So, in many movies/shows where there are battles between the British and the Americans in open fields, it is generally depicted that the highest-ranking generals would meet in the middle to discuss some things before the battle. Is there any merit to this? I feel as if it wouldn't make sense since they could just kill each other right there.

To piggyback on this, what was proper 'etiquette' here? What would stop some random British soldier from simply shooting Washington in the head? (or vice versa for the Americans)

Pardon me if I'm totally wrong about any of this.