Delaware State journal and statesman., 1863-10-06
a Proclamation by P ssi ipuy Il I.o Il
By The President ofb.i ef,t H. -r

a Reclamation by ssiiuu. Il - a
by The Pys5idsat ofh-i efN -e'.
A PROCLAuA-.. ~.
The year tia, is drawing towards its close has
been filled with the blessings Of fruitful fields
and healthful skies. To these bounties, which
are 80 constantly enjoyed that We are prone to
forget the Source from which they come, others
have been added, which aro Of such an extra
ordinary nature that they cannot fail to pene-
trate and soften the heart, which is hahitually
insensihle to the ever watchful providence Of
Alnighty God.
In the midst OF civil war of unequalled
magnitude ani severity, which has sometimes
seemed to IrlVoke the aggression Of foreign
States, peace has been preserved with all natons,
order has been maintained, the laws have been
respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevail
ed everywhere except in the theatre OF military
conflict, while that theatre has been greatly CON
iraoted by the advancing armies and navies Of
the Union.
Neeliu diversions Of wealth and of strength
from the fields OF peaceful labor to the National
defence have not arrested the pillow, the shuttle
o. the ship. The axe has enlarged the borders
Of our settlements, and tue mines are full .; iron
aud coal aud OF the precious metals, and have
yielded even more abundautly than heretofore.
Population has steadily increased notWith-
stlndiug the waste that has been made in the
country, rejoicing IN the consciousness Of aug
niented strength and yigOr, is permitted to ex-
pect continuance Of years, with large increase
Of freedom
No human council hath devised, nor hath any
mortal hand worked cut these great things.
They are the gracious gifts Of the Most High
God, who, while dealing with us IN anger for
our sins, hns, nevertheless remembered mercy.
1t has seemed to me fit and proper that they
shuull he sulemnly, revorcntly and gratefully
acknowledged by the whole American people.
do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens iu
every part OF the United States, md also those wbt
are at a. and those who are sojoucning ia forpig
countries, to set apart aud observe the hs
Thursday Of November next as day Of thanks
givlug and prayer aud praise to our beuehceu
Father, who dweeth in the heavens and re-
commend that, whic offering up the Inscriptions
justly due To linn Tor such singular de,erauce
and blessings they do also, with humble peni-
tence for our perverseDess and disoheiience
commend to His tender cares all those who hay
become widows, orphans, mouruers and suffer
! ers in the lameutahle civil strife in which we ar
unavoidably engaged, aud teryenuy implore III
,, utrrposltou Of the Almighty hand to heal tn
wcunds Of the nation. and To restore it, as sou
, rs may be consistent with the Divine purposes
10 the full enjoyment If peace, harmony, trau
guilty and union.
In testimony whereof have hereuuto set m
, hnni aud caused the seal Of the Uuiteu States I
J. be affixed
ID Done ut the city of Washington, this 3 day
October, IN the year of our Lord one thou san
= eight hundred aud sixty three, and of the iulg
. prndenco of the United States the dtht- eight
y , iiy the President, ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
" WM. II. shwARp, Secretary oi Stale.