GENERAL LEE TO GENERAL GRANT.
“April 7, 1865.
“General—I have received your note of this date.
“Though not entirely of the opinion you express of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia, I reciprocate your desire to avoid useless effusion of blood, and therefore, before considering your proposition, ask the terms you will offer on condition of its surrender.
“R. E. LEE, General Commanding.”