The agreement between Sherman and Johnston goes well beyond the terms agreed between Gen. Lee and myself. They touch on civil matters that exceed Gen. Sherman’s authority. I forwarded the agreement to Sec. Stanton immediately,
WASHINGTON, April 21, 1865.
Hon E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War:
I have received and just completed reading the dispatches borough by special messenger from General Sherman. They are of such importance that I think immediate action should be taken on them and that it should be done by the President in council with his whole cabinet. I would respectfully suggest whether the President should not be notified and all his cabinet, and the meeting take place to-night.
U. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General.
The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 14, p 423
O.R., I, xlvii, part 3, p 263