Thanksgiving for Victory of the American Colonies

Governor John Hancock of Boston, Massachusetts issued A Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving on November 8, 1783 to celebrate the victorious conclusion to the American War of Independence.

John Hancock, Esquire
Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving


“Whereas...these United States are not only happily rescued from the Danger and Calamities to which they have been so long exposed, but there Freedom, Sovereignty and Independence acknowledged. 

And whereas...the Interposition of Divine Providence in our Favour hath been most abundantly and most graciously manifested, and the Citizens of these United States have every Reason for Praise and Gratitude to the God of their salvation. 

Impressed therefore with an exhalted Sense of the Blessings by which we are surrounded, and of our entire being Dependence on that Almighty Being from whose Goodness and Bounty they are derived; 

I do by and with the advice of the Council appoint Thursday the Eleventh Day of December next (the Day recommended by the Congress to all the States) to be religiously observed as a Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer, that all the People may then assemble to celebrate...that he hath been pleased to continue to us the Light of the Blessed Gospel;...That we also offer up fervent Supplications...to cause pure Religion and Virtue to flourish...and to fill the World with his glory.”