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Abraham Lincoln creates the national Thanksgiving holiday...



Item # 669441

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October 04, 1863

NEW YORK TIMES, Oct. 4, 1863  Although almost every President since George Washington has issued a proclamation for a "day of thanksgiving", typically celebrated in November but at other times of the year as well, it was Abraham Lincoln who formalized Thanksgiving Day to be celebrated the fourth Thursday of every year and making it a national holiday.
Appearing at the top of the front page is: "A PROCLAMATION" "By the President of the United States of America" which begins: "The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the Source from which they come..." with much more, and including: "...to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and prayer to our beneficent Father...". The document is signed in type by the President: Abraham Lincoln, created just the day before on October 3.
There is much war reporting as well, plus also: "Officer of Colored Regiments--A Letter from Major-Gen. Casey" and: "The Enlistment Of Slaves".
Great to have this notable content at the top of the front page, as other newspapers printed this report on inside pages.
Complete in 8 pages, very nice condition.

Category: Yankee