Research

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of proclamations issued by governors of northern states and territories, with the exception of one received by the bureau from Arkansas. Most of the proclamations are printed but there are a few handwritten items as well as clippings from newspapers that published the governor's proclamations.

Although not specifically authorized to collect these proclamations, the chief of the bureau stated in his first annual report that the bureau would seek for "every fact relating to the rebellion." As a result, form letters were sent to appropriate state officials requesting "messages, documents, orders, circulars and other printed matter relating to military affairs." Essentially, the proclamations are messages from the governor to the people prescribing a specific day (usually in November) on which prayers and thanksgiving should be offered and the reasons why. The bulk of the proclamations are contained within mail envelopes.