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I must understand him in the like manner and that he too should consult his corps commanders.
With this our interview ended.
Mr. Badeau's statement is a misrepresentation of the facts as they occurred, and whether intentional or otherwise, conveys a false impression to his readers.
If he was present at the interview, he knows; if he was absent, he could readily have ascertained that after General Grant's verbal declaration that he had no terms other than unconditional surrender, all suggestions and all overtures looking to terms arose directly from General Grant himself, and neither directly nor indirectly from me or my subordinates.
There was no display of indifference by General Grant as to the result of this interview, nor did he feel indifferent.
On the night of the 3d of July a dispatch was intercepted by my signal officer from Admiral Porter to General Grant.
The former inquired as to the chances of a surrender on the 4th. General Grant replied through the same medium, mentioning in a general way the terms offered, stating that the arrangement was against his feelings, but that his officers advised it on the ground that it would free his river transportation for other important uses, etc., etc.
No doubt both of these gentlemen remember the circumstance.
I am,
Colonel, very truly yours,
Copied February 5th, 1879, for Lieutenant-General John C. Pemberton, from the original manuscript, by John P. Nicholson.
