Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant to Brigadier General Simon B. Buckner, February 16, 1862

HEADQUARTERS ARMY IN THE FIELD,

Camp near Fort Donelson, February 16, 1862.

SIR: Yours of this date, proposing armistice and appointment of commissioners to settle terms of capitulation, is just received. No terms except unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 U.S. GRANT,

 Brigadier-General, Commanding.

General S. B. BUCKNER,

Confederate Army.

SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 161