PETERSBURG, VA., January 30, 1865.

Lieutenant General U. S. GRANT:

SIR: We desire to pass your lines under safe conduct and to proceed to Washington to hold a conference with President Lincoln upon the subject of the existing war, and with a view of ascertaining upon what terms it may be terminated, in pursuance of the course indicated by him in his letter to Mr. F. P. Blair of January 18, 1865, of which we presume you have a copy; and if not, we wish t see you in person, if convenient, and to confer with you upon the subject.

Yours, very respectfully,

ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS.

J. A. CAMPBELL.

R. M. T. HUNTER.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
January 30, 1865-7.30 a. m.

Major-General ORD,

Commanding, &c.:

As your dispatch stand, it might be interpreted to direct that the three commissioners should come in at 10 o'clock. Do you mean that they shall come in, or shall they await action from Washington?

JNO. G. PARKE,

Major-General.

CITY POINT, January 30, 1865.

Major-General PARKE:

An answer to the flag-of-truce communication received this day from the enemy will be sent to you to-morrow, probably about noon.

T. S. BOWERS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,
ARMY OF THE JAMES,

In the Field, January 30, 1865-10.30 a. m.

Major-General PARKE,

Commanding Army of the Potomac:

In the present state of the roads and of their won affairs the rebels may attempt something on our rear or flank. Keep your cavalry on the alert; scouts and small parties well out; your reserve of artillery, infantry, and cavalry prepared to move in any direction; trains and depots should not be exposed, and extra watch kept on every movement of the enemy; plenty of ammunition handy.

E. O. C. ORD,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES,
January 30, 1865. (Received 12.20 p. m.)

Major-General PARKE:

The following just received; you will be guided by it.*

E. O. C. ORD,

Major-General.

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*See Stanton to Ord, 10.30 a. m., p. 302.

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