Sioux City register. [volume] (Sioux City, Iowa) 1858-1871, 1861-11-30
PROCLAIM 4 tiOn.-TO the People 81
Dakota Territory.

Ever fleeing time has brought us to the close OF
another Autumn, the first in our Territorial exis-
tence The first harvest Is now ended, and we have
gathered into granaries the products Of the sea-
son--the results of our toil-which are to give us
subsistence through the approaching winter We
can sit down by the iresde in our rude cabins,
and rejoice together the bright prospects which
await us, conscious that for time at lea 1t, neither
hunger, nor want will creep in upon us.
But few months ago, Congress, wishing to give
protection to the settlers ON this frontier so as to
enable them make for themselves homes in tins
far distant land, and wishing to invite emigration
hitherward, established this vast and fertile
Territory form of Government similar to that OF
the older States which we have but recently left,
form of government which gives the utmost ire
dom, compatible with security aud protection.
And it becomes Us, who have decided to make our
future homes in this land, lying beyond the boun-
Diary of civilization having tasted the blessings OF
free aud prosperous government, and having real
lied the benefits of well reg ulated institutions and
customs, to rv-sstablish the same, now, while we
commence to lay the foundation of a now State,
wherein we and children and those who are to
ollow us are TO live. And while il is our duty to
found institutions of learning and religion, ii Is
highly proper that we should adopt the customs Of
our fathers which have been observed since the ear
" settlement of country, and among those Gus
toms there il none around whch dwell such happy
associations AMI back to which we look with fonder
memories than hat long established and universally
observed custom of celebrating the return of each
successive harvest in a day Of Thanksgiving and
prayer. And since this has been d source OF so
much happiness in other parts of our country,
would recommend that it lie adopted in this Terri
tory in its ucipiency, hoping it may continue until
It shall become prosperous and populous state.
Though we are not surrounded with that attiuence
and splendor which are to be found in the Eastern
States, yet, real enjoyment is nowhere TO he found
more than in the humble cabin of the pioneer
There is neither in poverty, in oaS pfiSstion
in the times anything TO forbid the observance
of day of Thanksgiving Though our country is
struggling to maintain intact her institutions
against the attacks of traitorous and wicked pco-
pie; though national prosperity may seem to be
stayed and our national existence a question tho
the gloomy shade OF death seems to he lowering
over many of our friends on battle felds-made
glorious by courage and devotion to principle, yet
We recog nze in al this the hand of justsce raised
over US and in all but the result of our evil pas
sions feel conscious that, after our country shall
have received her just punishment, we as nation,
will become stronger and bctter-ard through the
guidance of mercinl Ruler, having passed through
suffering and humiliation tc Us hitherto unknown,
We shall rise to a higher position of greatness
among the nations of the world.
At no time have seen greater cause for render
ing thanks to Him who controls the seasons than
at present, for while lie is leading us through afiic-
ton He has through the country given Us boun-
tiful harvests, and enjoying our usual pres
crept in upon us labor in the field has been re-
warded with abundant harvest; crime has been
almost unknown; good order has prevailed; our
settlements have increased, and We have especial
cause for Thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God
In view of these many blessings enjoyed by Us,
let US bow in humble reverence before Him from
whom these blessings have come, and Offer our ack-
nowledgmeats, asking Him to continue Us in our
prospc ritz Therefore, III order that We may ex.
press our <. attitude and in conformity to custom
cherished by us all, l, JoBN HuTcHINsoN, Secretary
and Acting Governor Of the erritory of Dakota
do hereby a ppoint THURSDAY, the 9th day of Dc.
cember next n day Of Thanks giving, Prayer and
praise to Almighty Col, to b. observed throughout
the Territory. And lay ing rsde your daily labor
would ask you to give due observance to the day by
attending divine worship at such places may b.
held-and I shall expect good order to presGi
Throughout. tie Teraitory on that day.
JOHN HUTCHINSON,
Secretary and Acting Governor.
YANKTos, d. T, November 26 1861.