Transcript:
City Point, Va. Feb. 13th 1865
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Sec. of War, Washington
I would most decidedly oppose enlisting prisoners of war, with bounties. The most determined men against us would be the first to enlist for the sake of the money and would return with it to their friends. I would make no special objection to trying the experiment of one or two regiments raised without bounty but even this would be risky. The men who want to enlist are those who really it is most desirable to exchange first. If they want to enter our service in good faith they can return under the Presidents Amnesty proclamation, and my order, and become loyal citizens and help fight on the side of peace.
U. S. Grant
Lt. Gen.
Citation: Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), autograph letter signed to Edwin Stanton. City Point, Va.; 13 February 1865. AMs 435/8.11