A Presidential Call for Prayer & Thanksgiving, 1861

[Image based on etching, titled "Prayer In Stonewall Jackson's Camp," created by artist Adalbert John Volck bet. 1861-1863; all rights belong to the original artist(s).]

This two-thousand and fifteenth year of our Lord has been one of great trials and tests, not only for those of us in the Confederate-heritage defense community, but for the entire world in general.

In 1861, our Confederate ancestors were also facing times of peril and tumult. In April of that year, the leader of a foreign nation ordered a military invasion of the Confederate states in the hopes of quickly subjugating their citizens under the rule of government tyranny. While our brave Confederate ancestors ferociously fought to drive them out of the new Confederacy, and often won victory on the field of battle, there were many who lost their lives in the effort. Supplies for those engaged in the Confederate defense were often short, and many had to go into battle underfed, poorly clothed, and in bad physical health. Despite the overwhelming odds faced by our heroic defenders in gray, they still were not blind to the blessings which God had given them.

Jefferson Davis, the honorable President of the Confederate States of America and a man of deep faith in Christ, issued the following proclamation...

WHEREAS, it hath pleased Almighty God, the Sovereign Disposer of events, to protect and defend us hitherto in our conflicts with our enemies as to be unto them a shield.

And whereas, with grateful thanks we recognize His hand and acknowledge that not unto us, but unto Him, belongeth the victory, and in humble dependence upon His almighty strength, and trusting in the justness of our purpose, we appeal to Him that He may set at naught the efforts of our enemies, and humble them to confusion and shame.

Now therefore, I, Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States, in view of impending conflict, do hereby set apart Friday, the 15th day of November, as a day of national humiliation and prayer, and do hereby invite the reverend clergy and the people of these Confederate States to repair on that day to their homes and usual places of public worship, and to implore blessing of Almighty God upon our people, that He may give us victory over our enemies, preserve our homes and altars from pollution, and secure to us the restoration of peace and prosperity.

Given under hand and seal of the Confederate States at Richmond, this the 31st day of October, year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty one.

By the President,
JEFFERSON DAVIS

This Thanksgiving, while most of us enjoy wonderful meals while surrounded by family, friends & loved ones, we should all look back at the past year to recall and give thanks to The Almighty for the blessings He has bestowed upon us, and at the same time petition Him that He would "give us victory over our enemies, preserve our homes and altars from pollution, and secure to us the restoration of peace and prosperity."

DEO VINDICE!
- Jonathan McCleese
Sergeant-at-Arms, SCV Camp #1321