The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1865-02-17
Messrs. Alex. II. Stephens, J. a. Camp
bell, Il NJ. I. Hunter:

understanding, ana SO Hotliy me ID VIII
ing | will procure TO the commanding
general pass through the lines to Fort
Monroe, uader such military precautions
as he may deem prudent, and at which
place vcu will be met in cue time BY some
person or persons, for the purpose of such
informal conference. and further. that you
shall have protection, safe conduct and
safe return, in sIl events.
Thomas T, ECKERT,
Maj and Aid dc Camp.
City Point, Va. Feb. l, 1865.
Afterwards, but before Maj. Eckert had
departed, the following dispatch VAS re-
ceived from Gen. Gran:
OFFICE OF THE L. S MILITARY !
TELEGRAPH, WAR DEPARTMENT.
The following telegram WAS received al
Washington, Jan. 3lst, from City Point,
Va. at 1913 s. m, Jan 3l>t, 1865.
His excellency A. Lincoln, president Of
the United States:
The following communication was re-
ceived here last evening
Petersburg, Va. Jan. so, 1865.
1t. Gen. I. 5. Grant, commander ar
mics Of the United States:
Sir-We desire to pass your lines under
safe conduct, and to proceed 10 Washing,
ton to hold conference with presiuen,
Lincoln upon the subject Of the existing
war, and With view Of as3e.ianinr upon
what terms it may be terminated, in pur-
suance OF the course indicated hv hir IL
bis lette. 10 Mr. Blair Of Jan. Is. 1865. CT
which we presume you have copy; and,
if not, We wish to see you in person, if
convenient, and 10 confer with YOU on the
subject.
ALEX. H. STEruENS,
}. A. CAMPBELL,
H. NJ. I. HUNTER.
have sent directions 10 receive these
gentlemen, and expect to have them at
my quarters lAis evening, awaiting your
instructions. /. :. GRANT.
Lieut., General commanding armies Of
ths United States.
This, IT viii be perceived, transferred
Gen Ord's agency II the matter TO Gen
Grant. | resolved to send Mi Eckert for
ward with his message. and accordingly
;elegraphed Gen. Grant as follows:
EXECUTIVE Mansion. WAsnIxGroH.
January 81 1865.
Lieut. Gen Grant, City Point, Va:
\ messenger is coming to you on he
bn~iness contained IN your dispatch. De-
tain the gentlemen in comfortable qual.
rers until he arrives, and then act upun
the message he brings As far as appica-
hIe, 1t having been. made up to pass
through Gen. Ord;s hands, and when the
gentlemen were supposed TO be beyond
our lines.
(SigOed) A. LINCOLN.
Supposing tie proper point to he then
reached, dispatched the secretary of
state with the following instructions, Mi
Eckert, however, going ahead Of him.
Executive Mansion, Jan 80. 1865.
Hon. w. IL. Seward, secretary Of sta.e:
1ou viii proceed TO Fort Monroe there
TO meet and informally to confer with
>essrs. Stephens, Hunter and Campbell
on the basis of my letter to F. T. Blair,
Esq, of .I.u. is, a copy of which you
have You will make known TO them
that three things are Indispensable o>wit :
First, the restoration of the national au-
lhority Throughout, ali the states Second
co receding by the executive Of the Uni
led States on the slavery question from
the position assumed thereon in the late
annual message TO congress, and the pre-
cedlDg documents. Third. no cessation
of hostiillies short Of an end Of the war
and The Ci.banding of all tne forces hostile
to The government. You will inform
them that all propositions Of theirs no; in-
consistent with the above. will ba consid-
cred and passed upon IL a spirit OF sincere
llberality; you viii hear All they may
choose TO say and report It to me. You
viii not assume to definitely consummate
anything.
Yours. De,
a. LINCOLN.
On the day Of its date the following
telegram was sent to Gen. Grant:
WAR DEPARTMENT, WAsuINGToS, !
February /, 1860.
1t. Gen Grant, City Point. Va.
Let nothing which is transpiring
change, hiEder or delay your military
movements or plans.
A. LlScotS.
Afterwards the 70 lowing dispatch was
received from Gen. Grant.
OFFICE L. S. MILITARY TELEeaAPu.
WAa DEPARTMENT.
The following telegram was received at
Washington. at 2 20 A. NJ, February /,
1865:
City Point. Va, Feb. LIP 80 P. N.
His Fx.eIleucy, A, Li1co!n, Ptesi4en' Of