The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1865-02-14

Hunfcr and osmpbell-that 1nessenser viii DO
dispatched 70 them AZ o. near WHARF they now are,
"'''' Epw1s N. sTAsros. secretsryof War.
Afterwards l prepared and put into
the hands Of Major Thomas I. Eckert
the following instructions ana message:
Executive MANsros,l
WAsniNuros, January 50, 1868.
Sir You Win proceed with the documents placed
in your hands, and on reaching General Ord will de-
liver him the letter addressed to him by the Sc
snce procure an interview With Messf4 stephens,
Hunter and Campbell, or any Of them, dsbver to
him them the paper on which your own letter is
time OF its delivery and to whom delivered Receive
their answer in writing. waiting reasonable time
for it, and which, if it contains their decision to
come through without further condition will be your
warrant to ask General Ord to pass them through
directed in the letter of the Secretary of War to
him. II by their answer they decline TO come, or
propose other terms, do not have them passed
through. And this being your whole duty, 9eturn
and report to me. Yours, truly, A. LiScoLs. Z.
Ncssrs. Alexander II. Stephens, J. A. Campbell and
II. II. T. Hunter.
Gentlemen : am instructed by the President of
the United States to place this paper in your hands,
with the information that if you pass through the
United States military lines it will be understood
that you do so for the purpose of informal con-
ference on the basis of that letter. copy of which
Is on the reverse side of this Sheet and that if you
choose to pass on such understanding, and so notify
me IN writing, will procure the Commanding
General to pass you through the lines and to For
tress Monroe, under such military precautions
he may deem prudent, and at which place you will
be met in due time by some person or persons for
the purpose of such informal conference and fur
Their that you shall have protection, safe conduct
and safe return in all events.
THOMAS T. EcKEnr,
Major and A. d. G.
CRY POINT, VIRGINIA, February l, 1861.
Afterwards, but before Major Eckert
had departed, the following dispatch was
received from General Grant:
OFFICE UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRArH,(
WAR DEPARTMENT.
The following telegram, received at Washington.
January 81, 1865, from City Point, Virginia, TO- 80
A. NJ:
JANUARY 81, 1868.
HissELce,lency abraham Lincoln,
President Of the United States:
The following communication was received here
last evening:
PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA, January So, 1865.
Lieutenont-Geneyul I. S. Grant, commanding the
Armies Of the United States:
Sir: We desire to pass your lines under safe con-
duct, and to proceed to Washington to hold con-
ference with President Lincoln upon the subject of
tho existing war, and with view Of ascertaining
upon what terms it may be terminated in pursuance
Of the course indic3ted by him in his letter to Mr.
Blair Of January Is, 1865, of which presume you
have copy, and If not, we wish to see you in per-
son, if convenient, and to confer with you on the
subject Very respectfully yours,
J. A. CAMPBELL,
r. NJ. Z. HUNTER.
have sent directions to receive these gentlemen,
awaiting your instructions U. s. GRANT,
Lieutenant-Qeneral, Commanding Armies of the
United States.
This message, it will be perceived,
transferred General Ord's agency in the
matter to General Grant. | resolved,
however, to send Major Eckert forward
with this message, and, accordingly, tclc-
graphed General Grant as follows:
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WAsHISGToN, January 81, 1865.
Lieutenant General Grant, City Point Tuyinio:
A messenger is coming to you on the business con-
tanned in your dispatch. Detain the gentlemen in
comfortable quarters until he arrives, ard then act
upon the message he brings, as far applicable it
having been made up to pass through General Ords
hands, and when the gentlemen were supposed to |
be beyoud our lines. A. LINCOLN.
lSentin cipher at 80 ?. NJ.
When Major Eckert departed he bore
with him letter of the Secretary of War
to General Grant, as follows, to wit:
WAR DErARrMESr,)
WASHINGTON, January 80. 1865.
Licutenant-Gcneral Grant, Commanding, &c:
General: The President desires that you will please
procure for the bearer, Major Thomas T. Eckert an
interview with Messrs Stephens, Hunter and Camp |
pass them through our lines to Fortress Monroe BY
such route and under such military precautions as
you may deeni prudent, giving them protection and
comfortable quarters while there, and that you let
or plans.
BY order of the President.
Z. NJ. STANTON, Secretary of War.
Surprising the proper points to be then |
reached, dispatched the Secretary Of
State, with the following instruction, Ma
jor Eckert, however, going ahead of him
EXECUTIVE MANsl0N,l
WASHINGTON, January 81, 1865
Hon. ". II. Setca,d, Secretary Of State:
You will proceed to Fort Monroe, Virginia there
to meet and informal y confer with Messrs. Ste
phens, Hunter and Campbell, on the basis of my /
letter to +. p. Blair, Esq. of January IS, 1865,
them that three things are indispensable, to wit:
First. The restoration of the national authority
throughout oil the States.
United States the slavery question from the
ton assumed thereon in the late annual message to
Congress and in preceding documents.
Third. No cessation of hostiities short of an end
Of the war and the disbandng of all the forces hos
tile to the Government. You will inform them that
all propositions of theirs not inconsistent with the
above will be considered and passed upon in spi-
rit Of sincere iberality. You will hear all they NAV
choose to say. and report it to me. You win not
assume to definitely consummate anything.
Yours, &c, A. LIScoLs.
On the day Of its date the following
telegram was sent to General Grant:
WAR DEPARTMENT., WASHINGTON, D.C.,)
February l, 1865.
Lieate"o"t-Genera' Grant city Point T1yinin:
Let nothing which is transpiring change, hinder
or delay your military movements or plans