It has long been the custom of the people of the United States, on a
day in each year especially set apart for that purpose by their Chief
Executive, to acknowledge the goodness and mercy of God and to invoke
His continued care and protection.
In observance of such custom I, Grover Cleveland, President of the
United States, do hereby designate and set apart Thursday, the 25th day
of November instant, to be observed and kept as a day of thanksgiving
and prayer.
On that day let all our people forego their accustomed employments and
assemble in their usual places of worship to give thanks to the Ruler
of the Universe for our continued enjoyment of the blessings of a free
government, for a renewal of business prosperity throughout our land,
for the return which has rewarded the labor of those who till the soil,
and for our progress as a people in all that makes a nation great.
And while we contemplate the infinite power of God in earthquake, flood,
and storm let the grateful hearts of those who have been shielded from
harm through His mercy be turned in sympathy and kindness toward those
who have suffered through His visitations.
Let us also in the midst of our thanksgiving remember the poor and needy
with cheerful gifts and alms so that our service may by deeds of charity
be made acceptable in the sight of the Lord.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.
[SEAL.]
Done at the city of Washington, this 1st day of November, A.D. 1886, and
of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and
eleventh.