"Your landing will probably have to be made at Brazos, but you will learn more fully upon that matter on your arrival. We will have to observe a strict neutrality towards Mexico, in the French and English sense of the word. Your own good sense and knowledge of international law, and experience of policy pursued towards us in this war teaches you what will be proper.
"Signed, U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General.
"Official: Signed, Geo. K. Leet, A. A. G."
In the meantime General Grant sent the following dispatches to Generals Halleck and Weitzel:
"Washington, May 18th, 1865, 12.40 p. m.,
"Major-General H. W. Halleck, Richmond Va.
"Please direct Major-General Weitzel commanding 25th Army Corps to get his corps in readiness for embarkation at City Point immediately upon the arrival of ocean transportation. He will take with him forty (40) days rations for twenty thousand men, one-half of his land transportation and one-fourth of his mules with the requisite amount of forage for his animals. All surplus transportation and other public property he may have he will turn over to the depots at City Point.
"By command of Lieutenant-General Grant.
"Signed, JOHN A. RAWLINS,
"Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.