AMERICAN-REVOLUTION-L Archives

From: "Ed St.Germain" <>
Subject: Thanksgiving 1779
Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 16:26:57 -0700

General Orders
Head Quarters, Moore's House, Saturday, November 27, 1779.
Parole Landaft. Countersigns Lexington, Leeds.

The Honorable the Congress has been pleased to pass the following
proclamation.

Whereas it becomes us humbly to approach the throne of Almighty God, with
gratitude and praise for the wonders which his goodness has wrought in
conducting our fore-fathers to this western world; for his protection to
them and to their posterity amid difficulties and dangers; for raising us,
their children, from deep distress to be numbered among the nations of the
earth; and for arming the hands of just and mighty princes in our
deliverance; and especially for that he hath been pleased to grant us the
enjoyment of health, and so to order the revolving seasons, that the earth
hath produced her increase in abundance, blessing the labors of the
husbandmen, and spreading plenty through the land; that he hath prospered
our arms and those of our ally; been a shield to our troops in the hour of
danger, pointed their swords to victory and led them in triumph over the
bulwarks of the foe; that he hath gone with those who went out into the
wilderness against the savage tribes; that he hath stayed the hand of the
spoiler, and turned back his meditated destruction; that he hath prospered
our commerce, and given success to those who sought the enemy on the face of
the deep; and above all, that he hath diffused the glorious light of the
gospel, whereby, through the merits of our gracious Redeemer, we may become
the heirs of his eternal glory: therefore,

RESOLVED, That it be recommended to the several states, to appoint Thursday,
the 9th of December next, to be a day of public and solemn thanksgiving to
Almighty God for his mercies, and of prayer for the continuance of his favor
and protection to these United States; to beseech him that he would be
graciously pleased to influence our public councils, and bless them with
wisdom from on high, with unanimity, firmness, and success; that he would go
forth with our hosts and crown our arms with victory; that he would grant to
his church the plentiful effusions of divine grace, and pour out his holy
spirit on all ministers of the gospel; that he would bless and prosper the
means of education, and spread the light of christian knowledge through the
remotest corners of the earth; that he would smile upon the labours of his
people and cause the earth to bring forth her fruits in abundance; that we
may with gratitude and gladness enjoy them; that he would take into his holy
protection our illustrious ally, give him victory over his enemies, and
render him signally great, as the father of his people and the protector of
the rights of mankind; that he would graciously be pleased to turn the
hearts of our enemies, and to dispense the blessings of peace to contending
nations; that he would in mercy look down upon us, pardon our sins and
receive us into his favor, and finally, that he would establish the
independence of these United States upon the basis of religion and virtue,
and support and protect them in the enjoyment of peace, liberty and
safety.33

[Note 33: In the General Orders this resolve was condensed by sundry
omissions.]

A strict observance to be paid by the Army to this proclamation and the
Chaplains are to prepare and deliver discourses suitable to it.34

[Note 34: The Varick Transcripts of Washington's General Orders in the
Library of Congress has the following note at this point: "The Army marching
by Divisions and Brigades into Winter Quarters."]

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• Thanksgiving 1779 by "Ed St.Germain" <>