of national thanksgiving and prayer; and I earnestly recommend that,
withdrawing themselves from secular cares and labors, the people of
the United States do meet together on that day in their respective
places of worship, there to give thanks and praise to Almighty God for
His mercies and to devoutly beseech their continuance.

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 30th day of October, A.D. 1878,
and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
third.

R.B. HAYES.

By the President:
WM. M. EVARTS,
_Secretary of State_.




EXECUTIVE ORDERS.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 31, 1877_.

JAMES H. COGGESHALL, Esq.,