A Civil War Thanksgiving

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

150 years ago today, President Lincoln established the national observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Here is a glimpse into what the holiday was like for one Union soldier in this letter to home: http://s.si.edu/1fDtoG5

(Image: Tintype of Union soldier Vidal Thom)