Year: 1864

OF America.


The Senate and House of Representa-.
tives of the Confederate States of America
have signifed their desire that day may
be recommended to the people, to be set
apart and observed as a day of humiliation,
fasting and prayer, in the language follow
ing, to wit:


"Reyerently recognizing the Providence
of God in the affairs of man, and gratefully
remembering the guidance, support and de.
liverance granted to our Patriot Fathers in
the memorable war which resulted in the
Independence of the American Colonies,
and now reposing in Him our supreme con.
fidenee and hope in the present struggle for
Civil and Religious Freedom, and for the
right to live under Government of our
own choice, and deeply impressed with the
conviction that without Him nothing is
strong, nothing wise and nothing enduring;
in order that the people Of this Confede.aoy
may have the opportunity at the same time,
of Offering their alteration to The great Sow
ereign of the Universe of penitently con-
Tossing their sins and strengthening their
views and purposes of amendment in hum
BILE reliance upon His Gracious and AL
mighty power: "


"The Congress of the Confederate States
of America do resolve, That it be recon-
mended to the people of these States that
FRIDAY, the 9Th day of April next, be
set apart and observed as day Of Humilia-
tion, Fasting and Prayer, that Almighty
God wonld so preside over our public coun-
sells and authorities; that He would SO in
spire our armies and their leaders with wis
dom, 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 Christening ts-which we are be-
ing subjected, to the attainment Of an hon.
orable peace SO that while we enjoy the
blessings of free and happy Government,
We may ascribe to Him the honor and the
glory of our independence and prosperity" !"


A recommendation So congenial to the
feelings Of the people will receive their
hearty concurrence; and it is q grateful
duty to the Executive to unite with their
representatives ip inviting them to meet in
the Courts of the Most High. Recent
events awaken fresh gratitude to the Su-
preme Ruler of nations. Our enemies have
suffered repeated defeats; and nefarioua
scheme to burn and plpnder our capital, and
to destroy our civil Government by putting
to death the chosen servants of the people,
has been bafled and set at naught.. Our
armies have been strengthened our fnan.
ces promise rapid progress to satisfactory
condition; and our whole country is anima-
ted with a hopeful spirit and fixed deter
mination to achieve independence.


In these cirpumstanceslsit becomes US,
with thankful hearts, to bow ourselves be-
fore the throne of the Most High, and while
gratefully acknowledging so many mercies,
confess that our sins as people have justly
exposed US to His chastisemept. Let us
recognize the suferings which we have been
called upon to endure, as administered by
a fatherly hand for our improvement, and
with resolute courage and patient endurance
let us wait on Him for our deliyerance.


(. In fprtheranoe of these objects, nov,
therefore, T, JEFFERSON DAVIS, Pres.
ident of the Confederate States Of America,
do issue this my Proclamation, calling upon
the people Of the said States, in conformity
With the desire expressed by their represe9.