Parker’s specific role in these events is documented with reasonable confidence in the historical record.

As Grant’s military secretary, he was present in the room during the surrender meeting.

He took notes as the terms were discussed.

When the parties agreed on the content of the surrender, Parker wrote out the formal copy of the document — the clean, final version that would constitute the official record of the terms.

This was not a symbolic gesture.

It was a practical assignment given to the officer best positioned to carry it out.