Washington, D.C.
October 3, 1863

This is the proclamation which set the precedent for America's national day of Thanksgiving. During his administration, President Lincoln issued many orders like this. For example, on November 28, 1861, he ordered government departments closed for a local day of thanksgiving.

Sarah Josepha Hale, a prominent magazine editor, wrote a letter to Lincoln on 28, 1863, urging him to have the "day of our annual Thanksgiving made a National and fixed Union Festival." She wrote, "You may have observed that, for some years past, there has been an increasing interest felt in our land to have the Thanksgiving held on the same day, in all the States; it now needs National recognition and authoritive fixation, only, to become
permanently, an American custom and institution." The document below sets apart the last Thursday of November "as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise."

According to an April 1, 1864, letter from John Nicolay, one of President Lincoln's secretaries, this document was written by Secretary of State William Seward, and the original was in his handwriting. On October 3, 1863, fellow Cabinet member Gideon Welles recorded in his diary that he complimented Seward on his work. A year later the manuscript was sold to benefit Union troops.

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards 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, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It 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, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, 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. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony 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 Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

William H. Seward,
Secretary of State 

A new event at Meadow Event Park (Caroline County), the Virginia Home & Garden Show, January 14-16, 2011. The event is sponsored by the Caroline County Chamber of Commerce. For more information visit www.vahomeandgardenshow.com

This inaugural three day event at the new Meadow Event Park will provide eager homeowners the opportunity to see, compare and buy the latest products and services to beautify their homes and yards.  Landscapers will create beautiful gardens and be on hand to inspire you to take your yard to the next level. Shop for the latest in home decor and get advice from the area's best decorators. See the latest in kitchen design and discuss the latest option you have to upgrade your kitchen to the perfect gathering place. New construction and remodeling company experts will be on hand to answer any of your questions and showcase the lastest in windows, doors and HVAC just to name a few.

Hanover: 

A performance of The Parsons' Cause--Prelude to Revolution will be presented at the historic Hanover Courthouse (Rt. 301/Hanover Courthouse Road) at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 4, 2010.  In 1763, in a court case known as The Parsons' Cause, which took place in the same courthouse, Patrick Henry was thrust into the forefront of Colonial legal and political circles by challenging the authority of the Church of England and the King of England.  The performance is FREE and open to the public.  Audience members are encouraged to participate by assuming roles as jurors, parsons, parties to the case, or gentleman justices. See www.parsonscause.org  or call 804-837-4900 for more information.

Henrico:

Henrico Holiday Spectacular! For all ages. Enjoy live holiday entertainment and a holiday movie! Dancers will dazzle you with Rockette-like tapping and high-kicking! Vocalists from Henrico Theatre Company will serenade you with the season's best-loved songs. Following the performances you can enjoy "A Christmas Story" (Dec 3 & 4) or "White Christmas" (Dec 10 & 11). Information: Amy Perdue, 501-5138 or Jen Watkins, 328-4491. Fri, Dec 3 & 10, 7 p.m. Sat, Dec 4 & 11, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Henrico Theatre. $1 per person.  Tickets purchased at the door.

King and Queen:

The Annual Christmas Song Service is an annual event, which is held at Providence United Methodist Church on the 2nd Sunday in December at 7:00 p.m. Come out and enjoy Providence United Methodist Church Choir and many others. Refreshments to follow in the church fellowship hall.

King William:

St. David's Community Development Center:  Our Mission:  TO BE A CARING & HEALING PRESENCE in the community by providing food and clothing to the poor, needy, elderly, disabled and the less fortunate & by ministering free health care to the uninsured people using volunteer professional services, IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST.  The Center provides a food bank, free health clinic, clothing shed and more.  For details or hours of operation visit: 

http://www.cornerstoneaylett.org/

Good Karma food drive in King William.  Help those in need by donating non-perishable, healthy food item to the Fill A Box Drive.  For more details visit the link below:

http://www.scribd.com/full/43792531?access_key=key-1951kcsiijh455jjrqn4

New Kent:

December 4 Breakfast with Santa 9 to 11am at the Providence Forge Recreation Center on Carriage Road East of Providence Forge.  Sponsored by the New Kent Junior Woman's Club. Breakfast, Story Telling, Crafts, Letters to Santa.  Pictures by Ron Stiers.  Santa will arrive by horse and buggy.  Advance Sales only $8.  For more information or for tickets call Cathy Davis at 804-843-3029 or Debbie Richards at 804-966-7610 or email mail@nkjwc.com 

December 5 Grandparent Holiday Tea (& Cocoa) 3 pm at the Quinton Community Center.  Designed for a grandparent or other special adult.  Register by Nov 24: $5.  Not Registered: $6.  Activity Code: 95002B.   Sponsored by New Kent Parks and Recreation.  For more information  call 966-8502. 

Spotsylvania: 

You are cordially invited to come experience the "Spirit" of the Holiday Season at the Spotsylvania Courthouse Christmas Luminary Sunday, December 5, 2010--- 4:45PM.  Spotsylvania Courthouse Lawn,  Schedule of Events: Lighting of 500 candles on the Courthouse Lawn, Ringing in the season on the Old Courthouse Bell, Music presented by Sylvannah Baptist Church & Chancellor High School Chorus.  Audience Participation.  Dress warm on the outside, and let the "Spirit" of the Season warm you on the inside.