After the conversation had run on in this style for some time, General Lee called my attention to the object of our meeting, and said that he had asked for this interview for the purpose of getting from me the terms I proposed to give his army.

I said that I meant merely that his army should lay down their arms, not to take them up again during the continuance of the war unless duly and properly exchanged.

He said that he had so understood my letter.
Then we gradually fell off again into conversation about matters foreign to the subject which had brought us together.

This continued for some little time, when General Lee again interrupted the course of the conversation by suggesting that the terms I proposed to give his army ought to be written out.

I called to General Parker, secretary on my staff, for writing materials, and commenced writing out the following terms: APPOMATTOX C.H., VA., Ap 19th, 1865.
GEN.