Read 1814 Thanksgiving Proclamation, made by
James Madison, the national Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation
in 1814.
1814 Thanksgiving Proclamation
A PROCLAMATION by the President of the United States of America:
The two Houses of the National Legislature having by a joint resolution
expressed their desire that in the present time of public calamity and
war a day may be recommended to be observed by the people of the United
States as a day of public humiliation and fasting and of prayer to
Almighty God for the safety and welfare of these States, His blessing on
their arms, and a speedy restoration of peace, I have deemed it proper
by this proclamation to recommend that Thursday, the 12th of January
next, be set apart as a day on which all may have an opportunity of
voluntarily offering at the same time in their respective religious
assemblies their humble adoration to the Great Sovereign of the
Universe, of confessing their sins and transgressions, and of
strengthening their vows of repentance and amendment.
They will be invited by the same solemn occasion to call to mind the
distinguished favors conferred on the American people in the general
health which has been enjoyed, in the abundant fruits of the season, in
the progress of the arts instrumental to their comfort, their
prosperity, and their security, and in the victories which have so
powerfully contributed to the defense and protection of our country, a
devout thankfulness for all which ought to be mingled with their
supplications to the Beneficent Parent of the Human Race that He would
be graciously pleased to pardon all their offenses against Him; to
support and animate them in the discharge of their respective duties; to
continue to them the precious advantages flowing from political
institutions so auspicious to their safety against dangers from abroad,
to their tranquility at home, and to their liberties, civil and
religious; and that He would in a special manner preside over the nation
in its public councils and constituted authorities, giving wisdom to its
measures and success to its arms in maintaining its rights and in
overcoming all hostile designs and attempts against it; and, finally,
that by inspiring the enemy with dispositions favorable to a just and
reasonable peace its blessings may be speedily and happily restores.
Given at the city of Washington, the 16th day of November, 1814, and of
the Independence of the United States the thirty-eighth.
JAMES MADISON
