Blackfoot news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1891-1902, 1893-11-18
The First Thanksgiving, 1882.

In the year 1867 the appearance OF
Boston was very different from what
it is at the present day. There was
the harbor formed BY the same PENN
spla, ami stretching away beyond the
ever restless ocean. 1t was Eow mid
,Eintel. The crops Of the previous
year had been blasted and the snip.
which was expected to bring supplies
from Europe had failed to arrive Day
after day the prospects Of famine be
came more apparent, One scant meal
a day was all that could be afforded.
One bright afternoon in February,
Gov Winthrop walked forth to call
on some Of bis people. He came snd-
denly upon a ehild weeping bitterly.
what is the matter my chiId?" he
asked.
oh! am 50 hungry, was the re
ply
just then voice called
"Come in my dear"
He looked and saw a wan, emacia-
ted, sad-faced woman. His pity was
deeply stirred, but lie continued his
walk, and soon met several men of
good sense, energy and piety. They
grasped hands without the cheerful
customary salutations.
Il have started out said the Gov
ernor TO see if we can devise any plan
for the relief of the starving colony"
THAT is just what we are doing,
LEI US get Parson Millbrook and con-
suit together.
After some dellbeFation hunting
expedition, though fraught with dan
ger, seemed to be the only mode they
could attempt.
'.Syho viii go? Who will volunteer?
We compel no one said the Governor
Il will go" said firm voice, and
an old man who had been active in
instigating the immigration arose to
his feet God viii be with me, and
perhaps give me something to bring
back to you. If not, | can lie down
and die in the forest peacefully as l
could here.
Instantly score of voices exclaim-
ed, we will go with you.
They decided to hold day of fast
ing and prayer, looking to Him who
taught them to ask for daily bread.
This was to occur on the morrow, and
the meeting broke up
Morning again dawned upon Bos-
ton. John Mason, the leading volun.
teer of the previous day, walked out
into the open air, turned toward the
ocean. Quickly his eyes dilated, his
cheeks glowed. The next moment he
shouted
1.-THE ship is comingl The ship is
coming! Far away on the rolling bill
lows was the ship so ardently longed
for, plainly visible. He ran through
the streets, stopping at every house,
shouting. the ship is coming, the ship
is coming"
Men women and children rushed
into the streets, clappiug their hands
with JOY. Tears too were there, joy.
full tears. and praise and prayer trem.
bIed on the lips Of the fast gathering
crowd.
They hasten to the Governor to ap-
prise him Of the glad news. Faster
and faster beat their hearts as the ship
neared the landing. 1t brings life.
That night, for che first time IN many
months, the settlers sat down to a
well spread table. Angels must have
looked down on the scene and rejoic
ed also.
The Governor announced a new
proclamation Instead Of a day Of
fasting, day Of thanksgiving was
recommended The people ioyfully
pcceded. All assembled at the ap.
pointed hour. The minister read the
103d Psalm, beginning thus
"Bless the Lord, ., my soul, and
forget not all his benefits"
During the sermon flowing tears of
gratitude fell from every eye. Thus
was kept the first New England