a communication from the Confederate commander asking for a truce
to consider the terms of surrender. To his utter astonishment,
however, this suggestion did not come from either General Floyd
or General Pillow but from Simon Buckner, his old friend at West
Point, who had so generously aided him when he reached New York,
penniless and disgraced after his resignation from the army. This
was an embarrassing situation, indeed, but while he would have done
anything he could for Buckner personally, Grant realized that he
must not allow gratitude or friendship to interfere with his duty.
He, therefore, promptly answered the proposal for a truce in these
words:


"No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be
accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works."


[NOTE from Brett: The full letter is also shown in Grant's
handwriting which leaves something to be desired. I will do my
best to transcribe it below:

Hd Qrs. Army in the Field
Camp Fort Donelson, Feb. 16th 1862

Cmdr. S. B. Buckner
Confed. Army.

Sir,

Yours of this inst. proposing armistice, and appointment of