A JAMES MADISON THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION. [MADISON, JAMES. 1751-1836.] Holograph Document in t...

A JAMES MADISON THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION. [MADISON, JAMES. 1751-1836.] Holograph Document in the hand of James Graham, titled 'By the President of the United States of America / A Proclamation' and addressed to the Editor of the National Intelligencer, 2 pp recto and verso, with detached address leaf, 4to (248 x 195 mm), Washington, D.C., March 4, 1815, leaves toned and with old mat burn at edges, some staining, professional restoration. Provenance: Christie's, Printed Books and Manuscripts, June 9, 1992, lot 265. MADISON GIVES THANKS FOR THE END OF THE SECOND WAR OF INDEPENDENCE—the War of 1812, which ended with the Senate's unanimous ratification of the Treaty of Ghent on 16 February 1815. This document, the original of which is in the National Archives in Washington, D.C., was produced for publication in the National Intelligencer to announce that Congress has approved a joint resolution for a national day of thanks to celebrate the end of war with England. In part: 'No people ought to feel greater obligations to celebrate the goodness of the Great Disposer of events of the Destiny of Nations than the people of the United States. His kind Providence originally conducted them, to one of the best portions of the dwelling place allotted for the great family of the human race. He protected and cherished them under all the difficulties and trials to which they were exposed in their early days. Under his fostering care, their habits, their sentiments, and their pursuits prepared them for a transition in our time to a state of Independence and of self-government. In the arduous struggle by which it was attained, they were distinguished by multiplied tokens of his benign interposition. During the interval which succeeded he reared them into the strength and endowed them with the resources which have enabled them to assert their national rights, and to enhance their national character in another conflict, which is now happily terminated by a peace and reconciliation with those who have been our Enemies. ... It is for blessings such as these and more especially for the restoration of the blessing of peace that I now recommend that the second Thursday in April next be set apart as a day on which the people ... may ... unite their hears and their voices ... of their homage of Thanksgiving....' In a penciled note of the verso of the address leaf Madison's secretary James Graham informs the printers that 'It is not intended that the Proclamation should be signed by the Secretary of State [James Monroe].' For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing