This done, each officer and man will be allowed to return to their homes, not to be disturbed by United States authority so long as they observe their paroles and the laws in force where they may reside.
Very respectfully, U.S.GRANT, Lt.

Gen.
When I put my pen to the paper I did not know the first word that I should make use of in writing the terms.

I only knew what was in my mind, and I wished to express it clearly, so that there could be no mistaking it.

As I wrote on, the thought occurred to me that the officers had their own private horses and effects, which were important to them, but of no value to us; also that it would be an unnecessary humiliation to call upon them to deliver their side arms.
No conversation, not one word, passed between General Lee and myself, either about private property, side arms, or kindred subjects.

He appeared to have no objections to the terms first proposed; or if he had a point to make against them he wished to wait until they were in writing to make it.