Such was the position of affairs on the third of July, when General Pemberton proposed an armistice and capitulation.
Major General Bowen, of the Confederate army, was the bearer of a despatch to General Grant, under a flag of truce, proposing the surrender of the city, which was as follows:
Headquarters, Vicksburg,
July 3d, 1863.
Major General Grant, commanding United States forces:
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 farther 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 to you, under flag of truce, by Major General James Bowen.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. C. PEMBERTON.
To which General Grant replied:
Headquarters, Department of Tennessee,
In the Field, near Vicksburg,
July 3d, 1863.
Lieutenant General J. C. Pemberton, commanding Confederate forces, etc.: