“Head-quarters Armies of the United States,
“5 P.M., April 7, 1865.
“General R. E. Lee,
“Commanding Confederate States Army:
“General,—The results of the last week must convince you of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia in this struggle. I feel that it is so, and regard it as my duty to shift from myself the responsibility of any further effusion of blood by asking of you the surrender of that portion of the Confederate army known as the Army of Northern Virginia.
“Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
“U. S. Grant,
“Lieutenant-General, Commanding Armies of the United States.”
I was sitting at his side when the note was delivered. He read it and handed it to me without referring to its contents. After reading it I gave it back, saying, “Not yet.”
General Lee wrote in reply,—
“April 7, 1865.
“General,—I have received your note of this day. Though not entertaining the opinion you express on 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.
“Lieutenant-General Grant,
“Commanding Armies of the United States.”