1865 Broadside Lincoln Assassination Governor John Andrew of MA / SOLD
Large 1865 broadside issued by John A. Andrew, Governor of Massachusetts from 1861-1866, proclaiming a day of “Special Humiliation and Prayer” in memory of the martyred Abraham Lincoln. It measures 24 by 20 inches and was intended to be posted in a public place and easily read from a distance.
“By His Excellency John A. Andrew, Governor: A Proclamation For A Day Of Special Humiliation And Prayer.
Whereas, the President of the United States appointed Thursday, the twenty-fifth day of May, current, a day for special humiliation and prayer,” and recommended the people “then to assemble in their respective places of worship, there to unite in solemn service to Almighty God,” and did by subsequent proclamation “suggest that the religious services as aforesaid should be postponed until Thursday, the first day of June next’:
Now, therefore, to the end that the said first day of June may be duly established and promulgated within this Commonwealth as a day of humiliation and prayer, in recognition of the recent bereavement of the nation and of the people by the lamented death of Abraham Lincoln, late President of the United States, I do hereby, with the advice and consent of the Council, appoint Thursday, the first day of June next, to be observed as a day of humiliation and prayer throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. And I recommend to all the people that they unite before the altars of religion, and in all their holy places, in the solemn offices of prayer, penitence, and humiliation, receiving consolation in their grief for the loss of ONE who was honored as the official head of the nation, and revered and loved for his virtues and fidelity, by contemplating the rewards of a faithful and obedient life in the bliss of immortality.
And may ALMIGHTY GOD-the Father, Redeemer, and Comforter of mankind-accept our offering, save this people, tenderly comfort them in every sorrow, illumine their minds and encourage their hearts by the visitations of His Love and Grace; and establish us as a nation on immovable foundations of Truth, Justice, and Eternal Right.
Given at the Council Chamber, in Boston, this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the eighty-ninth.
John A. Andrew
By His Excellency The Governor, By And With The Advice And Consent Of The Council,
Oliver Warner, Secretary.
God Save The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A wonderful relic of the events immediately surrounding the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. First such broadside we have encountered in over thirty years of dealing!
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Inventory Number: POL 163 / SOLD