Recognizing in this important event the hand of a wise and gracious overruling Providence, the hearts of a great Christian nation turned in gratitude toward God.  President Madison issued the following proclamation for a day of thanksgiving:—­

“The Senate and House of Representatives of the United States have, by a joint resolution, signified their desire that a day may be recommended, to be observed by the people of the United States with religious solemnity, as a day of thanksgiving and of devout acknowledgments to Almighty God, for his great goodness, manifested in restoring to them the blessings of peace.

“No people ought to feel greater obligations to celebrate the goodness of the Great Disposer of events, and of the destiny of nations, than the people of the United Slates.  His kind providence originally conducted them to one of the best portions of the dwelling place allowed 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 due time to a state of independence and 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 arduous conflict, which is now happily terminated by a peace and reconciliation with those who have been our enemies.  And to the same Divine Author of every good and perfect gift we are indebted for all those privileges and advantages, religious as well as civil, which are so richly enjoyed in this favored land.

“It is for blessings such as these, and more especially for the restoration of the blessings of peace, that I now recommend that the second Thursday in April next, be set apart as a day on which the people of every religious denomination may in their solemn assemblies unite their hearts and their voices, in a free-will offering, to their Heavenly Benefactor, of their homage of thanksgiving and their songs of praise.”

Before leaving Ghent, the American Commissioners gave a public dinner to the British Ambassadors, at which the Intendant of Ghent, and numerous staff officers of the Hanoverian service, were present.  Everything indicated that the most perfect reconciliation had taken place between the two nations.  Lord Gambier had arisen to give, as the first toast, “The United States of North America,” but he was prevented by the courtesy of Mr. Adams, who gave “His Majesty, the King of England”—­on which the music struck up “God save the King.”  Lord Gambier gave as the second toast, “The United States of North America,” and the music played “Hail Columbia.”  Count H.