The opinion of corps commanders not being sanguine of success in case an assault is ordered, you may direct a suspension of farther advance for the present.  Hold our most advanced positions and strengthen them.  Whilst on the defensive our line may be contracted from the right if practicable.

Reconnoissances should be made in front of every corps and advances made to advantageous positions by regular approaches.  To aid the expedition under General Hunter it is necessary that we should detain all the army now with Lee until the former gets well on his way to Lynchburg.  To do this effectually it will be better to keep the enemy out of the intrenchments of Richmond than to have them go back there.

Wright and Hancock should be ready to assault in case the enemy should break through General Smith’s lines, and all should be ready to resist an assault.

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.

The remainder of the day was spent in strengthening the line we now held.  By night we were as strong against Lee as he was against us.

During the night the enemy quitted our right front, abandoning some of their wounded, and without burying their dead.  These we were able to care for.  But there were many dead and wounded men between the lines of the contending forces, which were now close together, who could not be cared for without a cessation of hostilities.

So I wrote the following: 

Cold harbor, Va., June 5, 1864.

General R. E. Lee, Commanding Confederate Army.

It is reported to me that there are wounded men, probably of both armies, now lying exposed and suffering between the lines occupied respectively by the two armies.  Humanity would dictate that some provision should be made to provide against such hardships.  I would propose, therefore, that hereafter, when no battle is raging, either party be authorized to send to any point between the pickets or skirmish lines, unarmed men bearing litters to pick up their dead or wounded, without being fired upon by the other party.  Any other method, equally fair to both parties, you may propose for meeting the end desired will be accepted by me.

U. S. Grant, Lieut.-General.

Lee replied that he feared such an arrangement would lead to misunderstanding, and proposed that in future, when either party wished to remove their dead and wounded, a flag of truce be sent.  I answered this immediately by saying: 

Cold harbor, Va., June 6, 1864.

General R. E. Lee, Commanding Army of N. Va.

Your communication of yesterday’s date is received.  I will send immediately, as you propose, to collect the dead and wounded between the lines of the two armies, and will also instruct that you be allowed to do the same.  I propose that the time for doing this be between the hours of 12 M. and 3 P.M. to-day.  I will direct all parties going out to bear a white flag, and not to attempt to go beyond where we have dead or wounded, and not beyond or on ground occupied by your troops.