Headquarters, Army in the Field

Camp near Donelson, February 16th

General S. B. Buckner
Confederate Army

Sir:

Yours of this date proposing Armistice, and appointment of Commissioners, to settle terms of Capitulation is just received.

No terms except an 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
Brig. General

The Civil War: Fort Sumter to Perryville, by Shelby Foote [p. 213]