In September, 1745, while Gov. Shirley and his lady were absent on a visit
to Louisbourg, the scene of the late success of his expedition, Spencer
Phips, acting governor, issued three proclamations in the following three
months: on the 6th of September, for a public fast, partly on account of
the war with the Indians, and among other things "that His Excellency the
Governor may be directed and succeeded in the important affairs he is
transacting at Louisbourg and returned in safety." Signed S. Phips. By
order of the honorable the Lieut.-Governor, with the advice of the
Council. J. Willard, Secretary.
The second was issued on the twenty-second day of November, 1745, on
account of some disorders in Boston, committed by divers officers and
seamen, belonging to His Majesty's ship "Wager," and other seamen
belonging to the sloop "Resolution," late in His Majesty's service, by
which two persons lost their lives. The constables and authorities of
Boston and Charlestown are called upon to search for them in any justly
suspected houses, &c. By order of the Honorable the Lieut.-Governor, with
the advice of the Council.
The third proclamation of acting Governor Phips was issued on the 25th of
November, 1745, for a general thanksgiving, in "consideration of the
manifold and remarkable instances of the Divine favor towards our nation
and land in the course of the past year, which (though mixed with various
rebukes of Providence manifesting the righteous discipline of God toward
us for our sins) demand our publick and thankful acknowledgments." Signed,
S. Phips. By His Honor's command, with the advice of the Council.
Besides the above there were two or three other proclamations, calling for
troops and other objects. The first Fast Day held in the Plymouth Colony,
so far as we know, was in the month of July, 1623, and the first in the
Massachusetts Colony, July 30, 1630, soon after Winthrop's arrival.