NOVEMBER 26, 1863:
The first
national Thanksgiving Day dawns in the North with news of the victory at
Chattanooga. The holiday is observed in different ways in different places. In
the Northeast and in bigger cities, the traditional annual feast is
inaugurated. Numerous locales hold special church services. Even in areas of
the restored South, Unionists celebrate and a handful of Confederates celebrate
perforce, fearing retaliation if they do not.
There is no standard celebration for the military.
Observation varies widely from unit to unit, from nothing other than the usual
rations to elaborate feasts for the men. Turkey becomes the standard fare. Many
Union troopers write home about the new holiday:
We observed it by
having chicken & some few other nice things for dinner
Went to town, heard
an excellent discourse by an army chaplain at the Presbyterian church; no drill
today
Issued three fine
apples to every man
Rations for
Thanksgiving, consisting of Chickens, Turkey &c.
A surprise party
here. A choice Thanksgiving Dinner: Roast Turkey; Chicken & pigeon &
Oysters Stewed.
I had a good dinner
of Baked Chicken & Pudding Boiled potatoes, Turnip, Apple butter, cheese
Butter, Tea & trimmings . . . we live well Enough, but cannot Eat Much
without being sick.
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