On Oct. 3, 1863, the war between the North and South raged, and Abraham Lincoln was weary with his anguished responsibility. Despite that he was able to write, ‘’The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the Source from which they came . . . , others may be added.’’
With this introduction acknowledging the watchful providence of Almighty God, Lincoln crystallized as a national custom the observance of the fourth Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving.