The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-11-29
THE FESTIVAL or THANKSGIVING.


Our grim Puritan fathers with all their sour piety ana
achrymose godness, have handed us down tew rc"ly
agreeable customs and that OF Thanksgiving must ever
stand foremost among Them The origin oil the custom
has been frequently explained in these columns thai
We will spare our readers the agony OF entering INTO
rehash this blessed year of our independence II WIN
suffice for all purposes state that ever since the nst
year Of the landing Of the Pilgrim fathers on the shores
Of America the ceremony OF setting apart day in par
cuar out of three hundred and sixty five for thanks
giving prayer has been relgously observed in this
country 1t is that in former times the custom did
partako much of festive character it does
But like everything else time has modified ii exten.
svely, until at the present day Thanksgiving is justly
regarded as day. not only of prayer the Almighty for
manifold blessings, but also day OF innocent pastime
and joacation.
Perhaps, since the first celebration Of the CUSTOM
day OF Thanksgiving observed with more gene
raj accord than yesterday The people seemed to appre
ciae the pecuarties Of the OCCASION and entered into
the spirit OF it with heartness and zeal altogether be
yond what has been exhibited for years. The people,
who are not politicians plenty to be grateful for,
and practically illustrated their belief by ndulgng very
generously in the good things of this life well as by
attending the religious services al the various churches
The usual amount OF fat turkey back ducks roast
beef plum pudding other agreeable articles Of fare
was demolished, and is pleasant know that in the
midst OF the general rejoicing the poor were rot forgot
ten by the favored AL the various public insttu
tions bountifu repasts supplied, OF which the in
mates partook with that relish which only be known
to those habitualy deprived OF such luxuries.
The churches crowded with fashionable congega
ticns and the clergy rule treated their admirers to
sermons OF national Union and conservative character
while few OF the incorrible fanatical pastors INDUCED
IN the customary rabid abolition harangues which have
been such fruitful Of mischief to the country
We do not give any of the sermons this year. for the
reason explained in yesterday ISSUE that those who
md interest the discourses have doubtless gone
the various churches and drunk the eloquence Of the
parsons with their
One species Of isement always popular before on
Thanksgiving day was missed this year-that is, the
target EXCURSIONS. Only about half dozen companies,
composed principally Of Juveniles turned out The fact
Is easily explained by the absence OF who for
merly delighted that kind of military display at the
seat OF war, engaged in the earnest and serious
business OF firing At human targets and fighting the
battles OF their country Two three companies passed
our Office during the day and among them should DO
mentioned No. Hose Company, Captain Coulter COM
manding, which made an excellent display.
The Trinity chimes rung by Mr.. Aylette, from
half past till eleven O'Clock in the morning
The theatres well filed, morning, afternoon and
evening.
THANKSGIVING DAY AT THE MILITARY AND NAVAL
STATIONS.
Yesterday generally observed a holiday at the
military and naval posts in this locality The Brooklyn
Navy Yard closed Work on Governors Island was
suspended far practicable. The usual guard duty
Of course performed there and also at Fort Haml-
nor fatigue duty. There divine service at the Epis
copal church (St Cornelus) Governors Island and
appropriate preached by the Chaplain Dr. Nc
Wicker The regular recruiting Offices in the city closed
the only exception being No 9S Chatham street where the
recruiting flags and banners displayed usua and
the in uniform. The Medical Purveyng depot in
Grand closed there being pressing orders
for the supply OF medical stores.