[By special order no. 244, H.Q. Western Division, dated Sept, 23, 1861, “Brigiadier General Samuel R, Curtis Volunteer Service, will extend his Command over the City of St. Louis, and will assume the control during the absence of the Commanding General of the Department, of all matters affecting the public interests in and near St. Louis.]
Headquarters Camp of Instruction
Benton Barracks Sept 24th 1861
General Orders No 7
In profound respect to the Sovereign Ruler of nations, and in obedience to the Proclamation of the President of the United States, Thursday the 26th that will be observed as a day of fasting humiliation and prayer within the limits of this command.1
All drinking Saloons will be closed during the entire day and night and all business houses except drug stores will suspend business and close their establishments during the day, the Assistant Provost Marshall of St. Louis, and the Officers within this Command will see to the faithful execution of these injunctions.
By Order of Brig General Samuel R Curtis
Robert A. Howard,
A A Adj’t General
1. The proclamation which set the last Thurs. in Sept. as a national day of fasting. humiliation, and prayer, was issued by Lincoln August 12. 1861. The day was generally observed in all Iowa communities. Not until 1864 did Lincoln formally establish a Thanksgiving day by proclamation.