Downloadable, ready-to-print 8½- by 11-inch files of the text of Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Thanksgiving proclamation, optimized for at-home printing and perfect for reading or display
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Several files are available for instant download:
FOR QUICK AND SIMPLE DOWNLOAD AND PRINTING
Two PDFs ready to download and optimized for at-home printing:
• In color with simplified borders, for printing on home color laser and inkjet printers on plain letter-size paper
• In black and white with simplified borders, for printing on home black-and-white laser printers on plain letter-size paper
FOR ADVANCED PRINTING AT HOME OR IN A PROFESSIONAL PRINT SHOP
A .zip folder containing these files in color in these formats:
• With a bleed (PDF and JPEG)
• With a ⅛-inch bleed area (PDF and JPEG)
• With a ⅛-inch bleed area and trim marks (PDF)
The main body text is in 10-point type.
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THE BACKSTORY
In fall 1863, the United States was in the depths of a brutal civil war. The Battle of Gettysburg, which saw the greatest number of casualties of any battle of the war, had taken place just a few months prior. Though the Union’s decisive victory at Gettysburg marked a turning point of the war, the end was nowhere in sight.
In spite of these circumstances, Americans had a lot to be grateful for. Not only had the effort to preserve the nation and abolish slavery moved forward “by the advancing armies and navies of the Union,” President Lincoln wrote, but also “peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere.” Despite the war effort, the nation remained prosperous: “the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well as the iron and coal as of our precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased … and the country … is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.”
But, the president wrote, it was important not to forget the Source of these blessings: “No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.”
And as Americans gave thanks for these blessings, President Lincoln wrote that it was also important not to forget “all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged.”
It was thus, in the midst of the Civil War, that the modern tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November each year was established. And while modern circumstances and events may be different in their details, the reasons and admonitions spelled out by President Lincoln in his invitation still ring true today.
The text of President Lincoln’s 1863 Thanksgiving proclamation is beautifully typeset in readable, modern type in this print. This print is perfect for display at home or in a classroom, office, or other public space.