'PETERSBURG, VA., January 30, 1865.
'Lieutenant-General U.S. GRANT,
'Commanding Armies United States.
'SIR: We desire to pass your lines under safe conduct, and to proceed to Washington to hold a conference with President Lincoln upon the subject of the existing war, and with a view of ascertaining upon what terms it may be terminated, in pursuance of the course indicated by him in his letter to Mr. Blair of January 18, 1865, of which we presume you have a copy; and if not, we wish to see you in person, if convenient, and to confer with you upon the subject.
'Very respectfully, yours,
'ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS.
'J.A. CAMPBELL.
'R.M.T. HUNTER.'
"I have sent directions to receive these gentlemen, and expect to have them at my quarters this evening, awaiting your instructions.
"U.S. GRANT,
"Lieutenant-General, Commanding Armies United States "
This, it will be perceived, transferred General Ord's agency in the matter to General Grant. I resolved, however, to send Major Eckert forward with his message, and accordingly telegraphed General Grant as follows, to wit:
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, January 31, 1865.
(Sent at 1.30 p.m.)
Lieutenant-General GRANT,
City Point, Va.: