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Lincoln's First Speech, 1832

Lincoln gave his first public speech in Sangamon County, Illinois on March 9, 1832. In the speech, he emphasized the importance of education so that every man could read histories and scriptures to appreciate free institutions. He desired to see education and morality become more widespread. Lincoln also suggested some existing laws like estray laws and road laws may need alterations but was hesitant to propose changes without others first attacking the laws. He acknowledged his youth and lack of wealth or connections, but if elected would work hard to repay voters, and would not be greatly disappointed if not elected.

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318 views2 pages

Lincoln's First Speech, 1832

Lincoln gave his first public speech in Sangamon County, Illinois on March 9, 1832. In the speech, he emphasized the importance of education so that every man could read histories and scriptures to appreciate free institutions. He desired to see education and morality become more widespread. Lincoln also suggested some existing laws like estray laws and road laws may need alterations but was hesitant to propose changes without others first attacking the laws. He acknowledged his youth and lack of wealth or connections, but if elected would work hard to repay voters, and would not be greatly disappointed if not elected.

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terri67
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Lincoln's First Public Speech.

From an Address to the People


of Sangamon County. March 9, 1832

Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system
respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we, as a
people, can be engaged in. That every man may receive at least a moderate education,
and thereby be enabled to read the histories of his own and other countries, by which
he may duly appreciate the value of our free institutions, appears to be an object of
vital importance, even on this account alone, to say nothing of the advantages and
satisfaction to be derived from all being able to read the Scriptures and other works,
both of a religious and moral nature, for themselves.
For my part, I desire to see the time when educationand by its means morality,
sobriety, enterprise, and industryshall become much more general than at present;
and should be gratified to have it in my power to contribute something to the
advancement of any measure which might have a tendency to accelerate that happy
period.
With regard to existing laws, some alterations are thought to be necessary. Many
respectable men have suggested that our estray lawsthe law respecting the issuing
of executions, the road law, and some othersare deficient in their present form, and
require alterations. But considering the great probability that the framers of those laws
were wiser than myself, I should prefer not meddling with them, unless they were first
attacked by others, in which case I should feel it both a privilege and a duty to take
that stand which, in my view, might tend to the advancement of justice.
But, fellow-citizens, I shall conclude. Considering the great degree of modesty
which should always attend youth, it is probable I have already been more presuming
than becomes me. However, upon the subjects of which I have treated, I have spoken
as I have thought. I may be wrong in regard to any or all of them; but, holding it a
sound maxim that it is better only to be sometimes right than at all times wrong, so
soon as I discover my opinions to be erroneous I shall be ready to renounce them.

Every man is said to have his peculiar ambition. Whether it be true or not, I can say,
for one, that I have no other so great as that of being truly esteemed of my fellow-men
by rendering myself worthy of their esteem. How far I shall succeed in gratifying this
ambition is yet to be developed. I am young and unknown to many of you; I was born
and have ever remained in the most humble walks of life. I have no wealthy or
popular relations or friends to recommend me. My case is thrown exclusively upon
the independent voters of the county, and if elected, they will have conferred a favour
upon me for which I shall be unremitting in my labours to compensate. But if the
good people in their wisdom shall see fit to keep me in the background, I have been
too familiar with disappointments to be very much chagrined.
Your friend and fellow-citizen,
A. LINCOLN.

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