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Manuscript DS as president, signed “U. S. Grant,” one page, 7.25 x 12.75, May 18, 1876. Draft of President Grant's proclamation for the nation's centennial observances, submitted to Secretary of State Hamilton Fish for his review. In part: "Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives…in Congress assembled, That it be, and is hereby recommended…to the people of the several States that they assemble in their several counties or towns on the approaching Centennial Anniversary of our National Independence, and that they cause to be delivered on such day an historical sketch of said country or town from its formation, and that this day shall be a memorable one in the history of this Nation.' Given under my hand at the City of Washington, the twenty fifth day of May…and of the Independence of the United States the One Hundredth."
On the reverse is a note in the same secretarial hand, in part: "To Sec. Hamilton Fish…I herewith send you an outline of my Centennial Proclamation which I will broadcast throughout the Nation in several days. Have you any suggestion or improvement to make on it, or add anything to it? If so kindly do and return the document as soon as possible." In very good to fine condition, with minor edge loss, two edge tears, and fold separations,all repaired and reinforced by professional silking to the reverse.
The nation’s Centennial in 1876 was conceived not merely as a Fourth of July celebration, but as a vast act of national remembrance and renewal. At Philadelphia, President Grant opened the Centennial International Exhibition on May 10, a world’s fair showcasing American industry, invention, agriculture, and cultural achievement before millions of visitors; but Congress also urged observances in every county and town, so that local communities would record their own histories and contribute them to the nation’s permanent memory. Grant’s proclamation gave presidential force to that democratic vision of commemoration: from the great exhibition halls of Fairmount Park to courthouse greens and village meeting rooms across the country, Americans were called to measure the progress of the republic during its first hundred years and affirm a common national identity in the aftermath of the Civil War and Reconstruction.
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