Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1864-11-29
WAsHIEGToN, D. O.,
Nnvarnhar 0h 1RRl


DEAR LEADER: Thanksgiving Day in
Washington met with very general obser-
vstion, end was marked by an entire ces-
sstion of business and by interesting serv-
ces in the churches. The various depart
ments were closed, and no government bu-
siness was transacted except suoh as was
absolutely necessary for the public welfare.
It was glad day at the hospitals, and no
sick or wounded soldier in them all failed
to get his Thanksgiving dinner All hon
or to the noble States of Ohio, New York,
Massachusetts,, for the patriotic iberality
Of her citizens, SO prominently displayed
in furnishing to our brave boys, in camp
and hospital, the festivities of home.
This reverence for Thanksgiving Day,
ike genial glory of New England and her
sons and daughters everywhere, is a new
thing in this Capitol. Mr.. Lincoln is the
first President who ever made a Thanks
giving proclamation. Before his day, the
poultry tribe fourished here throughout
the month of November, and Washing
tonisns and their turkey strutted the
streets, upon the great anniversary, in
profound contempt of the Pilgrim Fathers.
But now all this is changed. The Pilgrim
Fathers are in good repuUe in the best soci-
ETY., and gallinaceous life is considered
precarious. Not all Washington, howey-
er was festive upon the oath Of November
It is well known thst Wednesday, the 18th
inst, being the day appointed by Jefferson
Davis for Thanksgiving in the rebel States,
was enthusiastically celebrated in certain
circles in this city and Baltimore, instead
of the day set apart by the President
while such exhibitions of sympathy with
treason are passed by by the Government
in silence, let its enemies not prate about
aarbitrary arrests" 1t the friends of the
rebellion can derive any hope or comfort
from the present state of affairs. let them
enjoy the pitiful delusion. The Govern
ment can afford to indulge their folly so
long as it proceeds no further than the dis
cussion of viands and the drinking of
champagne.
The President and Mrs. Lincoln attend
ed Thanksgiving services at the New York
Avenue Presbyterian church, their Gus
tomary place of worship. An ELOQUENT
and able discourse was delivered bv the
pastor, the Rev. DR.. Gurley. An exceed
ing appropriate and patriotic sermon was
preached by the Rev. T. R. HoWlett at the
Calvary Baptist church. This gentleman
is well known in Cleveland, and his friends
there will be glad to hear Of his popularity
and success in this city. The church with
which he is connected, has been greatly
prospered under his care, and he is eminent
among the clergy of the city, not only for
his ability SIS preacher, but also for his
outspoken loyalty to the Government and
to free principles. Several of the leading
Washington divines are known to be
strongly Southern in their sympsthies.
The city is full Of rumors as to changes
in the Cabinet and new lists of its mem
bers thst are to be, are reported every day.
It is now supposed that no changes will be
made till after the meeting of Congress, in
order that all the Secretaries may have
time to prepare their annual reports to
that body.
Members are coming In rapidly, and as
the approaching session must of necessity
be short, it will doubtless be corresponding
lively and interesting.
n B. Spelman, ESQ., of Cleveland, is
stopping at the National Hotel.
The weather here is clear, cold and
beautiful. CoLUlBn.