In conformity with a custom the annual observance of which is justly
held in honor by this people, I, Chester A. Arthur, President of the
United States, do hereby set apart Thursday, the 30th day of November
next, as a day of public thanksgiving.
The blessings demanding our gratitude are numerous and varied. For the
peace and amity which subsist between this Republic and all the nations
of the world; for the freedom from internal discord and violence; for
the increasing friendship between the different sections of the land;
for liberty, justice, and constitutional government; for the devotion
of the people to our free institutions and their cheerful obedience to
mild laws; for the constantly increasing strength of the Republic while
extending its privileges to fellow-men who come to us; for the improved
means of internal communication and the increased facilities of
intercourse with other nations; for the general prevailing health of the
year; for the prosperity of all our industries, the liberal return for
the mechanic's toil affording a market for the abundant harvests of
the husbandman; for the preservation of the national faith and credit;
for wise and generous provision to effect the intellectual and moral
education of our youth; for the influence upon the conscience of a
restraining and transforming religion, and for the joys of home--for
these and for many other blessings we should give thanks.
Wherefore I do recommend that the day above designated be observed
throughout the country as a day of national thanksgiving and prayer,
and that the people, ceasing from their daily labors and meeting in
accordance with their several forms of worship, draw near to the throne
of Almighty God, offering to Him praise and gratitude for the manifold
goodness which He has vouchsafed to us and praying that His blessings
and His mercies may continue.
And I do further recommend that the day thus appointed be made a special
occasion for deeds of kindness and charity to the suffering and the
needy, so that all who dwell within the land may rejoice and be glad in
this season of national thanksgiving.
[SEAL.]
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this 25th day of October, A.D. 1882, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and seventh.