AlexanderStephens，R。M。T。Hunter，andJudgeCampbell，arenowatmyheadquarters，verydesirousofgoingtoWashingtontoseeMr。
Lincoln，informally，onthesubjectofpeace。Thepeacefeelingwithintherebellinesisgaininggroundrapidly。This，however，shouldnotrelaxourenergiesintheleast，butshouldstimulateustogreateractivity。
Ihavereceivedyourverykindletters，inwhichyousayyouwoulddecline，orareopposedto，promotion。NooneworldbemorepleasedatyouradvancementthanI，andifyoushouldbeplacedinmyposition，andIputsubordinate，itwouldnotchangeourpersonalrelationsintheleast。Iwouldmakethesameexertionstosupportyouthatyouhaveeverdonetosupportme，andwoulddoallinmypowertomakeourcausewin。
Yourstruly，U。S。GRANT，Lieutenant—General。
HEADQUARTERSOFTHEARMIESOFTHEUNITEDSTATES