feel it both a privilege and a duty to take that stand, which in my
view, might tend most 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 thought. I may be
wrong in regard to any or all of them; but, holding it a sound maxim,
that it is better to be only 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 to recommend me. My case is thrown exclusively
upon the independent voters of this county, and if elected they will
have conferred a favor upon me, for which I shall be unremitting in my
labors 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.

NEW SALEM, March 9, 1832.