Following the Union capture of Atlanta, Ga., in September 1864, Abraham Lincoln’s victory over the peace candidate George B. McClellan in the presidential election was assured. In response to the good fortune, the president issued a proclamation.

“It has pleased Almighty God to prolong our national life another year, defending us with His guardian care against unfriendly designs from abroad and vouchsafing to us in His mercy many and signal victories over the enemy, who is of our own household.