Part 108

Yours, etc., A. LINCOLN.

Afterwards Mr. Blair dictated for and authorized me to make an entry on the back of my retained copy of the letter last above recited, which entry is as follows:

JANUARY 28, 1865.

Today Mr. Blair tells me that on the 21st instant he delivered to Mr. Davis the original of which the within is a copy, and left it with him; that at the time of delivering it Mr. Davis read it over twice in Mr. Blair's presence, at the close of which he (Mr. Blair) remarked that the part about "our one common country" related to the part of Mr. Davis's letter about "the two countries," to which Mr. Davis replied that he so understood it.

A. LINCOLN.

Afterwards the Secretary of War placed in my hands the following telegram, indorsed by him, as appears:

OFFICE UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH, War Department.

The following telegram received at Washington January 29, 1865, from headquarters Army of James, 6.30 p.m., January 29, 1865:

"Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, "Secretary of War:

"The following dispatch just received from Major-General Parke, who refers it to me for my action. I refer it to you in Lieutenant-General Grant's absence.

"E.O.C. ORD, Major-General, Commanding."

'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.

"EDWIN M. STANTON, "Secretary of War."

It appears that about the time of placing the foregoing telegram in my hands the Secretary of War dispatched General Ord as follows, to wit:

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, January 29, 1865--10 p.m. (Sent at 2 a.m. 30th.)

Major-General ORD.

SIR: This Department has no knowledge of any understanding by General Grant to allow any person to come within his lines as commissioner of any sort. You will therefore allow no one to come into your lines under such character or profession until you receive the President's instructions, to whom your telegram will be submitted for his directions.

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

Afterwards, by my direction, the Secretary of War telegraphed General Ord as follows, to wit: