Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

For the congressional designation of this day as one of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, see General Orders, 27 April, and n.1.

Maj. Gen. William Heath’s aide-de-camp Henry Sewall, then at West Point, wrote in his diary for this date: “Fast throughout the United States. No chaplain on the Point. The troops abstained from the duties of Fatigue. Granted a flag for some families to go into New York” (Maine Farmer [Augusta], 19 Oct. 1872).

Sgt. Ebenezer Parkman, Jr., who served with the artificers then at Fishkill, N.Y., acknowledged “A Continental Fast” in his diary entry for this date and spent the day writing letters to family members (MWA: Parkman Family Papers).

A Philadelphia Quaker, Samuel Rowland Fisher, wrote in his diary entry for this date: “This day has been appointed by the Congress, for what they call a fast throughout the thirteen Colonies—But I am ready to conclude that the meanest Capacity among the people as well as all others can clearly see that tis altogether Mockery, & disgustful to every man who has any virtue left” (Fisher, “Journal,” description begins Anna Wharton Morris, contributor. “Journal of Samuel Rowland Fisher, of Philadelphia, 1779–1781.” Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography 41 (1917): 145–97, 274–333, 399–457. description ends 426).