Fasts, days of
Observed by many nations from remote antiquity: by the Jews (2 Chron. XX. 3); by the Ninevites (Jonah III.). Days of humiliation, fasting, and prayer appointed by the presidents of the United States: Wednesday, May 9, 1798, by President John Adams; Thursday, Jan. 12, 1815, by President Madison; last Thursday of September, 1861, by President Lincoln; Thursday, April 30, 1863, by President Lincoln; first Thursday in August, 1864, by President Lincoln; Thursday, June 1, 1865, by President Johnson; Monday, Sept. 26, 1881, by President Arthur.