Abraham Lincoln, Proclamation 118-Thanskgiving Day, 1864
Abraham Lincoln (November 1863) Photo by Alexander Gardner
“And I do further recommend to my fellow-citizens aforesaid that on that occasion they do reverently humble themselves in the dust ….”
Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do hereby appoint and set apart the last Thursday in November next as a day which I desire to be observed by all my fellow-citizens, wherever they may then be, as a day of thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God, the beneficent Creator and Ruler of the Universe. And I do further recommend to my fellow-citizens aforesaid that on that occasion they do reverently humble themselves in the dust and from thence offer up penitent and fervent prayers and supplications to the Great Disposer of Events for a return of the inestimable blessings of peace, union, and harmony throughout the land which it has pleased Him to assign as a dwelling place for ourselves and for our posterity throughout all generations.
Source: Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project. http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=69998.
This was Lincoln’s second annual Thanksgiving Day proclamation (dated October 20, 1864).
