Kirby Smith to T.J. Sprague, May 1865 (undated)

open cannot afford to surrender as
prisoners of war. They must first be
placed in such a position that
their capture is a necessity. The
demand to surrender under
present circumstances is not
deemed reasonable, & is not in
accordance with the laws which
custom has made binding amongst
nations & military men. The effect
of such a demand is to leave an
impression that there is a wish on
the part of the victorious government,
not to pacify the country & lead
to a restoration of former relations,
but to humiliate a people who have
contended gallantly in behalf of
principles which they believe to
be right. It is thought that correct
views of statesmanship would
induce propositions on the part
of the United States which while
they ____[?] the honor of the
Confederate Army would also
lead to the speedy pacification
of the Trans Miss Department.

It is the determination of the
military authority not to submit
to ignominious terms—it is their
wish also to hasten the pacifica-
tion of the Country by every means
consistent with their honor.

The following propositions
are of a character so reasonable,