Whereas the people of the United States during the year now about to end have special cause to be thankful for general prosperity, abundant harvests, exemption from pestilence, foreign war, and civil strife: 

Now, therefore, be it known that I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, concurring in any similar recommendations from chief magistrates of States, do hereby recommend to all citizens to meet in their respective places of worship on Thursday, the 24th day of November next, there to give thanks for the bounty of God during the year about to close and to supplicate for its continuance hereafter.

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 21st day of October, A.D. 1870, and of the Independence of the United States the ninety-fifth.

U.S.  GRANT.

By the President: 
  HAMILTON FISH,
    Secretary of State.

EXECUTIVE ORDERS.

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 83.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY

ADJUTANT-GENERAL’S OFFICE,

Washington, December 24, 1869.

Brevet Major-General A.H.  Terry, in addition to his duties as commander of the Department of the South, is, by order of the President of the United States, appointed to exercise the duties of commanding general of the District of Georgia, as defined by the act of Congress approved December 22, 1869.

By command of General Sherman: 

E.D.  TOWNSEND,
  Adjutant-General.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, D.C., December 24, 1869.

The painful duty devolves upon the President of announcing to the people of the United States the death of one of her most distinguished citizens and faithful public servants, the Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, which occurred in this city at an early hour this morning.

He was distinguished in the councils of the nation during the entire period of its recent struggle for national existence—­first as Attorney-General, then as Secretary of War:  He was unceasing in his labors, earnest and fearless in the assumption of responsibilities necessary to his country’s success, respected by all good men, and feared by wrongdoers.  In his death the bar, the bench, and the nation sustain a great loss, which will be mourned by all.

As a mark of respect to his memory it is ordered that the Executive Mansion and the several Departments at Washington be draped in mourning, and that all business be suspended on the day of the funeral.

U.S.  GRANT.

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 1.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,

ADJUTANT-GENERAL’S OFFICE,

Washington, January 4, 1870.