By the President of the United States of America. A proclamation : ... as, moreover, the most precious interests of the people of the United States are still held in jeopardy, by the hostile designs and insidious arts of a foreign nation, ... I do hereby recommend accordingly, that Thursday, the 25th day of April next, be observed, throughout the United States of America, as a day of solemn humiliation, fasting and prayer ... Given under my hand and the seal of the United States of America, at the city of Philadelphia, this sixth day of March ... one thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine. - Adams, John; Adams, John ([s.n], 1799)