Categories: Historical Documents

Proclamation – Thanksgiving Day – 1797, Massachusetts

The following proclamation was issued by Increase Sumner as Governor of Massachusetts on October 23, 1797 as printed in the Columbian Centinel. It was proclaiming a day of Thanksgiving and Praise on November 30, 1797.

BY AUTHORITY.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By His Excellency
Increase Sumner, Esquire,
Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
A
Proclamation,
FOR A DAY OF
PUBLIC THANKSGIVING.
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THE sacred Character and benevolent Providence of God, being a acknowledged by our civil Constitution, the public and grateful homage usual at this season, is not less a dictate of patriotism than of piety. Under the influence of these united principles, the Fathers of our country instituted, and their Successors have observed, an Annual Day of THANKSGIVING and PRAISE.

In imitation of so pious and laudable an example, I have thought fit to appoint a public commemoration of the divine mercies, particularly of those which crown the closing year; and for this sacred purpose, I do, by and with the advice and consent of the Council, appoint THURSDAY the Thirtieth of November next, a day of Thanksgiving and Praise throughout this Commonwealth — Calling upon Ministers and People of every denomination, religiously and joyfully to observe the said day, by assembling in their respective places of public worship and offering their united praises to the Great Benefactor of their country, and the author of every blessing.

Through his adorable and munificent Providence, the Seasons have been favorable — the labors of the husbandman successful, and the fruits of the earth abundant. — Through his indulgence, our Fisheries have prospered — our Commerce, although unjustifiably interrupted has not been annihilated, but in many instances has succeeded; and the efforts of industry have been rewarded. Under his protection, internal peace and tranquility have blessed the Commonwealth, and the voice of health and plenty, been generally heard in our dwellings. Through his unmerited goodness, we continue to enjoy Constitutions of government, by which our rights civil and sacred, are effectually secured, and by his favor the important life of the President of the United States has been continued. — While other nations have been suffering all the horrors and distresses of Wat [sic], under his watchful providence we have been preserved from so grievous a calamity. And through the forbearance of God we are still favored with the Christian religion — a religion which inculcates peace on earth and good will among men — a religion highly propitious to republican happiness, whilst it reveals a future and most glorious state for the righteous.

Together with the celebration of Divine Mercies, which ought to penetrate the hearts of a prospered people, I do recommend the most ingenuous confession of Sins, and the most fervent supplications to the Author of all our enjoyments, that we may display our gratitude, by a steady course of obedience — That through his wife and gracious influence, the negotiations for Peace may be so over ruled as that the lasting tranquility of the nations in Europe, and of the United States of America may be established, and oppression and disorder every where cease: — That he would so direct the Administration of our Federal Government, and that of the different States in the Union, as to promote the Peace and true interest of our Nation: — That we sensible of the Blessings and ensured by our Civil System might be disposed to lead quiet and peaceable lives in all Godliness and Honesty: —That God would protect our Trade and Navigation from unreasonable obstructions — would give success to our Agriculture, Fisheries and Manufactures, and continue His smiles to our University and other Seminaries of useful Learning — That he would afford his protection and blessing to these United States, and not suffer any weapon formed against them to prosper.

Whilst with lively gratitude we acknowledge the great decree of health and enjoyed in this Commonwealth, it is recommended to remember with sympathy such of our friends in some of the United States, as have been distressed by contagious mortal diseases; and to supplicate the Father of Mercies that health and prosperity may be speedily and universally restored. Finally that all Mankind under the Scepter of the Prince of Peace, may be animated with the noble spirit of his religion; be enabled to pursue with united affections, their common interest: Be convinced of their mutual dependence, and of the absolute dependence of all, on the Universal Parent.

I further recommend to the citizens of the Commonwealth to suspend such labors and recreations as may not be consistent with the Solemnity of the said Day.

Given at the Council Chamber, in Boston this twenty-third Day of October, in the Year of our LORD, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-seven; and in the twenty second Year of the Independence of the United States of AMERICA.

INCREASE SUMNER.
Attest. JOHN AVERY, Secretary.

God Save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts!

Samuel Adams

Proclamation – Thanksgiving Day – 1796, Massachusetts

Samuel Adams (1722-1803) issued this October 6, 1796 proclamation for a day of Thanksgiving for December 15, 1796 as governor of Massachusetts. The text and image of the proclamations are taken from Thomas’s Massachusetts Spy published on October 26, 1796.

BY AUTHORITY.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By the Governor
A PROCLAMATION
FOR A DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING
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WHEREAS it has pleased God, the Father of all Mercies, to bestow upon us innumerable unmerited favors in the course of the year past; it highly becomes us duly to recollect his goodness, and, in a public and solemn manner, to express the grateful feelings of our hearts:

I have, therefore, thought fit, with the advice and consent of the Council, to appoint Thursday, the 15th day of December next, to be observed as a day of PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and PRAISE, to our Divine BENEFACTOR, thro[ugh]out this Commonwealth – Calling upon Ministers of the Gospel, with their respective Congregations, and the whole body of the people, religiously to observe said day by celebrating the praises of that all gracious Being of whose bounties we have experienced so large a share.

He hath prevented epidemical diseases from spreading, and afforded us a general state of health.

He hath regarded our pastures and fields with the eye of the most indulgent parent and rewarded the industry of our Husbandmen with a plentiful harvest.

Notwithstanding unreasonable obstructions to our trade on the seas, it has generally been prosperous and our fisheries successful.

Our civil constitutions of government, formed by ourselves and administered by men of our own free election, are by His Grace continued to us. And we still enjoy the inestimable blessings of the Gospel, and right of worshipping God according to His own institutions and the honest dictates of our consciences.

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And, together with our thanksgiving, earnest supplication to God is hereby recommended, for the forgiveness of our sins which have rendered us unworthy of the least of His mercies; and that by the sanctifying influence of His Spirit, our hearts and manners may be corrected, and we become a reformed and happy people – That He would direct and prosper the administration of the Government of the United States, and of this and other States in the Union – That He would still afford his blessings on our Trade, Agriculture, Fisheries and all the labors of our hands – That he would smile upon our University, and all seminaries of learning – That tyranny and usurpation may everywhere come to an end – That the nations who are contending for true liberty may still be succeeded by His Almighty aid – That every nation and society of men may be inspired with the knowledge and feeling of their natural and just rights, and enabled to form such systems of Civil Government as shall be fully adapted to promote and establish their social security and happiness – And, finally, that in the course of God’s Holy Providence, the great family of mankind may bow to the Scepter of the Prince of Peace, so that mutual friendship and harmony may universally prevail.

And I do recommend to the people of this Commonwealth to abstain from all such labors and recreations as may not be consistent with the solemnity of the said day.

Given at the Council Chamber, in Boston, this sixth day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety six, and in the twenty-first year of the Independence of the United States of America.

SAMUEL ADAMS.

Attest. John Avery, Secretary.

GOD SAVE THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.

Samuel Adams

Proclamation – Thanksgiving Day – 1795, Massachusetts

This is the text of a Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise issued by Samuel Adams (Signer of the Declaration of Independence), while he was serving as governor of Massachusetts. The proclamation was issued on October 14, 1795 declaring November 19, 1795 the day of Thanksgiving.

 

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Published by Authority.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

By the GOVERNOR:
A PROCLAMATION
For a DAY of PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and
PRAISE.
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Forasmuch as the occasional meeting of a People for the exercise of Piety and Devotion towards God, more especially of those who enjoy the Light of Divine Revelation, has a strong tendency to impress their minds with a sense of their Dependence upon Him and their Obligations to HIM.

I have thought fit, according to the ancient and laudable Practice of our renowned Ancestors, to appoint a day of Public Thanksgiving to God, for the great benefits which He has been pleased to bestow upon us, in the Year past. And I do by the advice and consent of the Council, appoint THURSDAY, the Nineteenth day of November next, to be observed as a DAY of PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and PRAISE throughout this Commonwealth: Calling upon the Ministers of the Gospel of all Denominations, with their respective Congregations to assemble on that Day, to offer to God, their unfeigned [sic] Gratitude, for his great Goodness to the People of the United States in general, and of this Commonwealth in particular.

More especially in that he hath in his Good Providence united the several States under a National Compact, formed by themselves, whereby they may defend themselves against external Enemies, and maintain Peace and Harmony with each other.

That internal Tranquility hath been continued within this Commonwealth; and that the voice of Health is so generally heard in the habitations of the People.

That the Earth has yielded her increase, so that the Labors of our industrious Husbandmen have been abundantly crowned with Plenty.

That our Fisheries have been so far prospered.—Our Trade notwithstanding obstructions it has met with, has yet been profitable to us, and the works of our Hands have been established.

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That while other Nations have been involved in War, attended with an uncommon profusion of Human Blood, we in the course of Divine Providence, have been preserved from so grievous a Calamity, and have enjoyed so great a measure of the Blessing of Peace.

And I do recommend that together with our Thanksgiving, humble Prayer may be offered to God, that we may be enabled, by the subsequent obedience of our Hearts and Manners, to testify the sincerity of our professions of Gratitude, in the sight of God and Man; and thus be prepared for the Reception of future Divine Blessings.

That God would be pleased to Guide and Direct the Administration of the Federal Government, and those of the several States, in Union, so that the whole People may continue to be safe and happy in the Constitutional enjoyment of their Rights, Liberties and Privileges and our Governments be greatly respected at Home and Abroad.

And while we rejoice in the Blessing of Health bestowed upon us, we would sympathize with those of our Sister States, who are visited with a Contagious and Mortal Disease; and fervently supplicate the Father of Mercies, that they may speedily be restored to a state of Health and Prosperity.

That He would in His abundant Mercy regard our Fellow Citizen and others, who are groaning under abject Slavery, in Algiers, and direct the most effectual measure for their speedy Relief.

That He would graciously be pleased to put an end to all Tyranny and Usurpation, that the People who are under the Yoke of Oppression, may be made free; and that the Nations who are contending for Freedom may still be secured by His Almighty Aid, and enabled under His influence, to complete wise Systems of Civil Government, founded in the equal Rights of Man, and calculated to establish their permanent Security and Welfare.

And Finally, that the Peaceful and Glorious Reign of our Divine Redeemer, may be known and enjoyed throughout the whole Family of Mankind.

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And I do recommend to the People of this Commonwealth, to abstain from all such Labor and Recreation, as may not be consistent with the Solemnity of the said Day.

GIVEN at the Council-Chamber, in Boston, the fourteenth Day of October, in the Year of our LORD, One Thousand seven Hundred and Ninety-five, and in the Twentieth Year of the Independence of the United States of America.

SAMUEL ADAMS.

True Copy—Attest,

JOHN AVERY, jun. Sec’ry.

GOD save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts!

Proclamation – Thanksgiving Day – 1795

This is the text of a proclamation for a day of Public Thanksgiving and Prayer, issued by George Washington when he served as President. It was published in the Columbian Centinel on January 1, 1795. (See another national Thanksgiving proclamation issued by George Washington in 1789.)

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Published
BY AUTHORITY,

A PROCLAMATION:
By the PRESIDENT of the UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA.
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When we review the calamities, which afflict so many other nations, the present condition of the United States affords much matter of consolation and satisfaction. Our exemption hitherto from foreign war – an increasing prospect of the continuance of that exemption – the great degree of internal tranquility we have enjoyed – the recent confirmation of that tranquility by the suppression of an insurrection which so wantonly threatened it – the happy course of public affairs in general – the unexampled prosperity of all classes of our citizens; are circumstances which peculiarly mark our situation with indications of the Divine beneficence towards us. In such a state of things it is, in an especial manner, our duty as people, with devout reverence and affectionate gratitude, to acknowledge our many and great obligations to Almighty God and to implore Him to continue and confirm the blessings we experience.

Deeply penetrated with this sentiment, I, George Washington, President of the United States, do recommend to all religious societies and denominations, and to all persons whomsoever, within the United States, to set apart and observe Thursday, the nineteenth day of February next, as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer: and on that day to meet together and render their sincere and hearty thanks to the great Ruler of nations for the manifold and signal mercies which distinguish our lot as a nation. particularly for the possession of constitutions of government which unite and, by their union, establish liberty with order; for the preservation of peace, foreign and domestic; and for the seasonable control, which has been given to a spirit of disorder, in the suppression of the late insurrection; and generally for the prosperous course of our affairs, public and private; and, at the same time, humbly and fervently to beseech the kind Author of these blessings. graciously to prolong them to us – to imprint on our hearts a deep and solemn sense of our obligations to Him for them – to teach us rightly to estimate their immense value – to preserve us from the arrogance of prosperity and from hazarding the advantages we enjoy by delusive pursuits – to dispose us to merit the continuance of His favors by not abusing them, by our gratitude for them, and by a correspondent conduct as citizens and as men – to render this country, more and more, a propitious asylum for the unfortunate of other countries – to extend among us true and useful knowledge – to diffuse and establish habits of sobriety, order, morality, and piety – and, finally, to impart all blessings we possess or ask for ourselves, to the whole family of mankind.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the seal of the United States of America, to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. Done, at the city of Philadelphia, the first day of January, 1795, and of the independence of the United States of America, the nineteenth.

Go Washington,
President of the United States

EDMUND RANDOLPH, Secretary of State.

Samuel Adams

Proclamation – Thanksgiving Day – 1794, Massachusetts

Samuel Adams (1722-1803) helped organize the Boston Tea party (1773), was a state legislator in Massachusetts (1765-1774), and served in the Continental Congress (1774-1781) where he signed the Declaration of Independence. Adams served as governor of Massachusetts from 1794-1797.

During Samuel Adams’ time as governor he issued many proclamations, including the following October 15, 1794 proclamation for a day of Thanksgiving on November 20, 1794. The text and image of the proclamation came from the Columbian Centinel published on October 29, 1794.

By Authority,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.By the GOVERNOR. A Proclamation, for a Day of THANKSGIVING.

As it hath pleased Almighty God to continue to the people of this Commonwealth great and unmerited Favors in the course of the year past; it is highly becoming, that after the example of our pious and renowned ancestors, a day should be set apart, at this season of the year, for the special purpose of rendering to the Father of all mercies the just tribute of gratitude and praise.

I have therefore thought fit, by and with the advice and consent of the Council, to appoint, and I do accordingly appoint, Thursday, the twentieth day of November next, to be observed throughout this Commonwealth as a Day of Public Thanksgiving And I do hereby call upon the Ministers of religion of every denomination, with their respective Congregations, to assemble on said day; that we may with one accord express the grateful feelings of our hearts; and jointly offer the reasonable sacrifice of praise, to our Divine Benefactor, for His manifold mercies: — He has been pleased to favor us with a good measure of health, while others, whom we ought to pity and pray for, have been visited with contagious and mortal distempers: He has smiled on our agriculture labors, and caused the earth to yield its increase: — He hath prospered our fishery, and in a great measure our merchandise, notwithstanding the depredations of unreasonable despoilers: — He hath continued to us the inestimable blessings of the Gospel, and our religious, as well as civil rights and liberties.

I do also recommend, that on the aforesaid day, humble supplications may be made, that we may enjoy the blessings of the liberty, peace and prosperity and by the grace of God, be enabled to live under a constant impression of our obligations to Him, and by ordering our future conversation aright, prepared for such further needful blessings as it may please Him in His own due time to bestow upon us.

And I do earnestly recommend that all such labor and recreations as are not consistent with the solemnity of the occasion may be carefully suspended on the said day.

Given at the Council-Chamber, in Boston, the fifteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-four, and in the nineteenth year of the independence of the United States of America.

SAMUEL ADAMS.

Attest. JOHN AVERY, jun. Secretary.

God save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Proclamation – Thanksgiving Day – 1793, Pennsylvania

Thomas Mifflin (1744-1800) was born in Philadelphia. He graduated from the College of Philadelphia (the University of Pennsylvania today) and began a career in a counting house. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress from 1774-1775 and again in 1782-1784; he enlisted in the American army during the Revolution and was promoted up the ranks to Major General. Thomas Mifflin was serving as President under the Articles of Confederation when George Washington resigned his commission in December 1783. Mifflin was a signer of the United States Constitution in 1787. He served as governor of Pennsylvania from 1790-1799 and died early in 1800.

The following proclamation was issued by Thomas Mifflin on November 14, 1793 as governor of Pennsylvania for a day of Thanksgiving on December 12, 1793. The text and picture of this proclamation is taken from Dunlap’s American Daily Advertiser published on December 6, 1793.

Pennsylvania,
By THOMAS MIFFLIN,
Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
A PROCLAMATION,
Appointing a day of General Humiliation,
Thanksgiving and Prayer.

WHEREAS it hath pleased ALMIGHTY GOD to put an end to the grievous calamity, that recently afflicted the city of Philadelphia, and it is the duty of all, who are truly sensible of the Divine Justice and Mercy, to employ the earliest moments of returning health in devout expressions of penitence submission, and gratitude: THEREFORE I have deemed it proper to issue this Proclamation, hereby appointing THURSDAY, the Twelfth day of December next, to be holden, throughout the Commonwealth, as a DAY OF GENERAL HUMILIATION, THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER AND I earnestly exhort and entreat my Fellow-Citizens to abstain, on that day, from all their worldly avocations [hobbies], and to unite in confessing with contrite hearts, our manifold sins and transgressions; – in acknowledging, with thankful adoration, the mercy and goodness of the Supreme Ruler and Preserver of the universe, – more especially manifested in our late deliverance; – and in praying, with solemn zeal, that the same mighty power would be graciously pleased to instill into our minds just principles of our duty to Him, and to our fellow creatures; – to regulate and guide all our actions by his Holy Spirit; – to avert from all mankind the evils of War, Pestilence, and Famine; – and to bless and protect us in the enjoyment of Civil and Religious Liberty. AND all Officers of the Commonwealth, as well as all Pastors and Teachers are, also, particularly requested to make known the Proclamation, and, by their and advice, to recommend a punctual observance thereof within their respective jurisdictions and congregations; – so that the voice of the people, strengthened by it unanimity, and sanctified by sincerity, ascending to the throne of grace, may there find favour and acceptance.

GIVEN under my Hand and the great Seal of the State, at Philadelphia, this Fourteenth day of November, in the Year of our LORD, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-Three, and of the Independence of America the Eighteenth.

THOMAS MIFFLIN.

By the Governor,
A.J. DALLAS, Secretary of the Commonwealth

Proclamation – Thanksgiving Day – 1871

This it the text of President Ulysses S. Grant October 23, 1871 national Thanksgiving Proclamation; as printed in the Painesville Telegraph, November 2, 1871.

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Proclamation by the President
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The procession of the seasons has again enabled the husbandman to garner the fruits of successful toil. Industry has been generally well awarded. We are at peace with all nations, and tranquility, with few exceptions, prevails at home. Within the past year we have in the main been free from the ills which elsewhere have affected our kind.

If some of us have had calamities, there should be an occasion for sympathy with the sufferers, of resignation on their part to the will of the Most High, and of rejoicing to the many who have been more favored.

I therefore recommend that on Thursday, the 30th day of November next, the people meet in their respective places of worship, and there make the usual acknowledgments to Almighty God for the blessings he has conferred upon them; for their merciful exemption from evil, and invoke His protection and kindness for their less fortunate brethren whom, in His wisdom he has deemed it best to chastise.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington this twenty-eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and seventy one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-sixth.

By the President,
Ulysses S. Grant.

Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State

Proclamation – Thanksgiving Day – 1793, New Hampshire

This is the text of a proclamation by Josiah Bartlett (Signer of the Declaration of Independence), governor of New Hampshire, given on October 5, 1793. It declares November 21, 1793 to be a day of Public Thanksgiving. This proclamation was published in The Oracle of the Day on October 26, 1793.

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By His Excellency
Josiah Bartlett, Esquire,
Governor and Commander in Chief of the
State of New Hampshire.

A PROCLAMATION,
For A Public
THANKSGIVING.

 

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The many favors the inhabitants of this State have been made the subjects of in the court of the current year, call for a public return of sincerer gratitude and praise to that Being from whom all our mercies flow; – And the Legislature having appointed Thursday the Twenty First day of November next, to be observed as a day of public Thanksgiving throughout this State:

I have thought fit, by and with the advice of Council, to issue this Proclamation, exhorting the people of every denomination to dedicate said day to the duties of thanksgiving and praise, and to devote a reasonable part thereof in their respective places of public worship in a social manner, with grateful hearts and united voices in returning our most humble and hearty thanks to Almighty God for the unmerited favors He has been graciously pleased to confer upon us in the course of the present year now drawing to a close.

In a particular manner, that He was graciously pleased to appear for us in the course of the summer past when, by reason of a severe and early drought, the hope of the husbandman seemed likely to be cut off and we were threatened with a great and general scarcity of the necessary fruits and of the field, that in the midst of judgment He remembered mercy and by sending plentiful showers of rain, the decaying and almost dying fruits of the earth were greatly revived; and that He has been pleased so to order the latter part of the season, that we are still blessed with a competent supply of the most of the necessary fruits of the field.

That He had been pleased to continue to us the inestimable blessings of civil and religious liberty.

That notwithstanding the tumults and confusions of the contending nations, we still enjoy the blessing of peace and good government.

That we have been favored with a general measure of health, and that no waiting and pestilential disease has been suffered to prevail among us.

And together with our thanksgiving, let us entreat the Father of Mercies, to continue us the blessings we now enjoy, and bestow upon us all further needed favors.

That it would please Him still to have these United States under His Holy protection and guidance – that He would inspire those who have the management of all our public affairs with all that wisdom, prudence and integrity that is necessary to the faithful discharge of their important trusts, that all their determinations may tend to promote the real happiness and prosperity of this great and rising Republic, and that all people may be disposed to afflict in carrying such determinations into effect.

That it would please God to over-rule the tumults and confusions among the nations, in such a manner as shall subserve to His own Glory and the best good and happiness of mankind, and that in His own due time, He would calm the angry passions of the contending nations and say to them, peace, be still.

That God would be pleased to look down with an eye of compassion upon the whole human race, and dispel those clouds of ignorance, superstition and bigotry that overspread so great a part of the world, and that the knowledge of and reverential love and regard to the One God and Father, of all, and a true benevolence and good will to their fellow men, may pervade the hearts, and influence the lives of all mankind, and all Nations, Languages and Tongues be brought to join in singing, Glory to God in the highest, on Earth Peace and good will to men.

 

It is recommended and expected, that all persons abstain from all servile labor and such recreations as are unbecoming the solemnity of said day.

Given at the Council Chamber in Exeter, the Fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, seven hundred and ninety three and of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United states of America the Eighteenth.

 

 

Josiah Bartlett.

By His Excellency’s command,
with the advice of Council,
JOSEPH PEARSON, Sec’ry.

Proclamation – Thanksgiving – 1866

Samuel Cony held the office of the Governor of Maine from 1864-1867.He was a graduate of Brown university where he studied law. He held various offices including legislator, judge and Land Agent of the State followed by election as State Treasurer and Mayor of Augusta. His two elections as Governor were won by large majorities. Cony died on October 5, 1870.

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State of Maine

By The Governor

A Proclamation

For A Day Of

Public Thanksgiving and Praise

In obedience to that usage having its origin in a profound sense of obligation and gratitude to the All Wise Power of human events, and hallowed by the most cherished associations, I do, by the advice of the Executive Council, appoint

Thursday, the Twenty-Ninth Day of November
to be observed by the citizens of this State as a day of Public Thanksgiving and Praise to him for the blessings we have enjoyed during the year that is now hastening to its close.

The continuance of peace in our country while other nations have been afflicted with war; the exemption of our State from that fearful pestilence which have desolated other lands: the bountiful harvests which have crowned the labors of the husbandman, furnishing ample supplies of food for or people, banishing even the apprehension of famine, the cries of which are heard coming up from remote portions of the earth; the great prosperity attending all the varied pursuits of life; the rapid recovery of our country from the wounds of a frightful civil war; the continuance of the blessings of education and the freedom of religious worship; and the manifest purpose of the people this country under sore disappointment that manhood of every complexion and clime shall be recognized within its domain, and impartial justice assured to all, are pregnant causes for thanks and praise.

I therefore invite the citizens of this State to unite according to the custom of our fathers with prayer and anthem to commemorate the return of this festival day, remembering from their abundance the poor and distressed in our midst, to invoke the continuance of Divine Favor and the pardon of our transgressions through the grace of our Lord and Saviour.

Given at the Council Chamber at Augusta, this twenty-ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-first.
 

SAMUEL CONY.

By His Excellency The Governor,

EPHRAIM FLINT, Secretary of State.

Proclamation – Thanksgiving Day – 1792, Massachusetts

This proclamation was issued by Massachusetts Governor, John Hancock on October 25, 1792. It was proclaiming a day of Thanksgiving and Praise for November 29, 1792 as printed in the Columbian Centinel.

Commonwealth of MASSACHUSETTS.
By His Excellency
John Hancock, Esq.
GOVERNOR of the Commonwealth of MASSACHUSETTS.

A PROCLAMATION for a Day of PUBLIC THANKSGIVING.
proclamation-thanksgiving-day-1792-massachusetts-1WHEREAS it is the indispensable duty of all Men to acknowledge Almighty GOD as the fountain of mercies, and the giver of every good gift; and it becomes us at the close of the year, to unite in rendering thanks to Him for the bounties of his Providence conferred upon us as a people.

I HAVE therefore thought fit, by the advice and consent of the Council, to appoint THURSDAY, the Twenty-Ninth day of November next, to be observed as a Day of Public THANKSGIVING and PRAISE throughout this Commonwealth:—Calling upon Ministers and people of every religious denomination, to assemble on the same day, and solemnly commemorate the many undeserved mercies and favors, which it hath pleased our divine and gracious benefactor to bestow upon us;—Particularly that He hath favored us with so great a measure of health; and notwithstanding in His righteous providence, He hath permitted an infectious and malignant distemper to prevail in the capital, and other towns, yet in judgment He hath remembered mercy for us, beyond what our sins have deserved; the lives of by far the greater number of those who have been visited with the distemper, having been spared and their health restored:—That He hath caused the earth to yield its increase, sufficient for the supply of the necessaries and conveniences of life: To prosper our merchandise and fishery; and to continue to us our invaluable civil and religious rights and liberties.
proclamation-thanksgiving-day-1792-massachusetts-2And, together with our sincere and pious acknowledgments, I do earnestly recommend, the penitent confession of our sins; amendment of our hearts and lives, and humble supplication to GOD, for His further aid, protection and blessing:—That He would especially be pleased to endue the administrators of the federal constitution, and of this, and the other States in the Union, with sound wisdom and understanding; the fear of GOD, and love of their country, and a single aim to preserve and promote the liberty, prosperity and happiness of the people: And that He would grant to all, a spirit of truth, and discernment; a due regard to every wise administration, and to the importance of internal peace and Union:—To afford His further smiles on our agriculture, fisheries, commerce, and all the labor of our hands;—To guide and direct the University, and all schools and seminaries of learning, so that our children and youth, by a wholesome education, may be deeply impressed with the principles of true religion, and solid virtue.—That He would be pleased to afford His almighty aid to all people, and more especially the French Nation, who are virtuously struggling for their just and equal rights. And finally, that He would be pleased to overrule the commotions and confusions that are in the earth, to the speedy downfall of tyranny and oppression, so that the kingdom of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST may be established in Peace and Righteousness, among all the Nations of the Earth.

And I do also earnestly recommend to the good people of this commonwealth, to abstain from all servile labor and recreation, inconsistent with the solemnity of the said Day.

GIVEN at the Council-Chamber, in Boston, the Twenty-Fifth Day of October, in the Year of our Lord, One Thousand seven Hundred and Ninety-Two, and in the seventeenth Year of the Independence of the United States of AMERICA.

JOHN HANCOCK.

By His Excellency’s Command,
JOHN AVERY, jun. Secretary.