The daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1863-1864, 1863-10-05

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Is OF AMERICA.

/ tffr r.ra. Of An khlCA. 80. Z
The wear that is drawing towards If:
close has been filled with the blessings O
| fruitful fields and healthful skies. Tothest
bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed
that VIC are prone to forget the source from
which they come; others have been added
which are of so extraordinary a nature
that they cannot fail to penetrate and sof-
ten even the heart which is habitually in
sensible to the ever watchlul providence Of
Almighty God. In the midst OF a civil war
of unequal magnitude and severity, which
sometimes seemed to invite and provoke
the aggressions of foreign States, peace has
been preserved with all nations. Order has
been maintained, the laws have been res
pected and obeyed and harmony has pre-
vailed everywhere, except in the theatre OF
military conflict while that theatre has
been greatly contracted by the advancing
armies and navies of the Union.
The needful diversions of wealth and
strength from the fields of peaceful indus
try to the national defense have not are
ed the plow, the shuttle or the ship. The
axe has enlarged the borders of our settle
ments, and the mines as well of iron and
coal as the precious metals have yielded
even more abundantly than heretofore
Population has steadily increased notwith-
standing the waste that has been made in
the camp, the siege and battlefield, and the
rejoicing in the consciousness OF
augmented strength and vigor is permitted
TO expect the continuance Of years with
arge increase of freedom. No human
counsel hath devisedly nor hath any motal
land worked out these great things. They
ire the gracious gifts of the most High
tod, who while dealing with US in anger
or or sins hath nevertheless remembered
mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper |
hat they should be solemnly, reverently /
md gratefully acknowledged az with one
leart and voice by the whole American
,e ople. do therefore invite my fellow
tizens in every part of the United States,
nd also those who are at sea and those who
re sojourning in foreign lands to set apart
nd observe the last Thursday of November
ext as day of Thanksgiving and Prayer
0 our benificient Father who dwelleth in
he Heavens, and | recommend to
benz that while Offering up the
Justly due to him for such
ingular deliverances and blessings they
o also with humble penitence for our ma
onal perverseness aud disobedience com
lend to His tender care, all shose who have
ecome widows, orphans or sufferers in the
.mentable civil strife in which we are I'M
vol iaby engaged; and fervently implore
be iuterposition of the Almighty hand to
cal the wounds Of the nation, aud to restore
as soon as it may be consistent with the
wine purposes; to the full enjoyment OF
eace, harmony, tranquility and union.
Tn testimony whereof, | have hereunto
1t my hand, and caused the seal of the
-nited States to be affixed.
Done at tho city Of Washington; this the
1ird day of October, in the year OF our
ord one thousand eight hundred and sixty
Tree, and of the independence of the Uni
ed States the 88th.
Signed by the President: o
A. LINCOLN.
W IT SEWARD. Sec'y of State.