Curiosities of History: Boston, September Seventeenth, 1630-1880Wheildon, William W. (William Willder)
History
Curiosities of History: Boston, September Seventeenth, 1630-1880
Wheildon, William W. (William Willder)
Boston (Mass.) -- Description and travel; Boston (Mass.) -- History -- Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775
"Whereas it has pleased Almighty God, in his holy and sovereign
Providence, to involve His Majesty's Dominions in War, which,
notwithstanding the many instances of success, which, through Divine
favor, have attended the arms of His Majesty and his allies, ought to be
regarded as an effect of the anger of God against us; and, whereas, this
government have, upon mature consideration, determined by the Divine
permission, to prosecute an expedition against His Majesty's enemies, upon
the success of which, the prosperity of His Majesty's subjects in North
America, and more especially in this Province, does under God, much
depend," &c., &c., therefore the 28th day of February instant, is
appointed for a general fast, to be observed with fervent prayers and
supplications, and all labor and recreation are strictly forbidden. "Given
at the Province House, in Boston, the 18th day of February, 1744."
[The expedition sailed soon after, and arrived at Canso, under Col.
Pepperell, on the 4th of April, having 3,250 Massachusetts troops. The
fort and city of Louisbourg were surrendered and given up on the 17th of
June; and two East India ships and one South Sea ship, worth £600,000,
were captured at the mouth of the harbor.]
ANOTHER FAST.
On the 25th of March, 1745, Gov. Shirley issues another proclamation for a
general fast, on Thursday, 4th day of April. The expedition for Cape
Breton had just embarked and "taken their departure from this place," and
this was deemed, in addition to the usual custom, occasion for a fast. The
favor of Divine Providence was implored for the success of the expedition
which the government had, at "great expense and labor, raised and fitted
out with a large body of troops and a considerable naval force, for an
expedition against the French at Cape Breton," &c.
THANKSGIVING REJOICING.
News of the success of the expedition was received in Boston, on the 2d of
July, 1745, and there were great rejoicings and illuminations in the town
in consequence; and on the 8th, Gov. Shirley issued his proclamation for a
general thanksgiving, it having pleased God, as he elaborately expressed
it, "by a wonderful series of successes to bring this great affair to a
happy issue in the reduction of the city and fortress of Louisbourg."
There was added, "All servile labor is forbidden on said day," and the bar
against recreations is omitted; but all persons are called upon to
preserve order.
GOV. PHIPS'S PROCLAMATIONS.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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