PUBLISHERS’ NOTE

For permission to use extracts from “The Complete Works of Abraham Lincoln,” edited by John G. Nicolay and John Hay, the Publishers wish to thank The Century Company.

They also wish to thank Mr. William H. Lambert, the owner of the copyright, and Mrs. Sarah A. Whitney for their courtesy in allowing them to publish “Lincoln’s Lost Speech.”

LINCOLN’S SPEECHES AND LETTERS

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 education—­and by its means morality, sobriety, enterprise, and industry—­shall 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 laws—­the law respecting the issuing of executions, the road law, and some others—­are 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.