LS, DLC:GW; copy, DNA:PCC, item 14.

Huntington enclosed a proclamation that Congress adopted on 11 March: “It having pleased the righteous Governor of the World, for the punishment of our manifold Offences, to permit the sword of War still to harrass our Country, it becomes us to endeavour by humbling our selves before him, and turning from every evil way, to avert his anger and obtain his favour and blessing; it is therefore hereby recommended to the several States.

“That Wednesday the twenty sixth day of April next, be set apart and observed as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, that we may with one heart and one voice implore the Sovereign Lord of Heaven and Earth to remember mercy in his Judgments; to make us sincerely penitent for our Transgressions; to prepare us for deliverance, and to remove the evils with which he hath been pleased to visit us; To banish vice and irreligion from among us, and establish virtue and piety by his divine grace; to bless all public Councils throughout the United States, giving them wisdom, firmness and Unanimity, and directing them to the best measures for the public good; to bless the Magistrates and people of every rank, and animate and Unite the hearts of all to promote the interest of their Country; to bless the public defence, inspiring all Commanders and Soldiers with Magnanimity and perseverance, and giving vigour and success to the military operations by Sea and Land; to bless the illustrious Sovereign and the nation in alliance with these States, and all who interest themselves in the support of our rights and Liberties; to make that alliance of perpetual and extensive usefulness to those immediately concerned, and Mankind in General; To grant fruitfull seasons, and to bless our Industry, trade and manufactures; to bless all Schools and Seminaries of learning and every means of instruction and education; to cause Wars to cease, and to establish peace among the Nations.

“And it is further recommended, that servile labour and recreations be forbidden on the said day” (DLC:GW). For congressional proceedings related to this proclamation, see JCC description begins Worthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington, D.C., 1904–37. description ends , 16:225, 252–53. GW promulgated the proclamation to the army in the general orders for 6 April.