Thanksgiving Proclamation

by Abraham Lincoln, October 3, 1863

The year that is drawing toward its close, has been filled with the blessing of fruitful fields and healthful skies...No human counsel hath devised nor has any mortal hand worked out theses great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High 'God...Its has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States...to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.