A Day of Thanksgiving in a Union Camp
Today is a day of thanksgiving in much, but not all, of the United States.There is no national holiday at this time in history. Instead, states and towns decide when to observe a day of thanksgiving, and many choose today. In addition, today in some southern states a day of thanksgiving is observed, including Virginia, which observes that state’s first ever “official” Thanksgiving (in Union occupied areas). Likewise, a day of thanksgiving is observed in some Union encampments, at the prerogative of officers.
North and South, many of this month’s observances more properly focus on thanksgiving, prayer and humiliation. Both the United States and the Confederate States believe God is on their side, and both express humility in the face of God’s providential designs. A powerful, overriding concern North and South, the Providence of God reflects the Calvinistic theological underpinnings of colonial and early American religion. Although Calvinist thought in America has slowly but steadily been unraveling for decades, the theology of John Calvin yet retains enough of a national grip that it remains in public discourse and retains a grip in the private thoughts of many.
In Washington, D.C., all government offices are closed today, by order of President Abraham Lincoln, who has declared a local day of Thanksgiving. Doubtlessly, Lincoln’s Calvinistic Baptist upbringing echoes in the recesses of the president’s mind as he solemnly contemplates the stark reality of a war going badly. Bearing heavily upon the commander in chief is the fact that the Union army has thus far been thwarted in every major battlefield engagement. Lincoln believes the Union cause is right … but where is God in the midst of this epic conflict?
Tonight the president opts to observe a quiet dinner with friends. The Lincolns dine with Joshua F. Speed and his wife, among others, at the White House. Speed is a long-time Kentucky friend of the president, and his presence is perhaps soothing to Lincoln during this difficult time.
Darkness is now upon the land. Army campfires slowly die down and soldiers drift off to sleep. On the home front, wives and mothers settle into restless sleep, not knowing what the morrow will bring in the distant camps where their men are serving. And in Washington, D.C., a troubled president retires to his quarters hopeful, but far from certain, that God will yet bestow his blessings upon the Union army.
Sources: The Lincoln Log (link); Thanksgiving 1861 Proclamations (link); Illustration of Thanksgiving celebration in (possibly) the Union camp of General Louis Blenker (link); biography of Joshua F. Speed (link)
