June 7, 1864: Robert E. Lee to U. S. Grant

Transcript:

Head Qrs. Army No Va.

2 P.M. 7^th June 1864

Lieut. Genl. U. S. Grant

Commanding U. S. Armies

General-

Your note of 10/2 A.M. to-day has just been received. I regret that my letter to you of 7 P.M. yesterday should have been too late in reaching you to effect the removal of the wounded.

I am willing, if you desire it, to devote the hours between 6 and 8 this afternoon to accomplish that object upon the same terms and conditions as set forth in my letter of 7 P.M. yesterday. If this will answer your purpose and you will send parties from your lines at the hour designated with white flags. I will direct that they be recognized and be permitted to collect the dead and wounded.

I will also notify the officers on my lines that they will be permitted at the same hour to collect any of our men that may be on the field—I request you will notify me as soon as practicable if this arrangement is agreeable to you.

Lieut. McAlister, Corpl. Martin and two privates of the 8^th N.C. Regt. And Lieut. Hartman, Corpl. Kinler, and Privates Bass and Guy were sent last night, between the hours of 8 and 10 P.M. for the purpose of recovering the body of Col. Murchison, and as they have not returned, I presume they are the men mentioned in your letter—I request that they be returned to our lines.

Very respectfully

Your Obt. Servant

R. E. Lee

Referred to Gen. G. G. Meade Cmdg A. P.

I will notify Gen. Lee that hostilities will cease from 6 to 8 for the purpose mentioned. You may send the officers and men referred to as you deem best. Please return this.

U.S. Grant

Lt. Genl

Citation: Robert E. Lee (1807-1870) letter signed to Ulysses S. Grant. Cold Harbor, Va., 7 June  1864. AMs 359/27