This is the text of a Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving and
Praise issued by Samuel Adams (Signer of the Declaration of
Independence), while he was serving as governor of
Massachusetts. The proclamation was issued on October 14, 1795
declaring November 19, 1795 the day of Thanksgiving. Published
by Authority. Commonwealth of Massachusetts. By the GOVERNOR:
For a DAY of PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and Forasmuch as the occasional
meeting of a People for the exercise of Piety and Devotion
towards God, more especially of those who enjoy the Light of
Divine Revelation, has a strong tendency to impress their minds
with a sense of their Dependence upon Him and their Obligations
to HIM. I have thought fit, according to the ancient and
laudable Practice of our renowned Ancestors, to appoint a day of
Public Thanksgiving to God, for the great benefits which He has
been pleased to bestow upon us, in the Year past. And I do by
the advice and consent of the Council, appoint THURSDAY, the
Nineteenth day of November next, to be