Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1905-11-30
sHEpHERDsTOWN w. VA. THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 80 1905.
The First Thanksgiving Proclamation.

The First Thanksgiving Proclamation.
The first national observance of the
day followed the proclamation Of Pres
ident George Washington. issued in
January, 1895. 1t will be read with
interest, as it was the first real "crow
that our forefatheIs permitted them
selves after the stirring times of the
Revolution. 1t was as follows:
when we review the calsmities
which afflict so many other nations,
the present condition of the United
States affords much matter of conso-
lation and satisfaction. Our exemp-
tion hitherto from foreign war, ali iu-
creasing prospect of the continuance
of that exemption, the great degree
of internal tranquility by the sup
preston of An insurrection. which so
wantonly threatened it. the happy
course ofour public affairs IN general,
the une1smpled prosperity Of all class
es of our citizens, are circumstances
which particularly mark our situation
with the indications of the Divine be-
ne6cence toward Us. Insuch a state
of things it is an especial manner our
duty as people, with devout rever-
ence and afectionate gratitude. to ac-
knowledge our many and great obi
cations to Almighty God, and to I'M
plore Him to continue and confirm the
blessings we experienced.
Deeply penetrated with this sentl'
ment, l, George Washington, Presl-
dent of the United States, do recon-
mend to all religious societies and
denominations, and to all persons
whomsoever, within the United Itates,
to set apart and observe Thursday,
the 18th day OF February, next, as a
day OF public thanksgiving and pray
er, and on that day to meet together
and render sincere and hearty thanks
to the great Ruler OF nations for the
manifold and signal mercies which
distinguish our lot as nation par
ticularly for the possession OF const-
tuition of government which unite and,
by their union, establish liberty and
order for the preservation OF our
peace, foreign and domestic ; for the
reasonable control which has been
given to a spirit of disorder in the
suppression of the late insurrection,
and generally for the prosperous con-
dition Of our affairs, public and prl-
vate, and at the same time humbly |
and fervently beseech the kind Author |
Of these blessings graciously to pro-
long them to US to imprint on our
hearts a deep and solemn sense Of our
obligations to Him for them +; to teach |
us rightly to estimate their immense
value to preserve US from the AFRO
gance of prosperity, and from hazard
ing the advantages we enjoy by delu-
sive pursuits, to dispose us to merit
the continuance of His favors by not
abusing them, and by corresponding |
conduct as citizens and as men to |
render this country more and more
a safe and propitious asylum for the
unfortunate of other countries to ex-
tend among US true and useful knowl' |
edge to diffuse and establish habits
of sobriety, order, morality and piety, |
and finally to impart all the blessings |
we possess or ask for ourselves tc the
whole family Of mankind.
"Tn testimony whereof, l have
caused the seal of the United States
of America to be affixed to these
presents, and signed the same with
my hand, done at the city of Phila-
delphia the fret day Of January,
1895,
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
"By the President; Edward Ran
dolph."