I said, "Very well." General Bowen, I saw, was very anxious that the surrender should be consummated.

His manner and remarks while Pemberton and I were talking, showed this.

He now proposed that he and one of our generals should have a conference.

I had no objection to this, as nothing could be made binding upon me that they might propose.

Smith and Bowen accordingly had a conference, during which Pemberton and I, moving a short distance away towards the enemy's lines were in conversation.