Page:A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Confederacy, Including the Diplomatic Correspondence, 1861-1865, Volume I.djvu/554

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

January 28, 1865.

To-day Mr. Blair tells me that on the 21st inst., 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 Mr. Davis read it over twice in Mr. Blair's presence, at the close of which he (Mr. B.) remarked that the part about our common country related to the part of Mr. Davis's letter about the two countries, to which Mr. D. replied that he understood it.

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

(Cipher.) The following telegram was received at Washington January 29, 1865: January 29, 1865. To Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War. The following dispatch is just received from Major General Parke, who refers it to me for my action. I refer it to you in lieu of General Grant — absent. Major General Comdg.

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 this matter to you as the ranking officer present in the two armies. Major General Comdg.

January 29, 1865.

Major General John G. Parke, Headquarters Army of the 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, so as to come through immediately. They would like to reach City Point to-night if they can. If they cannot do this, they would like to come through to-morrow morning.

Major Commanding Ninth Corps.

Respectfully referred to the President for such instructions as he may be pleased to give. Secretary of War. {{smaller|January 29, 1865, {{sc|6:30 P.M.}}

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