Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1864-03-18
PROCLAMATION
~ THE PRESIDENT OF THE CON.
EEDERATE STATEs.

IROCLA M A1ION
~ THE PRESIDENT oF THE CON-
EEDERATE STATES.
The Senate and House Of Representa-,
lives Of tho Confederate States OF America
have signifed tI.eir desire thas day may
be recommended to the people, to be set
apart and observed as day of humiliation,
fasting aid prayer. in the language follow
ing. TO wit:
Heverently recognizing the Providence
Of God in the affairs of man, and gratefully
remembering the guidance. support and Be-
!iySfance graf.ted TO eur Patriot Fathers iH
the memorable var which resulted IN the
dependence 81 the American Colonies,
and now raposipg in Hin onr supreme co;,-
fiience and hope in the present struggle For
Civil aud Religions Freedom, ard for the
right to live under Governments Of our
Owl choice md s'epply impressed with the
conviction That without Him nothing Is
strong. nothing wise and nothing endu-
ring; in order that the people Of .llis Con
federacy may hags tie opportunity at the
same time, Of cfFering their alteration 10 the
great Sovereign OF the Universe. Of pcni-
/ tensly confessing their sins aud stresglhen-
ing their vows and purposes ct amendment
in humble relianea upon His Gracious md
Almighty power:
"The Congress Of the Confederate States
Of America do resolve, That it be recon-
meaded to the people of these States. that
! FRIDAY, the Sth day OF April next, be
set apart and observed as a day Of Uunil-
iation, Fasting and Prayer, that Almighty
| Coo would SO preside over our public coun-
| sells and authorities; hat He would inspire
our armies and their leaders with wisdom,
courage and perseverance and so manifest
/ II ilnself III the greatness of His goodness
and majesty of His power, that We may be
safely and successfully led through the
Christening TO which We are being subjected,
20 the attainment of an honorable peace !;
SO that while We enjoy the blessings Of q
free and happy Government, We may as
scribe to Him the honor aDd the glory Of our
independents and prosperity"
A recommendation so congenial to the
feelings of the people will receive tier
hearty concurrence and it is q grateful
duty to the Executive to unite with their
representatives. in inviting them to meet in
the Courts Of the Most High Recent
events awaken fsesh gratitude to the Su-
preme Ruler of nations. Our enemies have
suffered repeated defeats, and u nefarious
scheme to burn and pIundes our Capital.
and to destroy our civil Government by
putting to death the chosen servants Of the
people, has been baff1ed and set at naught.
Our armies have been strengthened; cur
finances promise rapid progress to salts
factory condition; and our whole country
is animated with hopeful spirit and fixed
Decentralization to achieve Independence.
La these circumstances it becomes US.
with thankful hearts, to bow ourselves b. :
fore the throne of the Most High, and,
while gratefully acknowledging so many
mercies. confess that our 4;ins as q people
have justly exposed US to Ills chastisement.
Let US recognize the suferings which we
have been called upon to endure, admins
tered by a fatherly hand for our improve
ment, ina, with resolute courage and pa
tient endurance, let US wait Oh Him for our
deliverance.
In furtherancc of these objects. now,
Therefore, | JEFFERSON DAVIS, Pres.
dent of the Confederate States of America,
do issue this my Proclamation, calling ups
on the people of the said States, in con-
formity with the desire to be expressed by
their representatives. to set apart FRIDAY,
the Sth day of April, as Gay of Humilia-
ton, Fasting and Prayer, and I do hereby
invite them on that day to repair to their
several places Of public worship and beseech
Almighty God 'to preside over our public
connsels, and SO inspire our armies aud
leaders with wisdom courage and perseye-
renee; and so to manifest Himself in the
greatness Of his goodness. and in the ma
iesty Of His power that We may secure the
BLESSINGS of an honorable peace, and of free
government; and that we, as people. may
ascrbe all to the Honor and Glory of His
game"
~ Given under my hand and the
seal of the Confederate States
| SEAL of America, at the city Of Rich-
~ moad, OF this ) 18th day q
March, in the year of Our Lord one thou-
sand eight hundred and sixty-four.
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
By the President:
). P. BENJAMIN,
Secretary Of Staet.
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Lieut. Gen. Holmes and staff are soon to
Il