he source from whence they are derived and the extent of our
obligation to the Father of All Mercies.

We have full reason to renew our thanks to Almighty God for favors
bestowed upon us during the past year.

By His continuing mercy civil and religious liberty have been
maintained, peace has reigned within our borders, labor and enterprise
have produced their merited rewards; and to His watchful providence we
are indebted for security from pestilence and other national calamity.

Apart from national blessings, each individual among us has occasion to
thoughtfully recall and devoutly recognize the favors and protection
which he has enjoyed.

Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States,
do recommend that on Thursday, the 25th day of November, the people of
the United States, abstaining from all secular pursuits and from their
accustomed avocations, do assemble in their respective places of
worship, and, in such form as may seem most appropriate in their own
hearts, offer to Almighty God their acknowledgments and thanks for all
His mercies and their humble prayers for a continuance of His divine
favor.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 27th day of October, A.D. 1875, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundredth.

U.S. GRANT.

By the President:
HAMILTON FISH,
_Secretary of State_.

EXECUTIVE ORDERS.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 9, 1875_.

In order to carry out the provisions of the fifth section of the act
of Congress entitled "An act making appropriations for sundry civil
expenses of the Government for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1876,
and for other purposes," approved March 3, 1875, the board heretofore
appointed to take charge of the articles and materials to be exhibited
by the several Executive Departments, the Smithsonian Institution, and
the Agricultural Department at the International Exhibition of 1876 is
hereby continued under the following regulations and distribution of
duties, viz:

The funds appropriated by the above-named section will be drawn from
the Treasury upon the requisition of the chairman of the board, and be
disbursed as are other public moneys under the existing laws relating
to disbursing officers.

An officer of the Army will be detailed by the Secretary of War as
disbursing officer of the board.

Eac