CHAPTER XXII. VICKSBURG SURRENDERED. — A FURTHER DISPLAY OF THE UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER POLICY. On the 27th of May, a courier, who had been intrusted by Pemberton with a despatch for Johnston, came into Grant's lines, and gave the document to him. This despatch read as follows: "I have fifteen thousand men in Vicksburg, and rations for thirty days-one meal a day. Come to my aid with an army of thirty thousand men. If you cannot do this within ten days, you had better retreat. Ammunition is almost exhausted, especially percussion caps." On the 28th of June the Union lines were thirteen hundred yards nearer the city than the original works, and the advance continued, and it was said among the troops that on the 4th of July an assault was to be made. On the morning, however, of the 3d of July, 1863, a flag of truce was displayed, at eight A. M., upon the works in front of that portion of the forces under General A. J. Smith; and soon after General Bowen and Colonel Montgomery left the fortifications, and being met at the Union lines, announced that they bore a sealed communication from Pemberton to Grant. The bearers being taken to the nearest headquarters, a messenger was despatched with all possible haste to acquaint Grant with the fact. The communication was as follows: MAJOR GENERAL GRANT, HEADQUARTERS VICKSBURG, July 3, 1862 Commanding United States Forces. GENERAL: I have the honor to propose to you an armistice for -hours, with a view to arranging terms for the capitulation of Vicksburg. To this end, if agreeable to you, I will appoint three commissioners, to meet a like number to be named by yourself, at such place and hour as you may find convenient. I make this proposition to save the further effusion of blood, which must otherwise be shed to a frightful extent, feeling myself fully able to maintain my position for a yet indefinite period. This communication will be handed you, under a flag of truce, by Major General James Bowen. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTON. To this General Grant replied as follows: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TENNESSEE, LIEUTENANT GENERAL J. C. PEMBERTON, Commanding Confederate Forces, &c. GENERAL: Your note of this date, just received, proposes an armistice of several hours, for the purpose of arranging terms of capitulation through commissioners to be appointed, &c. The effusion of blood you propose stopping by this course can be ended at any time you may choose, by an unconditional surrender of the city and garrison. Men who have shown so much endurance and courage as those now in Vicksburg will always challenge the respect of an adversary, and, I can assure you, will be treated with all the respect due them as prisoners of war. I do not favor the proposition of appointing commissioners to arrange terms of capitulation, because I have no other terms than those indicated above. I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major General. General Bowen expressed a wish to converse with the General further on this important matter; but the latter at once declined. General Bowen then requested that General Grant would meet General Pemberton on neutral ground, as more could be arranged in one personal interview than could be by the interchange of numerous despatches. General Grant expressed his willingness to do this, and offered to meet Pemberton that afternoon at three, and then the interview closed. After the return of the messengers, hostilities continued until noon, when a cessation was ordered. At three in the afternoon a signal gun from the Union side was answered by one from the works, and announced the approach of the Confederate commander. Pemberton was accompanied by the bearers of his despatch in the morning. Grant was supported by Generals A. J. Smith and McPherson. The interview took place in front of McPherson's line, on a spot which had not yet been trodden by either army, and under the branches of a gigantic oak. After shaking hands and introducing the officers to each other, Pemberton opened the conference by saying, "General Grant, I meet you in order to arrange terms for the capitulation. What terms do you demand?" "Unconditional surrender," replied Grant. "Unconditional surrender?" said Pemberton. "Never, so long as I have a man left me. I will fight rather." Very well," said Grant, coolly. 66 The appearance and manner of the two men showed their difference of character. Pemberton was greatly agitated, and his hot and impulsive nature could hardly be restrained by the dignity of his position. Grant, on |