General: I have the honor to propose to you an armistice for—hours, with a view of arranging terms for the capitulation of Vicksburg. To this end, if agreeable to you, I will appoint three commissioners to meet a like number to be named by yourself at such place and hour to-day as you may find convenient.
I make this proposition to save the further effusion of blood, which must otherwise be shed to a frightful extent, feeling myself fully able to maintain my position for a yet indefinite period.
This communication will be handed you under flag of truce by Major-General J. S. Bowen.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. C. Pemberton,
Lieutenant-General.
General Grant to General Pemberton.
Headquarters, Department of the Tennessee,
In the Field, near Vicksburg, Mississippi, July 3, 1863.
To
Lieutenant-General J. C. Pemberton,
Commanding Confederate Forces, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
General: Your note of this date is just received, proposing an armistice for several hours for the purpose of arranging terms of capitulation through commissioners to be appointed, etc.
The useless effusion of blood you propose stopping by this course can be ended at any time you may choose by an unconditional surrender of the city and garrison. Men who have shown so much endurance and courage as those now in Vicksburg will always challenge the respect of all adversaries, and I can assure you will be treated with all respect due to prisoners of war.
I do not favor the proposition of appointing commissioners to arrange terms of capitulation, because I have no terms other than those indicated above.