The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1864-03-28
FASTING AND PRA YRR.

DROCLAmATfON BY THE PRESIDENT
Of the Confederate States of AmerisA.-The
Senate and House OF Representatives Of the Con
fede5ate States Of America have sienified their
desire that day may be recommended to the peo.
Pile, TO be set apart and observed az a day OF hu-
initiation, h:tine, and prayer, in ths language fol
lowing, to wit:
''Rsverently recognizing the Providence of God
In the aflain Of man, and gratefully remembering
the guidance, support and deliverance granted to
our Patriot Fathers in the memorable war which
resulted In the Independence Of the American Col.
onies, and now rep0sing In Him our supreme con-
fdence and hope In the present struggle for Civil
and Religious Freedom, and for the right TO live
under Government Of our own choice and deep
Iy Impressed with the conviction that without Him
nothing II strong, nothing wise, and nothing en-
during In order that the people ofthis Confederacy
may nave the opportunity at the same time of Of
tsrng their alteration to the great Sovereign of the
Universe, Of penitently confsssing their sins and
strengthening their vows and purposes of amend
ment In humble reliance upon His Gracious and
Almighty power:
"1hs Congress Of he Confederate States do reso,ue,
Ihat It be recommended TO the people of these
states that Friday, the 9Th day CT April next, be
SET apart and observed as day Of Humiliation,
preside over our public counses sed authorities,
that He would 80 inspire our armies and their
leaders with wisdom, courage and perseverance,
and so manifest Himself in the greatness of His
goodness and majesty of His power, that we may
be safely and successfully led through the chas,en
ing to which we are being subjected TO the attain
ment OF an honorable peace, so that while we en-
Joy tne blessings OF free and happy Government,
We may aseribe to Him the honor and the glory OF
our independence and prosperity"
accommodation SO cOngenial to the feelings of
The people Will receive their hearty concurrence
and il is grateful duty TO the Executive 10 unite
with their representatives In inviting them TO meet
In the Courts OF the Most High. Recent events
awaken fresh gratitude to the Supreme Ruler of
nations. Our enemies have suffered repeated de-
teats, and netaTious scheme to burn and plunder
desfrOV ~ mi
by putting to death the chosen servants of the pe0-
pia, has been bafed and set at naught. Our armies
nave been strengthened; our finances promise ra-
pid progress to satisfactory condition, and our
whole country 10 animated with hopeful spirit
and fixed determination to achieve independence
In these circumstances 1t becomes US, with thank
u hearts, to bow ourselves before the throne OF the
Most High, and while gratefully acknowledging so
many nerces confess that our sins rs people have
justly exposed Qs 70 His chastisement. Let us re
cognise the suierings which we have been called
apon to endure, as administered by fatherly hand
for our improvement and with resoiute courage and
patient endurance let wait On Him for our deliver.
ance.
In furtherance Of tbese objects, now, therefore,
JkErEssoH DAVIS, President OF. the Confederate
States Of America, do issus this my Proclamation,
oaioS upon the pcopb vi the said States Ia confer
nifty With the desire expressed by their representa-
ives, 70 set apart FRIDAY, the Sth day Of April, ss
Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer, and l do
hereby invite them en- that day 10 repair 10 their
several places Of public worship and beeeech Al.
mighty God 10 'preside over cur public couusels
and so Inspire Our armies and leaders with wisdom
courage, and perseverance; and 30 TO manifest Him.
self IN the greatness OF His goodness and in the ma
cssy OF His power that we may secure the blessings
Of an honorable peace and of free government; and
that we, az people. may secribe all to the honor
and glory of His namen
-, Givsn under my hand and the seal of the
SEAL Confederate States Of America, at the city
sO~' Ct Richmond, on this l2.h day Of March, ,
IN the year Of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and sky -four. JEFFERSON DAVIS.
By the President
J. P. RxEJAA1a,
nh l4-dtd Secretary of State