April 9th, 1865.
Gen. R. E. Lee, Commanding Confederate States Army:
General: Your note of yesterday is received. As I have no authority to treat on the subject of peace, the meeting proposed for at 10 a. m. to-day could lead to no good. I will state, however, General, that I am equally anxious for peace with yourself; and the whole North entertain the same feeling. The terms upon which peace can be had are well understood. By the South laying down their arms they will hasten that most desirable event, save thousands of human lives, and hundreds of millions of property not yet destroyed.
Sincerely hoping that all our difficulties may be settled without the loss of another life, I subscribe myself,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
U. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant General, United States Army.
April 9th, 1865.
General: I received your note of this morning, on the picket line, whither I had come to meet you and ascertain definitely what terms were embraced in your proposition of yesterday, with reference to the surrender of this army.
I now request an interview in accordance with the offer contained in your letter of yesterday for that purpose.