As they had heard nothing of this until the fighting had got to be severe and all going against Lee, both of these commanders hesitated very considerably about suspending hostilities at all.

They were afraid it was not in good faith, and we had the Army of Northern Virginia where it could not escape except by some deception.

They, however, finally consented to a suspension of hostilities for two hours to give an opportunity of communicating with me in that time, if possible.

It was found that, from the route I had taken, they would probably not be able to communicate with me and get an answer back within the time fixed unless the messenger should pass through the rebel lines.
Lee, therefore, sent an escort with the officer bearing this message through his lines to me.
April 9, 1865.
GENERAL: I received your note of this morning on the picket-line whither I had come to meet you and ascertain definitely what terms were embraced in your proposal of yesterday with reference to the surrender of this army.

I now request an interview in accordance with the offer contained in your letter of yesterday for that purpose.
R.E.LEE, General.
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL U.S.GRANT Commanding U.S.Armies.
When the officer reached me I was still suffering with the sick headache, but the instant I saw the contents of the note I was cured.