2. No receding by the Executive of the United States on the slavery
question from the position assumed thereon in the late annual
message to Congress and in preceding documents.
3. No cessation of hostilities short of an end of the war and the
disbanding of all forces hostile to the Government.
You will inform them that all propositions of theirs not inconsistent
with the above will be considered and passed upon in a spirit of
sincere liberality. You will hear all they may choose to say and report
it to me.
You will not assume to definitely consummate anything.
Yours, etc.,
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
On the day of its date the following telegram was sent to General Grant:
WAR DEPARTMENT,
_Washington, D.C., February 1, 1865_.
(Sent at 9.30 a.m.)
Lieutenant-General GRANT,
_City Point, Va._:
Let nothing which is transpiring change, hinder, or delay your military
movements or Plans.