Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1863-11-21
proclama alton by tho Governor Of Washing.
ton Territory. ~.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, }


Olympia. w. r.,
Nov. 9th. 1868.
r, me People Of Washington Territovy:-
The following Thanksgiving Proclamation
s. President Lincoln, dated Oct. Sd, ap-
no;n,s the last Thursday in November.
I,sGa TO be observed throughout the United
Mates as day of Thanksgiving and prayer
to Almighty God.
Therefore, l respectfully hope the said
Thursday, the goth day Of November will
he universally observed as day Of Thanks
living and prayer by the whole population
ef Washington Territory. and trust that all
ths ministers, teachers and preachers of the
Gosuel, of every protesting Christian denom-
nation, will hold religious meetings on that
law. in all their Churches, or other places
where they usually hold Divine services
WILLIAM PICKERING,
Governor of w. Il.
PRESIDENTS PROCLAMATION.
The year that is drawing to its close has
b,rn filled with the blessings of fruitful fields
and healthful skies to these boumties, which
are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone
to forget the source from which they come,
others have been added which are of so ex-
,ram,linary nature that they cannct fail to
ncnetrate and soften the heart which is ha-
L;,ually irscnsiblc to the ever watchful PROV
;I.nce of Almighty God. In the midst of a
civa war of unrqualed magnitude and sever
;ty, which, has sometimes seemed to invite
md oroyoke the aggression of foreign States,
rr,ce has been preserved with all nations
rrd.r has been maintained, the laws have
b..n respected and obeyed, and harmony has
nreyailed everywhere except i'll the theatre
Of military conflict while that theatre has
been contracted by the advancing armies and
navies of the Union.
The needful diversion of wealth and
strength from the fields of peaceful industry
TO the national defense has not arrested the
plow the shuttle or ship-;he axe has en-
iarged the borders Of our settlements, and
the mines, as well of iron and coal, as the
precious metals. have yielded more abund-
antly than heretofore. Population has stead
ily increased, wi,llsanding the waste that
has been made in the camp, the siege and
the battlefield, and the country is rejoicing
in consciousness of augmented strength and
yicor-is permitted to expect a continuance
of years, with large increase of freedom.
No human council hath devised, nor hath
any mortal hand worked out, these great
things. They are the precious gifts of the
Most High God. who, while dealing us i'll
anger for our sins, has nevertheless rcmem-
bercd mercy.
1t hath seemed to me fit and proper that
they should be solemnly and rcverrntially,
and gratefully acknowledged. as with one
heart and voice by the whole American pco-
pie.
| do therefore invite my frllow.cilzcns in
every part Of the United States, also those
who are at sen. and those who are oj'urninc
in foreign lands, to set Apart and observe tl:t
last Thursday in November next, as day
Of thanksgiving and payer TO our benctic"n
Father who dwrlle,h in the heavens; and
recommend tn them. while offering up the as
crip.ions Justly due to Him for such singula,
drlivcrcaces IN blessings, they do also, with
humble pent-ncr for our National prrvrrse
ness ana disohrlitnce, commend to His ten
der care all those who have become widows
and orphans, or sufferers, in the lamcutabl,
strife in which we are unavoidahly engaged
aud frrvrntly implorr the interposition of thu
Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nj
ton, aud to restore it, as soon rs may be con
sistent with Divine purposes, TO the full On
.joymrut Of peace, harmony, tranquility ant
Union.
In testimony, whereof, have hereunto SCI
my hand and caused tho seal Of the Untet
States to be affixed.
Done at the city Of Washington, this
third day of October in the year Of ou
lord, 1868, and of the independence Of til.
United States, the eiglty-eighth (8Sh.)
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
BY the President:
w. II. SEWARD, Secretary of State.
r