheet, and must relate purely to domestic matters.

2d. All letters (including prisoners,) must be sent with five cents postage inclosed [sic], if to go to Richmond, and ten cents if beyond.

3d. Every letter must be signed by the writer’s name in full, and post office address.

4th. All letters must be enclosed to the Commanding General of the Department of Virginia and North Carolina, Fortress Monroe. indorsed (via flag of truce.)

5th. No money will be forwarded, except to prisoners of war.

6th. All letters sent to fortress Monroe without strict compliance with these rules will be transmitted to the dead letter office.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Friday, December 30, 1864