'HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF POTOMAC,
'January 29, 1865-4 p.m.
'Major-General E.O.C. ORD,
'Headquarters Army of James:
'The following dispatch is forwarded to you for your action. Since I have no knowledge of General Grant's having had any understanding of this kind, I refer the matter to you as the ranking officer present in the two armies.
'JNO. G. PARKE, Major-General, Commanding.'
'FROM HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, 29th.
'Major-General JNO. G. PARKE,
'Headquarters Army of Potomac:
'Alexander H. Stephens, R.M.T. Hunter, and J.A. Campbell desire to cross my lines, in accordance with an understanding claimed to exist with lieutenant-General Grant, on their way to Washington as peace commissioners. Shall they be admitted? They desire an early answer, to come through immediately. Would like to reach City Point tonight if they can. If they can not do this, they would like to come through at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning.
'O.B. WILCOX,
'Major-General, Commanding Ninth Corps.'
"January 29—8.30 p.m.
"Respectfully referred to the President for such instructions as he may be pleased to give.