“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.”
GENERAL GRANT TO GENERAL LEE.
“April 8, 1865.
“General—Your note of last evening, in reply to mine of same date, asking the conditions on which I will accept the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia is just received.
“In reply, I would say that, peace being my first desire, there is but one condition that I insist upon, viz.:—
“That the men surrendered shall be disqualified for taking up arms again, against the Government of the United States, until properly exchanged.
“I will meet you or designate officers to meet any officers you may name for the same purpose at any point agreeable to you, for the purpose of arranging definitely the terms upon which the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia will be received.