American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-02-15

under safe conduct and to proceed to
Washington to hold conference with
President Lincoln upon the subject of
the existing war with view of ascertain
ing upon what terms it may be ternina-
ted. In pursuance of the course ind dica-
ted by him in his letter to Mr. Blair, of
January 18th, 1865, of which, we pre-
sumo, you have copy, and, if not, we
wish to see you in person if convenient,
aud to confer with you on the subject.
Very respectfully yours,
ALEX. II. STEPHENS.
| T. A. CAMPBELL,
r. NJ. I. HUNTER.
| have sent directions to receive these
gentlemen, aud expect to have them at
my quarters this evening, awaiting your
instructions. (Signed) US. GRANT,
Lieutenant General Commanding the Ar
mics of the United States.
This it will be perceived, transferred
Gen. Ord's agency in the matter to
Gen. Grant.
| resolved, however, to send Maj. Eek
ert forward with his message, and accord
ingly telegraphed Gen. Grant as fol-
lows
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON.
3lst January, 1865. To Lieut.. Gen.
Grant, City Point, Virginia,--A mes
sage is coming to you on the business
contained in your dispatch. Detain the
gentlemen in comfortable quarters until
he arrives, and then act upon the mes
sage he brings as far as possible, it hav-
ing been made up to pass through Gen.
Ord's hands, and where the gentlemen
are supposed be beyond our lines.
TSignedl A. LINCOLN.
When Major Eckert departed he took
with him a letter from the Secretary of
| War to Gen. Grant, as follows;
WAR DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON Jan. 30, 1865.
Lieut. Gen. Groat, Commanding, DC
GENERAI-The President directs that
you will procure for the bearer Maj T.
T. Eckert an interview with Messrs.
Stephens, Hunter and Campbell, and if
on his return to you he requests it, pass
them through our lines to Fortress Mon
roe, by such route and under such militia
ry precautions as you may deem prudent,
giving them protection and comfortable
quarters while there, and that you let
none of this have any effect upon your
movements Or plans. BY order Of the
| President.
(Signed) Z. NJ. STANTON,
Secretary Of War.
Supposing the proper point to be then
reached | dispatched the Secretary Of
State with the following instruction, Maj.
Eckert, however, going ahead Of him.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, Jan. 81, 1865.
To Hon. W. H. ,Seward Sec Of State
You will proceed to Fortress Monroe,
there to meet, and informerly confer with
Messrs. Stephens, Hunter and Campbell,
on the basis Of my lettcrto L. p: Blair,
Esq, of January 18th 1865, a copy of
which you have. You will make known
to them that these three things are indis-
pensible' to-wit:
First. The restoration Of the National
authority throughout all Of the States.
Second-No aeceding by the executive
Of the United States, on the slavery ques-
tion, from the position assumed thereon
in the late annual message to Congress,
and in the present document.
Third-No cessation OF hostilities short
Of our disabling of all the forces hostile
to the Government.
You will iulorm them that all PROPOSE
tons of theirs not in accordance with the
above will be considered and passed upon
in sincere liberality. You will hear all
they may have to say, and report it to me-
You will not assume to definitely commu-
nicate anything yourself
A. LINCOLN.
On the day of its delivery the follow
ing telegram was sent to Gen. Grant:
Lieut. Gen Grant, Citg Point:
Let nothing which is transpiring now
delay your movements or plans.
(Signed) A. LINCOLN.
Afterwards the following dispatch was
received from Gen. Grant:
CITY POINT, VA, Feb. 1-1220 a. M
His Erceliency 4. Lincoln, President Of
The United States
Your dispatch is received. There will
be no armstlce In consequence OF the
presence of Mr. Stephens ana others with
in our lines. The troops are kept in rea-
diness if required.
L. S. GRANT.
To notify Major Eckert that the Secre-
tary of State would be at fortress Monroe
anu to put them in communication the fol-
lowing dispatch was sent:
WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, Feb. /, 1865
To Major r. Z. Echert, Care Of General
Grant, City Point, Va:
Call at seven tomorrow, and put your
self under direction of Mr. Seward whom
you will find there.
A. LINCOLN.
On the morning Of the Goth inst, the
following telegram was received by me:
CITY POINT, VA, Feb. 1--l0 p m.
To His ErceLtency 4. Lincoln, President
of the United States:
/ have the honor to report the delivery