'The following dispatch is forwarded to you for your action. Since I have no knowledge of General Grant's having had any understanding of this kind, I refer the matter to you as the ranking officer present in the two armies. 'JNO. G. PARKE, _Major-General, Commanding.'_ 'FROM HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, _29th._ 'Major-General JNO. G. PARKE, '_Headquarters Army of Potomac_: 'Alexander H. Stephens, R.M.T. Hunter, and J.A. Campbell desire to cross my lines, in accordance with an understanding claimed to exist with lieutenant-General Grant, on their way to Washington as peace commissioners. Shall they be admitted? They desire an early answer, to come through immediately. Would like to reach City Point tonight if they can. If they can not do this, they would like to come through at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning. 'O.B. WILCOX, '_Major-General, Commanding Ninth Corps._' "January 29--8.30 p.m. "Respectfully referred to the President for such instructions as he may be pleased to give. "EDWIN M. STANTON, "_Secretary of War_." It appears that about the time of placing the foregoing telegram in my hands the Secretary of War dispatched General Ord as follows, to wit: WAR DEPARTMENT, _Washington City, January 29, 1865--10 p.m._ (Sent at 2 a.m. 30th.) Major-General ORD. SIR: This Department has no knowledge of any understanding by General Grant to allow any person to come within his lines as commissioner of any sort. You will therefore allow no one to come into your lines under such character or profession until you receive the President's instructions, to whom your telegram will be submitted for his directions. EDWIN M. STANTON, _Secretary of War_. Afterwards, by my direction, the Secretary of War telegraphed General Ord as follows, to wit: WAR DEPARTMENT, _Washington, D.C., January 30, 1865--10.30 a.m._ Major-General E.O.C. ORD, _Headquarters Army of the James_. SIR: By direction of the President, you are instructed to inform the three gentlemen, Messrs. Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell, that a messenger will be dispatched to them at or near where they now are without unnecessary delay. EDWIN M. STANTON, _Secretary of War_. Afterwards I prepared and put into the hands of Major Thomas T. Eckert the following instructions and message: EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 30, 1865_. Major T.T. ECKERT.