Hostilities along that part of the line ceased at once.

Soon two persons were seen coming towards our lines bearing a white flag.

They proved to be General Bowen, a division commander, and Colonel Montgomery, aide-de-camp to Pemberton, bearing the following letter to me: "I have the honor to propose an armistice for--hours, with the view to arranging terms for the capitulation of Vicksburg.

To this end, if agreeable to you, I will appoint three commissioners, to meet a like number to be named by yourself at such place and hour to-day as you may find convenient.

I make this proposition to save the further effusion of blood, which must otherwise be shed to a frightful extent, feeling myself fully able to maintain my position for a yet indefinite period.
This communication will be handed you under a flag of truce, by Major-General John S.Bowen." It was a glorious sight to officers and soldiers on the line where these white flags were visible, and the news soon spread to all parts of the command.