These great national blessings demand a national acknowledgment.

Now, therefore, I, Andrew Johnson.  President of the United States, do hereby recommend that Thursday, the 29th day of November next, be set apart and be observed everywhere in the several States and Territories of the United States by the people thereof as a day of thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God, with due remembrance that “in His temple doth every man speak of His honor.”  I recommend also that on the same solemn occasion they do humbly and devoutly implore Him to grant to our national councils and to our whole people that divine wisdom which alone can lead any nation into the ways of all good.

In offering these national thanksgivings, praises, and supplications we have the divine assurance that “the Lord remaineth a king forever; them that are meek shall He guide in judgment and such as are gentle shall He learn His way; the Lord shall give strength to His people, and the Lord shall give to His people the blessing of peace.”

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 8th day of October, A.D. 1866, and of the Independence of the United States the ninety-first.

ANDREW JOHNSON.

By the President: 
  WILLIAM H. SEWARD,
    Secretary of State.

EXECUTIVE ORDERS.

[From the Daily National Intelligencer, April 9, 1866.]

EXECUTIVE MANSION, April 7, 1866.

It is eminently right and proper that the Government of the United States should give earnest and substantial evidence of its just appreciation of the services of the patriotic men who when the life of the nation was imperiled entered the Army and Navy to preserve the integrity of the Union, defend the Government, and maintain and perpetuate unimpaired its free institutions.

It is therefore directed—­

First.  That in appointments to office in the several Executive Departments of the General Government and the various branches of the public service connected with said Departments preference shall be given to such meritorious and honorably discharged soldiers and sailors—­particularly those who have been disabled by wounds received or diseases contracted in the line of duty—­as may possess the proper qualifications.

Second.  That in all promotions in said Departments and the several branches of the public service connected therewith such persons shall have preference, when equally eligible and qualified, over those who have not faithfully and honorably served in the land or naval forces of the United States.

ANDREW JOHNSON.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE,

Washington, April 13, 1866.

On the 14th of April, 1865, great affliction was brought upon the American people by the assassination of the lamented Abraham Lincoln, then President of the United States.  The undersigned is therefore directed by the President to announce that in commemoration of that event the public offices will be closed to-morrow, the 14th instant.